Latest news with #KadazanDusunCulturalAssociation
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Stacy Anam delights fans with appearance at Kaamatan finale
Stacy Anam and Hakim Ahmad meeting their fans at the cultural homes witjin the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association's Hongkod Koisaan vicinity on Saturday (May 31). KOTA KINABALU: Fans were excited to see Sabah homegrown singer Stacy Anam at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association's (KDCA) Hongkod Koisaan on the final day of the Kaamatan Festival on Saturday (May 31). Festival goers swarmed to catch a glimpse of the season six Akademi Fantasia winner. Excited cries of "Stacy!" filled the air, with many taking wefies with the Penampang-born star. Stacy, who was with her husband, singer Akim Ahmad, was visibly moved by the warm reception and festive atmosphere. "It has been so long since I celebrated Kaamatan. "I went back to my kampung, which was alive with the Kaamatan spirit. It reminded me of who I am and where I come from," said the 34-year-old. Dubbed as Malaysia's "dancing queen", Stacy said she was proud to be Sabahan and of Kadazan ethnicity. "Our culture is incredibly rich and unique, something that cannot be described with words," she said. Stacy's will be holding a much-anticipated concert at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on June 21. Akim shared his admiration for the vibrant cultural celebration. "This is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together. It is not just limited to Sabahans. We saw Unduk Ngadau contestants from places like Johor, Klang Valley and other states," he said. Kaamatan, Sabah's month-long harvest festival, celebrates unity, gratitude and heritage, and remains one of the most beloved events on the state's cultural calendar.
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Pairin urges Sabahans to guard traditions against AI misuse
Tuan Yang DiPertua for Sabah Tun Musa Aman (third left), Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (sixth left) and Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan (left) dancing the sumazau at the closing of the month-long Kaamatan Festival 2025 on Friday (May 31). KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah chief minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan calls for unity and warns against misusing artificial intelligence (AI) as the month-long Kaamatan Festival 2025 closes. Speaking at the grand finale held at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association's (KDCA) Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang on Friday (May 31), Pairin said that the unchecked use of AI could lead to cultural erosion and even destruction. 'If misused, AI can become a force of destruction. It can distort values, misrepresent our traditions, and lead us away from our true identity as Sabahans and Malaysians,' said Pairin, who is also Huguan Siou (paramount leader of the Kadazandusun community). The KDCA president also acknowledged the presence of Tun Musa Aman, who came for the first time in his capacity as the Tuan Yang DiPertua of Sabah. 'We are one big family, and Kaamatan is a platform that brings us together, not just to honour the harvest, but to reaffirm our identity and aspirations,' he said. Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. Tuan Yang DiPertua for Sabah Tun Musa Aman (middle), Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (left), Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan (second left) and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (second right) singing the Kaamatan song during the official closing of the month-festival on Friday (May 31). Pairin said that Kaamatan is a bridge that connects the people of Sabah, to their ancestors and the world. 'This is where culture meets innovation, and where we must walk carefully 'Let your imagination fly, but let it be rooted in values. We want our traditions to evolve, not disappear,' he said. The celebration ended with a formal declaration by Tun Musa, who marked it with the beating of the gong seven times.
The Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
‘Kaamatan for All' highlights Sabahans' community spirit
Spoilt for choice: Many come to buy handmade beads and Kaamatan-themed accessories at the Hongkod Koisaan. KOTA KINABALU: All eyes will be on the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association's (KDCA) Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang as the month-long Kaamatan or Harvest Festival will culminate in the grand finale, celebrated today and tomorrow. Since May 1, Sabahans have been celebrating Kaamatan with singing, dancing, traditional games and enjoying delicious food. But it is at the Hongkod Koisaan, which loosely means unity hall, where the energy truly comes alive. The celebration here is always the most colourful and exciting, bringing together people of all races and backgrounds to honour the harvest festival and Sabah's rich traditions. The Hongkod Koisaan, the heart of Sabah's native heritage, is a central hub where traditions, history and the way of life of indigenous communities are preserved, promoted and proudly celebrated. The Kaamatan celebration will be extra special as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail are expected to attend the celebration today. This will mark the Prime Minister's third appearance at the Kaamatan finale. Sabah's Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman and his wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin will grace the official closing ceremony tomorrow. Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, traditional sports like blowpipe shooting and stilt walking, as well as visit stalls selling handicrafts, traditional food and attire. They can also add handmade beads and Kaamatan-themed accessories to their collection. One of the highlights of the celebration is the Unduk Ngadau, a special event that honours Huminodun, the legendary maiden who gave her life to save her people from famine. The new Harvest Queen will be crowned tomorrow. This year's theme, 'Kaamatan montok Toinsanan' (Kaamatan for All), is a reminder that true strength lies in the unity and support of the community as everyone strives forward together.
The Star
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Anwar set to attend Kaamatan festival for third time
KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, are expected to attend the celebration on May 30. This marks Anwar's third time joining the Kaamatan finale. Since May 1, Sabahans have been celebrating the month-long Kaamatan Festival, which culminates on May 30 and 31, with a celebration at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association's (KDCA) Hongkod Koisaan (unity hall) in Penampang. Sabah's Tuan Yang DiPertua Tun Musa Aman and his wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, were planned to grace the official closing ceremony on May 31. Visitors to the event could experience cultural performances, traditional sports such as blowgun shooting and stilt walking, alongside stalls offering handicrafts, local cuisine, and other regional products. One of the highlights of the celebration would be the Unduk Ngadau, an event that honours Huminodun, the legendary maiden who gave her life to save her people from famine. The new Harvest Queen would also be crowned on May 31. This year's Kaamatan Festival theme was 'Kaamatan montok Toinsanan (Kaamatan for All).
The Star
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Kaamatan spirit
From the heart: Elldiwirna (fourth from left) alongside the 'Tinorindak Olisi' cast at the webfilm's launch in Kota Kinabalu. KOTA KINABALU: Sometimes coming in second best is not bad at all, and this is precisely what the latest PETRONAS' Kaamatan webfilm is communicating. Titled Tinorindak Olisi (Crown of Love in Kadazandusun), this touching short film explores the true meaning of triumph which is found not through titles, but love, cultural pride and inner resilience. Centred around the iconic Unduk Ngadau pageant, Tinorindak Olisi, which features exclusively Sabahan talents, features a heartfelt narrative that delves into the deeper significance of Kaamatan. Told primarily in the Dusun language and enriched with Sabahan dialects, the six-minute, 30-second film celebrates Sabah's rich cultural tapestry and the unity among its many ethnic communities. Directed by Ismail Kamarul, the film stars Elldiwirna Saimen, the first runner-up of Unduk Ngadau 2024, as Elyna Jamis, and Daphne Iking, the 2003 Unduk Ngadau, as her mother. The story follows Elyna, a young woman vying for the Unduk Ngadau crown. Fuelled by dreams and encouraged by her community, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that ultimately reshapes her understanding of success and identity. 'In line with this year's theme, Kaamatan for All, this film reminds us that true strength lies in the unity and support of the community as we strive forward together,' said Siti Azlina A Latif, PETRONAS senior general manager of strategic communications. The film was launched under Yayasan PETRONAS' Uplifting Lives Festive programme, during an event attended by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who doubles as deputy president of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association. 'It is more than just a campaign. It is a call to empower and uplift communities, and a reminder of the values that bind us,' said Kitingan, who is also state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister. Moved by the film, he described it as 'powerful', adding that it resonated strongly with the audience. 'It served as a reminder that behind every achievement is a network of support and belief. The entire story was powerful. It was not just one part, but the whole journey,' he said. He noted that the film also served as a reflection of PETRONAS' ongoing commitment to cultural inclusivity and social responsibility. 'I am very thankful to PETRONAS. Every year, they produce heartfelt stories that don't just entertain but also teach, inspire, and bring us together,' said Kitingan. During the event, Kitingan, together with Siti Azlina, distributed essential food items and festive packs to selected recipients in Manggatal. The Uplifting Lives Festive initiative, which began earlier this month in Tambunan, reached 500 beneficiaries across Manggatal, Tambunan, Tongod and Kepayan, which were all identified by the Sabah Social Welfare Department. 'From spotlighting Sabah's cultural heritage to bringing festive cheer to families in need, we continue to build a more connected and compassionate society for all,' said Siti Azlina. Tinorindak Olisi is now available on PETRONAS' official YouTube and Facebook channels.
