Latest news with #DBNA
Borneo Post
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Puncak Borneo MP urges Sarawak cultural associations to unite
(From second right) Snowdan and Willie toast with a local band while mingling with attendees during the dinner event in Kuching. — Photo by Kentigern Minggu KUCHING (Aug 10): Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin has called on Sarawak's cultural associations to work together and support one another. Willie said such cooperation would strengthen unity among the state's diverse communities. 'All cultural associations in Sarawak must work together and help each other. There is no room for conflict, because ultimately, we will be the ones to suffer the consequences. 'Far-sighted individuals who share information and accept the need to collaborate are the hallmarks of successful communities and people,' he said when speaking at the Ngarom Bisamah 2025 dinner at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) multi-purpose hall here last night, organised by Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (PSBP). Willie emphasised the importance of sustaining association activities beyond their formative years. In that spirit, he urged associations like PSBP to assist smaller or less active cultural-based associations to ensure their objectives and continuity are preserved. 'I don't want to see our association display the 'hangat-hangat tahi ayam' spirit, where we are enthusiastic at the start, but that fades and eventually sinks over time. 'We must keep moving forward together and helping each other,' he said. Willie also reminded that various forms of assistance and facilities are available from both the Sarawak and federal governments for cultural associations such as PSBP. He cited the Sejati Madani programme, an initiative aimed at stimulating economic activities at the community level and increasing income by providing funds ranging from RM50,000 to RM100,000 to deserving communities. 'Don't just watch from the sidelines. Seize the opportunities available to help your community,' he added. Also present were Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, DBNA president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, and other distinguished guests. cultural associations Willie Mongin
Borneo Post
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Bidayuh elders urged to instil cultural identity in youth
Snowdan (third right) and Willie blow out the candles to mark PSBP's seventh anniversary in Kuching, joined by other guests. — Photo by Kentigern Minggu KUCHING (Aug 10): State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan has called on the Bidayuh community to instil their cultural identity in the younger generation to ensure its preservation. He stressed that it is the community elders' responsibility to safeguard and pass down their customs and traditions to future generations. 'Make sure that everything you do related to your customs, your tribe, and your history is preserved, and that these are shared with the younger generation. 'Sometimes the younger generation is too occupied with technology, mobile phones and the like, to the point they forget the diversity of ethnic groups we have,' he said. He was speaking during the Ngarom Bisamah 2025 dinner at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) multi-purpose hall here last night, organised by Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (PSBP). In line with this, he encouraged PSBP to apply for funding from his ministry to organise workshops, classes or programmes that promote the preservation of Bidayuh heritage and culture. 'Our ministry has several funds that you can apply for under my creative industry portfolio. 'If the association wishes to organise workshops or classes on traditional dances, handicrafts and the like, you can apply through the facilitation fund,' he said. Additionally, he encouraged the association to apply for event grants for any festival or celebration they wish to hold, adding that if the event is sustainable and held annually, it could be proposed for inclusion in the Sarawak tourism calendar. 'Once it is listed in the tourism calendar, it will automatically receive an annual allocation,' he said. In a show of support, he also pledged RM20,000 for the association's activities. Held in conjunction with PSBP's seventh anniversary, the event also saw three prominent individuals receiving the 'Bisegu Icon Award'. The recipients were Sarawak Skills senior manager (strategic engagement and consultancy) John Rizal Biki; Joeyees Trading Sdn Bhd founder Awaeang Kwasin; and local singer Roziena Ixzy Halix (Roxy Ixzy), who was also the 2024 Bintang RTM champion. Among those present were Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin and DBNA president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik.
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Bidayuh culture showcased at MJC Batu Kawa's Gawai Bazaar 2025
DBNA president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik helps Sagah to put on a 'tambok' basket containing rice. At third left is Gerawat. KUCHING (May 22): Traditional dances and modern Bidayuh music were showcased during Bidayuh Gawai Night held in conjunction with the Gawai Bazaar 2025 at MJC Batu Kawa last night. Popular Serian band Wooden Gun and Lundu singer Rannee Pat brought the house down with their performances, which had the crowd dancing and singing along. There were also traditional dances and music from different troupes representing the various Bidayuh sub-ethnic groups from Serian, Padawan/Penrissen, Bau, and Lundu. There was also a special performance by the Semban Ring Ladies. Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, who officiated at the event, praised the event for being a platform to showcase the Bidayuh community's rich cultural heritage. He said the event was among the main activities for the Gawai Bazaar 2025, which is hosted and organised by the Orang Ulu community. 'The Bidayuh community through Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) is given a slot to organise this Gawai night, to showcase our rich cultural heritage. 'I hope those who come to this event will also support the food and handicraft vendors at this Gawai Bazaar by buying items from them,' said the DBNA advisor. DBNA president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik helps Sagah to put on a 'tambok' basket containing rice. At third left is Gerawat. Sagah and other distinguished guests also took part in the 'Bilamak' dance, traditionally performed to honour the paddy spirit, which was the finale for the traditional dance segment. Among those present were Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala – who is the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebration organising chairman; Gawai Bazaar committee chairman Paulus Palu Gumbang; Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben; Deputy Minister of Transport (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil; and Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep. The Iban community will hold their Gawai Night tonight, while the Orang Ulu community's slot is tomorrow night. The closing of the Gawai Bazaar will be on Sunday, with Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom scheduled to officiate. Wooden Gun members perform their hit songs including their latest 'Daari Gap' (Elegant Man). Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 lead MJC Batu Kawa Roland Sagah Wee Inn Wooden Gun
