Latest news with #Kuching-based
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Youth trio strive to keep the Orang Ulu's sape legacy alive
KUCHING: At the entrance of the Gawai Dayak 2025 open house, the delicate, resonant notes of the sape, a traditional lute-like string instrument of the Orang Ulu people, floated through the air. Yet it wasn't veteran hands behind the strings. It was three young musicians, determined to carry their ancestral culture into the future. Dressed in attire inspired by their Indigenous roots, the trio, members of the Kuching-based Anak Seni Sape Kuching Association (PUSAK), drew a steady crowd with their spirited performance of Det Diet Tapong Kitan, a traditional piece often played to welcome guests and accompany warrior dances such as Datun Julud or Ajai. 'I started learning the sape at 15 after being inspired by my cousin,' said Dexter Wong Kian Hao, 22, of Kayan-Chinese heritage. 'This song is deeply rooted in our culture. We don't want it to fade away.' For Martinus Njok Sebi, 23, of Kenyah-Iban descent, the sape is more than just music, it's identity. Having joined PUSAK in 2021, Martinus has performed regularly at cultural events across Sarawak. Now in his final year at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, he hopes others his age will continue the tradition. 'As a sape player, I want to see more young people learning and passing on this tradition,' he said. The group's youngest member, 19-year-old Mohd Ikhmal Hakim from Belaga, began playing at age 10, having discovered it through social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook. Of mixed Malay, Iban and Sekapan heritage, Ikhmal now studies Early Childhood Education and shares his sape playing on TikTok to help spark wider interest. 'Social media has made it easier for people to discover the sape. I see more and more young people getting interested,' he said. The Gawai Dayak Open House, hosted by Orang Ulu leaders, drew around 3,000 visitors from across Sarawak's diverse communities. The event, which ran from 9 am to 2 pm, featured traditional performances and high-profile guests, including Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. Also in attendance were the Premier of Sarawak Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Puan Sri Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, alongside members of the federal and state cabinets.
Borneo Post
09-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
How Shell LiveWire propelled a startup to new heights
The UAS team at their annual dinner in 2024. Aaron Tan KUCHING (May 9): In an increasingly digitised world, data is key towards shaping decision-making processes across the board. Companies, governments and the public need data to help make informed choices that can guide them down the right path. However, getting data is a challenge that not many are able to take that up. Entrepreneur Aaron Tan of UAS Mapping Sdn Bhd (UAS Mapping) is one to step into the ring of geospatial, analytics, and mapping consultancy that helps businesses make better decisions through data. The Kuching-based winner of Shell's LiveWire programme said at the core of his company is geospatial, analytics, and mapping consultancy to help businesses and organisations make better decisions through data. 'UAS Mapping is a geospatial technology company founded in 2018 in Kuching, Sarawak. We offer a range of spatial products and services, namely aerial LiDAR and digital imagery survey; terrestrial and mobile LiDAR; underground utility detection and mapping; road pavement measurements and asset management; 3D modelling; 3D virtual tours; GIS and data analytics; and cloud-based software products. 'It started on the age-old notion of turning passion into vocation. At the same time, opportunities also came up then through my business partners. 'As our name suggests, I was looking for a way to use the drones that we love to fly to make money and contribute to our workplaces.' At the core of this company are geospatial, analytics, and mapping consultancy to help businesses and organisations make better decisions through data. Shell's LiveWire programme helped Tan to hone his skills and business to levels he had not considered before. 'LiveWire was a major learning curve for me, especially because it was my first time ever pitching a business idea formally. Before that, most of my work had been behind the scenes: Tech-focused, operational, and hands-on,' he said. 'Suddenly, I had to explain what we do, why it matters, and how we plan to grow in a clear, compelling way that resonated with people who weren't from the same technical background. 'I learned how to communicate value, tailor my message to different audiences, and build confidence in presenting. On top of that, the programme helped sharpen our business fundamentals. 'From refining our value proposition to understanding how to grow sustainably,it really pushed me out of my comfort zone, but in the best way possible.' Tan was looking for a way to use the drones to make money and contribute to workplaces. A launchpad to hone skills, learning Tan said the programme laid the foundation for UAS Mapping's business to grow, not just through its direct support, but by preparing the team for future opportunities. 'In fact, it gave us the footing to participate in other programmes, most notably SDEC's DiVA programme, which became a defining milestone for us and still influences how we operate today.' Tan added that the element of mentorship received during LiveWire was also invaluable, whereby having guidance helped the team to see their blind spots and think more strategically. 'On top of that, the financial support allowed us to strengthen our internal systems,' he said. 'Things like workflow improvements and digital infrastructure were crucial for scaling up in a sustainable, healthy way. Looking back, LiveWire was a real launchpad for our growth journey. 'One moment that really stood out was doing our final pitch entirely on Zoom. This was during the height of the Covid lockdowns, so the whole programme was run online. 'Pitching over a video call was definitely a new kind of nerve-wracking scenario. We had to sell our vision to a panel of tiny faces on screen, hoping our Wi-Fi held up and that no one froze mid-sentence. 'It was a weird mix of formal and informal, but honestly, it made the whole experience more memorable and a bit fun in its own way.' Tan with clients at an exhibition in TEGAS Digital Village. Taking business to the next level Since 2022, UAS Mapping has seen steady and exciting growth, expanding its service coverage to the entire country and taken on regional projects beyond Malaysia. 'This has really broadened our horizons,' he highlighted. 'Our workforce has nearly doubled to support the growing demand, and we've experienced consistent year-on-year growth in revenue. 'It's been a rewarding journey, and we're proud at how far we've come, especially as we continue building towards long-term sustainability and impact in the geospatial space.' Tan noted that the geospatial technology industry has witnessed rapid evolution since 2022, with increased adoption of drone technology, LiDAR, and 3D modelling across various sectors. He said there was a growing emphasis on integrating these technologies into urban planning, infrastructure development, and environmental monitoring, reflecting a broader trend towards data-driven decision-making. 'From 2021 to 2024, one of the major challenges we faced was transitioning from a project-based bespoke consultancy to a Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) model,' Tan added. 'We developed and internally tested a DaaS platform framework, collaborating closely with select clients. 'However, we soon realised that the local market was not yet ready to fully adopt this model. Rather than pushing ahead prematurely, we focused back on our core strengths – delivering high-quality geospatial services – while also deepening our capabilities in data analysis. 'The DaaS framework wasn't wasted; instead, we repurposed it for project-specific applications when needed. It turned out to be a valuable learning experience and laid a solid foundation for future AI-driven initiatives.' Future generation of business leaders in Sarawak Right now, Tan believes the industry is ripe for the picking, especially in Sarawak. 'If you've been thinking about starting a business, honestly now's a pretty great time to go for it. There is a real positive buzz in the economy, and more support than ever for people looking to build something of their own. 'So, if you've got an idea, don't wait around. Just start – that's the hardest step – learn as you go, ask questions, and tap into the support that's out there. You never know where it might take you.' When asked for his piece of advice for upcoming entrepreneurs, Tan called on future generation to build a solid foundation early, especially when it comes to systems and structure. 'It might not sound glamorous, but having clear processes in place can save you a lot of headaches down the line. Programmes like Shell LiveWire really help with this. 'They push you to think critically about your business model and internal operations. Oh, and get yourself a good company secretary. Seriously, it makes a world of difference!' Winning Shell's LiveWire programme helped Tan to hone his skills and business to levels he had not considered before. Shell LiveWire Malaysia 2025 seeks nation's best Shell LiveWire Malaysia is back again this year and calls out all entrepreneurs from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia to be a part of this exciting initiative that can be a game-changer for budding entrepreneurs. The programme takes entrepreneurs like Tan through a series of workshops that will assist them in generating or enhancing their business ideas, testing their business models and preparing them to be successful business owners. Towards the end of the programme, participants will partake in a pitching workshop and a competition that aim to provide the necessary skills for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. Shell is seeking out for entrepreneurs whose ideas will power lives in environmental sustainability, social impact and business innovation. Shell LiveWire Malaysia will run in Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Peninsular Malaysia. Five winners from each state will receive seed grants of RM10,000. These five winners from each state will then compete at the national level, where five national winners will stand a chance to win an additional RM30,000. Alongside the grant, the winners will also be provided with mentorship and guidance to kickstart their businesses, from the Shell LiveWire Malaysia facilitators for the next three years and stand a chance to be absorbed into Shell's supply chain and a chance to go into partnership with Shell retailers. In Sarawak, the Shell LiveWire programme partners with Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS), which not only provides one-year access to TEGAS Digital Village in Kuching and TEGAS Digital Innovation Hub in Bintulu and Miri, but it also presents each winner with an additional RM5,000 on top of the Sarawak Shell LiveWire grant. The closing date for registration for Shell LiveWire in Kuching is on May 12, 2025. Register today at and live your dream!
