Latest news with #KayanAssociationofSarawak
Borneo Post
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Kayan community can make a big impact despite small numbers, says Telang Usan rep
Dennis performs the 'melesung' (symbolic ritual involving the traditional pestle and mortar) ceremony to officiate at the event. On the assemblyman's left is Peterus. — Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 26): Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau has reminded fellow Kayan community that regardless of their small population, they have the potential to make meaningful contributions to society. Speaking at the launch of the Orang Ulu Mini Cultural Festival at The Spring Shopping Mall here yesterday, Dennis commended the organiser, the Kayan Association of Sarawak (PKS) Kuching branch, for transforming the venue into a vibrant cultural showcase over the past few days. 'We can see today that The Spring has taken on a new look. Thank you to organising chairman Peterus (Mering) and his team. 'I'm from Miri and only visit The Spring occasionally, but today, when I entered, it felt completely different. 'Peterus and the team, you have changed the entire outlook of this place. Congratulations on your efforts,' he said in his opening speech. Dennis, also the president of Kayan Association of Sarawak, noted that his community registered estimated global population of around 100,000. 'Comparing that to Sarawak's population of 2.9 million and Malaysia's 34 million, we are indeed a small community — small, but we pack a punch like 'cili padi' (bird's eye chillies),' he quipped. Dennis also expressed pride in the Orang Ulu's growing presence in mainstream spaces. 'Thirty or 50 years ago, who would have imagined the Kayan or Orang Ulu showcasing our culture in a luxury shopping mall like this? And yet, here we are today.' In this regard, Dennis encouraged continued collaboration and proposed that the festival become an annual event. 'Let's make this a yearly occasion. I'm confident the Premier of Sarawak would be happy to attend next time. This is a very promising start,' he added. The event was made even more festive with the Spring Gawai Culture Parade, which welcomed Dennis upon his arrival at the mall, and a Mini Open House ceremony. Also present were political secretaries to the Premier Dominic Nyurang Ajang and Thomas Balan Bang, as well as PKS Kuching chairman KK Usun Steward. Dennis Ngau Kayan community Orang Ulu Mini Cultural Festival
Borneo Post
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Traditional games, Datun Julud dance competition to light up state-level Gawai Dayak celebration
Dennis delivers his speech during Malam Gawai Orang Ulu at the Bazaar Gawai Dayak 2025 on Friday night (May 23). – Photo by Roystein Emmor. KUCHING (May 24): Traditional games from the Orang Ulu, Bidayuh, and Iban communities, along with a Datun Julud dance competition, will be among the main highlights of this year's state-level Gawai Dayak celebration. Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau announced that one of the key events will be the Gawai Dayak Traditional Games, to be organised for the first time at the FORUM Cultural Headquarters in Miri. The games will be held during the day on June 12 and 13, featuring traditional sports and activities from various Orang Ulu ethnic groups, as well as the Bidayuh and Iban communities. 'In the evening of June 12, there will also be a Traditional Datun Julud dance competition. 'This competition highlights original Datun Julud dance styles featuring traditional rhythms and movements,' he said during Malam Gawai Orang Ulu at the Bazaar Gawai Dayak 2025 on Friday night (May 23). He explained that the competition is specifically for groups of eight performers, and it aims to preserve the authentic form of the Datun Julud dance. 'Contemporary versions often include unfamiliar floral patterns. To preserve the authentic form, the committee is organising this competition for those who can perform the original style. 'The traditional Datun Julud competition is not exclusive to the Orang Ulu only. People from various backgrounds like Chinese, Iban, even non-indigenous, who are skilled in performing the traditional Datun Julud dance are welcome to participate,' he said. The prizes are RM5,000 for first place, RM3,000 for second, and RM2,000 for third. Dennis, who is also President of the Kayan Association of Sarawak, said this year's Gawai will focus on Orang Ulu culture as part of the rotation of leadership among the Orang Ulu, Bidayuh and Iban communities. community dance competition Dennis Ngau Gawai Dayak lead traditional games
