Latest news with #KadazandusunCulturalAssociation
The Star
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Foreign visitors capture the heart of Kaamatan through their lens
ARMED with their cameras, Polish couple Darek Kalinski and Agnieszka Witusik spent Saturday (May 31) immersed in the colours, sounds and spirit of Sabah's Kaamatan grand finale. Their lenses captured not just images, but a cultural experience they described as unforgettable. Snapping away under the blazing sun at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in Penampang, the couple were visibly awed by the vibrant procession of locals dressed in traditional attire, lining the pathway to welcome dignitaries and guests. 'This is not just a festival. It was alive. We want to photograph everything, the details in the costumes, the music, the smiles,' said Kalinski, 64, who, along with Witusik, 53, was on his first visit to Sabah. The couple, currently on a three-week Borneo adventure, said discovering the Kaamatan Festival was a fortunate, spontaneous twist in their plans. While planning their journey, they had come across mentions of the celebration but struggled to find clear information online. 'We were not even sure we would be able to catch it. The lack of official details made planning difficult, so we started our trip in Sarawak, thinking we might miss it altogether,' Kalinski explained. But a lucky online post revealing the dates of the two-day festival finale on May 30 and 31 prompted a spontaneous detour to Sabah. What was meant to be a brief stopover turned into a three-day stay, as they became fully immersed not just in the atmosphere but also in the energy of the crowd, the rhythm of traditional dances and the warmth of the people. 'The colours, the dancing, the people … it all came together in such a natural, heartfelt way. You cannot help but be drawn into it,' said Witusik, scrolling through photos they had taken. After experiencing the highlights of Kaamatan, the couple plan to return to Sarawak to visit the Mulu Caves before heading to Brunei, and will eventually return to Sabah for the final leg of their trip in Sandakan. But both agreed that Kaamatan had already left the deepest impression. 'We really hope more information will be made available online in future. This is something truly special, a real cultural treasure. We have taken so many photos to share with our friends back home,' said Kalinski. Also attending the celebration was Swiss retiree Marco Brudermann, 66, who described Kaamatan as 'refreshingly uncommercial and deeply sincere.' He was accompanied by his long-time friend Liliane Blume, 64, also from Switzerland, who has lived in Sabah for the past 18 years. Fresh from a journey through Manila and Zamboanga in the Philippines, Brudermann, a sociocultural anthropologist, noted that while there are similar traditional festivals back home, Sabah's connection to folklore and ancestral identity feels equally strong. 'You can feel the sincerity. The people are not just putting on a show … they are celebrating something deeply meaningful. It touches the soul,' he said. Having travelled extensively for work, Brudermann said being in Sabah during Kaamatan was a uniquely enriching experience. 'Sabahans are becoming increasingly committed to preserving their traditions, and it is beautiful to witness,' he added. Blume, a former German teacher at the Borneo Tourism Institute, agreed. 'This is not just a performance. Kaamatan is a living, breathing tradition. People are genuinely proud of their heritage, and you can feel that everywhere,' she said.
Barnama
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Teacher Atitih Yatih Robert Crowned Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025
PENAMPANG, May 31 (Bernama) -- Atitih Yatih Robert, a prospective Malay Language teacher, who was representing the Tamparuli sub-district, was crowned Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025 during the culmination of the Kaamatan Festival at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here tonight. Atitih Yatih, 26, a Bachelor of Education (Malay Language) graduate from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) last December and currently awaiting a teaching placement, beat 51 contestants in the traditional beauty pageant of Sabah's paddy harvest season held annually since 1960. Earlier, Atitih Yatih, who participated in the competition for the second time this year after her first attempt in 2017, was selected from the round of 15 best participants before advancing to today's last stage of the top seven finalists, who were judged on public speaking, general knowledge, heritage and cultural understanding in their mother tongue (native language). Unduk Ngadau is a traditional beauty pageant that showcases the diverse ethnic cultures and heritage of Sabah held in memory of the legendary 'Huminodun' who sacrificed herself for the bountiful harvest and well-being of her people in the religious observance (transcending folklore and legend) of the Kadazan-Dusun people. Meanwhile, when interviewed by reporters, Atitih Yatih said she initially only targeted the top seven in the competition and was breathless to emerge as the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025. "It is difficult for me to describe this victory because I have not yet processed this in my mind, I am still very shocked. I would like to thank all those who supported me, my family and friends who were willing to come from afar to support me. "My plans after this depends on where I will be placed, I am waiting for my teaching placement … as a Malay Language teacher later," said Atitih Yatih, who hoped that this success would inspire the younger generation to preserve Sabah's culture and heritage. She received a trophy, RM15,000 in cash and various prizes presented by the wife of the Yang di-Pertua (Governor) of Sabah, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin in the spectacle and witnessed by the wife of the Chief Minister, Datin Seri Juliah Salag, and the Joint Chairmen of the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, Datuk Joanna Datuk Kitingan and Dr Mary Gambidau. Atitih Yatih was then crowned as Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025 by Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2024 Hyellene Danius who is also a Malay Language teacher.
The Star
a day 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 Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Strong Federal-state ties key to advancing Sabah's development agenda, says Hajiji
PENAMPANG: Sabah's development agenda will advance more effectively with strong support and close cooperation between the Federal and state governments, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He expressed confidence that a solid relationship between the two parties would be a catalyst for the successful implementation of the state's development policies. 'This cooperation is vital to ensure the people of Sabah benefit directly,' he said at the 2025 Kaamatan Festival celebration held at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), here today. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and attended by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Hajiji also expressed his appreciation to Anwar for officiating the event, describing his presence as a clear sign of the Federal government's commitment to Sabah. He noted that this year's Kaamatan Festival, themed 'Kaamatan Untuk Semua, Kaamatan For All, Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan', marks the 65th official celebration since its formal introduction in 1960. 'Kaamatan is not merely a cultural celebration, but a symbol of unity and harmony among the people of Sabah, values that must be preserved. It does not belong to any one ethnic group, but to all Sabahans. It reflects the spirit of goodwill and cohesion that underpins the state's stability,' he said. Hajiji further affirmed the state government's continued commitment to strengthening rural socio-economic development through a range of strategic approaches, such as agricultural modernisation, support for small and medium enterprises, and the promotion of community-based tourism. 'These efforts form a critical pillar of our mission to enhance the well-being of the people holistically and inclusively, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan,' he added. He emphasised the importance of expanding economic opportunities for rural communities, through modern agriculture, community-based tourism and skills training to help increase household income and reduce the poverty rate. He highlighted that the reactivation of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board is aimed at enhancing food security through increased local rice self-sufficiency. 'Our target is to achieve 30 percent rice self-sufficiency by next year and 60 percent by 2030. This is a vital step towards reducing import dependency and strengthening local food supply resilience,' he said.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Hajiji: Federal-state unity key to Sabah's progress
PENAMPANG: Sabah's development agenda will advance more effectively with strong support and close cooperation between the Federal and state governments, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He expressed confidence that a solid relationship between the two parties would be a catalyst for the successful implementation of the state's development policies. 'This cooperation is vital to ensure the people of Sabah benefit directly,' he said at the 2025 Kaamatan Festival celebration held at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), here today. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and attended by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Hajiji also expressed his appreciation to Anwar for officiating the event, describing his presence as a clear sign of the Federal government's commitment to Sabah. He noted that this year's Kaamatan Festival, themed 'Kaamatan Untuk Semua, Kaamatan For All, Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan', marks the 65th official celebration since its formal introduction in 1960. 'Kaamatan is not merely a cultural celebration, but a symbol of unity and harmony among the people of Sabah, values that must be preserved. It does not belong to any one ethnic group, but to all Sabahans. It reflects the spirit of goodwill and cohesion that underpins the state's stability,' he said. Hajiji further affirmed the state government's continued commitment to strengthening rural socio-economic development through a range of strategic approaches, such as agricultural modernisation, support for small and medium enterprises, and the promotion of community-based tourism. 'These efforts form a critical pillar of our mission to enhance the well-being of the people holistically and inclusively, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan,' he added. He emphasised the importance of expanding economic opportunities for rural communities, through modern agriculture, community-based tourism and skills training to help increase household income and reduce the poverty rate. He highlighted that the reactivation of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board is aimed at enhancing food security through increased local rice self-sufficiency. 'Our target is to achieve 30 percent rice self-sufficiency by next year and 60 percent by 2030. This is a vital step towards reducing import dependency and strengthening local food supply resilience,' he said.
