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BCF 2025 to introduce new female mascot to join ‘Engkuli' in celebrating ‘The Rhythm of Borneo'
Izkandar (seated centre) and BCF 2025 organising committee members showing the event's promotional posters.
SIBU (June 6): The upcoming Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) will introduce a new female mascot to accompany its official mascot 'Engkuli', a clouded leopard, as part of this year's celebration themed 'The Rhythm of Borneo'.
BCF organising chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley, who is also Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman, said the festival will take place from July 3 to 12 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 and 2 here.
'First introduced as the official mascot last year, Engkuli returns this year to continue promoting the rich natural and cultural heritage of Borneo,' he told a press conference yesterday.
He added that the mascot also plays an important role in raising awareness of endangered species, particularly those native to Borneo.
A highlight of this year's festival will be the creation of a mini cultural village at Sibu Town Square Phase I, aimed at offering visitors a rich and immersive experience of Sarawak's diverse cultural traditions, architecture, and way of life, particularly those of ethnic communities.
The carnival, he said, embraces three key elements – traditional culture and music, the rhythm of nature and identity, and tourism.
'This year's BCF will feature a variety of cultural performances representing the Dayak, Malay-Melanau, Chinese, and Lun Bawang communities, among others,' he said.
Additionally, the festival will welcome special guest performers from West Java, Indonesia and Delhi, India, who will showcase their unique cultural heritage.
The Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, is expected to officiate the opening ceremony on July 4.
The guest of honour for the closing ceremony on July 12 will be Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. BCF borneo cultural festival clouded leopard Engkuli female mascot
