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Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Gerawat urges KSH to support young athletes, explore sports tourism potential
Gerawat (centre) receives a souvenir from Romeo as Yii (third right), Dennis (third left) and others look on. MIRI (June 3): The Highlanders Sports Club (KSH) has been urged to take a more proactive role in helping young athletes access higher education and professional sports training through partnerships with local and international institutions. Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala, said KSH could serve as a key bridge connecting talented youths with sports academies such as Akademi Bola Sepak Malaysia, Bukit Jalil Sports School, and overseas universities offering sports scholarships. 'Our outstanding young athletes can pursue their academic and sporting ambitions simultaneously through these institutions,' he said during the closing ceremony of the Highlanders Sports Carnival held at the Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Malaysia (Forum) building at Jalan Padang Kerbau here last night. Gerawat, who is also Mulu assemblyman, encouraged KSH to broaden its outreach by actively participating in initiatives run by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. He pointed out that excelling in sports can open doors to opportunities that are just as rewarding as those in other professions. 'Some of our national footballers are earning up to RM20,000 per month. I am optimistic that one of our rising young golfers, Abigail Pearson, will continue to excel in State and National tournaments and eventually earn a scholarship to study in the United States, following in the footsteps of others before her,' he said. He further challenged KSH to explore the potential of sports tourism in the Kelabit Highlands through the organisation of events such as marathon runs, mountain biking, cross-country races and activities with groups like the Hash House Harriers. 'With the backing of Rurum Kelabit Sarawak as its umbrella body, KSH has the potential to innovate by identifying and promoting new sports tourism products. By networking with successful sports institutions, they can continue to inspire and attract youth participation,' he added. Gerawat also expressed hope that the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak would consider incorporating such initiatives into the state's tourism calendar for the coming year. Touching on the recently concluded Highlanders Games Carnival, held here from May 31 to June 2, he said 10 contingents from across the country participated in all 14 sports events. He reiterated that the carnival aimed to promote and strengthen the community's engagement in sports, emphasising the need for unity within the Kelabit community, which constitutes less than one per cent of Malaysia's population. 'As a small community, it is vital that we remain cohesive and united. Only then can we make a meaningful impact and draw the attention of government and stakeholders to our needs and aspirations. 'I am heartened to see so many young people involved. It reminds me of the early years of KSH and Rurum Kelabit Sarawak in the 1980s, a time when some of you were not yet born. This strong youth presence gives our community hope and shows that the vision of our pioneers is being carried forward into the next generation,' he said. Among those present were Telang Usan assemblyman who is also Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chairman Dato Dennis Ngau, Pujut assemblyman who is also Miri mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, political secretary to the Premier Dominic Nyurang Ajang, KSH president Romeo Peter Raja and several community leaders. athletes gerawat gala Kelab Sukan Highlanders lead youth
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Joy at Sarawak govt Gawai Day Open House
KUCHING: The sounds of the sape, a traditional musical instrument of the Orang Ulu community, as well as dance performances from various ethnic groups were among the highlights of the Gawai Dayak Day Open House organised by the Sarawak government today. Held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), the event, organised by Orang Ulu leaders, was attended by approximately 3,000 visitors from diverse racial backgrounds. The event, which started from 9 am to 2 pm, was graced by the guests of honour, Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. The programme was also attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Puan Sri Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Ammar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Tian, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala and a line-up of state cabinet ministers. Earlier, the arrival of the guest of honour was accompanied by a parade and a performance of Ngentau Lan'e and Belian Suket by the Sarawak Kenyah National Association (PKKS), which is often sung by the Kenyah community to welcome guests. As the chairman of the Organising Committee, Gerawat, who is also an Orang Ulu of the Kelabit ethnic group, said this year's open house event provides an opportunity for the community to showcase their culture through clothing and performances to the visitors. 'As the main hosts and organisers, we are showcasing our culture to outsiders... not only the Orang Ulu but also other communities such as the Bidayuh and Iban,' he said. Unable to celebrate Gawai Day with her family due to work commitments, Suzanna Nyuak, 32, said the festive occasion was a platform for Sarawakians to celebrate the festival regardless of their race or religion. 'I was on duty as the receptionist for this event, and the warmth of the event was felt when people started coming in. 'For all Sarawakians, especially my family in Kapit, I hope this year's Gawai Day will give meaning to all of us,' said Suzana, who is from Kampung Nanga Ibau, Kapit.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Orang Ulu community hosts state-level Gawai Dayak Open House 2025, drawing thousands
Wan Junaidi (fifth right) leads the toast during the state-level Gawai Dayak Open House with Abang Johari (seventh right), Uggah (sixth right), Gerawat (eighth right) and other guests. – Ukas photo KUCHING (June 1): The state-level Gawai Dayak celebration this year saw the Orang Ulu community take centre stage as hosts of the Gawai Dayak Open House, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, drawing over 3,000 attendees from all walks of life. In attendance were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, along with state and federal dignitaries. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the open house was not only a platform to highlight Dayak culture and traditions, but also a testament to Sarawak's racial harmony. 'Today is an opportunity for us to showcase Dayak culture, tradition and practices, and also to bring all races together. 'We are very happy to have our Head of State, the Premier, leaders as well as people of all races in attendance. This is the true picture of Sarawak,' he told reporters. One of the cultural performances during the open house. – Ukas photo He added that the open house demonstrated the state's cultural diversity and harmony to the rest of Malaysia, and the pride Sarawakians have in their traditions. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, who is also chairman of the organising committee, said the Orang Ulu were proud to be given the opportunity to host this year's state-level celebration. This year, it is our turn to host the celebration, and we are showcasing the Orang Ulu culture together with other major Dayak communities like the Bidayuh and Iban,' he said. He noted that hosting responsibilities for the state-level Gawai celebration rotate among the Dayak communities, with the Iban community scheduled to host next year. He also outlined a series of events held in conjunction with this year's celebration, including the Gawai Bazaar at MJC, Batu Kawa which was held from May 15 to 25, and the upcoming Gawai Dayak 'Niti Daun' Parade on June 21, which will feature 90 cultural troupes parading from Tun Jugah building to the Kuching Waterfront. 'Our guest of honour for the 'Niti Daun' Parade will be our Premier and we welcome everyone to come and join us as the parade is one of the best showcases of our Dayak culture,' he said. More than 3,000 people from all walks of life visited the open house. – Penerangan photo He added that there will also be a Gawai Dayak Gala Dinner on June 22 at BCCK where the Head of State and his wife will serve as guests of honour. 'We have also invited the Prime Minister and Premier to attend,' he added. He said one of the highlights of the dinner will be the Kumang-Keling showcase, with participants from various divisions showcasing their traditional attire as well as other cultural performances.
Borneo Post
18-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak praised as fertile ground for outstanding workers
Gerawat delivers his speech at the event. – Photo by Ukas KUCHING (May 18): Sarawak continues to be a fertile ground for the growth of outstanding workers, supported by strong state government initiatives and strategic human capital investments, said Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala. He said this during the state-level Labour Day 2025 celebration at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) here today. In his speech, Gerawat, who is also the event's organising chairman, emphasised the critical role Sarawak's workforce plays in the state's economic and social progress. 'We are proud to say that Sarawak continues to be a fertile ground where outstanding workers grow. Whether in energy, agriculture, services, or digital industries, our people are making their mark both locally and globally. 'The government remains committed to creating an enabling environment—through infrastructure, education, training institutions, upskilling programmes, and strategic investments—that allows every worker to thrive,' he said. Labour Day was officially recognised as a national holiday in Malaysia in 1972, marking a commitment to upholding workers' rights. Gerawat, however, pointed out that in Sarawak, the celebration holds deeper meaning due to the vital role of workers in sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing, which power the state's economy. 'Our workers are innovators, builders, caregivers, educators, and entrepreneurs, with each playing a vital role in driving our economy and shaping Sarawak's future,' he added. This year's Labour Day celebration was historic as it was the first time the event was held at the state level and jointly organised by both state and federal government agencies, along with workers and employers' representatives. Themed 'Pekerja Cemerlang Sarawak Maju Makmur' or 'Outstanding Workers Foster a Progressive and Prosperous Sarawak,' the event highlighted the value and aspirations tied to human capital development in the state. Gerawat noted that the theme reflects the belief that Sarawak's development is rooted in the excellence of its people. 'The term 'Pekerja Cemerlang' or 'Outstanding Workers' is not limited to technical expertise or job performance alone. It refers to individuals across all sectors, whether private or public, who go beyond their duties, demonstrating professionalism, innovation, teamwork, discipline, and an unrelenting commitment to self-improvement. 'These are the individuals who inspire others, lead by example, and strive every day to do better,' he said. In line with this, Gerawat highlighted several amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO), which came into effect on May 1 this year and marked a significant milestone in the state government's commitment to a fair and forward-looking labour ecosystem. 'These reforms are not just legal updates, as they reflect our values as a state that honours dignity in work, protects workers, and prioritises social justice. 'We believe that a balanced approach, where both employers and employees are supported, will lead to greater stability, motivation, and long-term productivity,' he said, while thanking Abang Johari for his strong support in making the amendments possible, describing it as the best Labour Day present for Sarawak workers. In this regard, he called for continued cooperation among all stakeholders to support the state's long-term development goals. employees gerawat gala Labour Day lead workforce
Borneo Post
14-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 returns with 180 stalls, cultural festivities
Gerawat (seated, centre) in a photo-call with members of the Gawai Bazaar organising committee after the meeting. – Ukas photo KUCHING (May 14): The Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025, set to take place for 11 days tomorrow (May 15) till May 25, will feature 180 stalls and a range of cultural activities at the MJC Batu Kawah New Township, said Datuk Gerawat Gala. Gerawat, who chairs the main committee for the state-level Gawai Dayak celebration, said the stalls would include those selling to handicrafts, as well as food, beverages, and dry goods operated by the local community. He also announced that the opening ceremony will be officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, with the date to be finalized soon. 'This bazaar not only adds vibrancy to the Gawai Dayak celebration but also serves as a platform to promote local crafts, foster unity, and showcase the rich cultural diversity of the Dayak community,' he was quotes as saying by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) after chairing the Gawai Bazaar organising committee meeting, here yesterday. He added that a variety of cultural and entertainment programmes are also scheduled throughout the bazaar, including the Gawai Idol competition, Ratu Gawai pageant, and the Battle of the Band event. 'These activities are expected to attract participation from youth and members of the public from all walks of life,' he said. 'This bazaar is open to all races. We welcome everyone to join in the festivities while supporting local entrepreneurs,' added Gerawat, who is also Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring). He expressed hope that broader community participation would further highlight the uniqueness of the Gawai celebration as a pillar of unity and cultural heritage in Sarawak. This year, the Orang Ulu community has been given the honour of hosting the celebration, providing an opportunity to showcase their rich customs and traditions to Sarawakians and visitors alike. Gerawat also revealed that the 2025 Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak celebration will include several main events, such as the Gawai Tradition Carnival on June 12 and 13 at the Federation of Orang Ulu Associations of Sarawak, Malaysia (FORUM) building in Miri. A Gawai Dayak Parade will be held on June 21 at the Kuching Waterfront which will be officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The highlight of the celebrations, the Gawai Dayak Gala Dinner, will be held on June 22 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) and is expected to be graced by Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. A coffee table book themed around Dayak culture and heritage will also be launched in conjunction with the celebration. community cultural food festival Gawai Dayak Bazaar gerawat gala lead
