Latest news with #MohammedAbdullahIzkandar
Borneo Post
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Sibu reinforces role as cultural hub at Borneo Cultural Festival 2025
Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar (left) presents a souvenir to Ting at the conclusion of tonight's event. SIBU (July 11) : The Cultural Night of the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2025 was more than a showcase of traditional performances and colourful costumes – it highlighted Sibu's growing stature as a cultural hub for the Borneo region, said State Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang. In a speech read by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting, Tiang described the festival as a platform that strengthens cultural resilience and unites communities across borders. 'Sibu is more than the gateway to Central Sarawak. It is the cultural heartbeat of Borneo,' he said during BCF 2025 Cultural Night tonight. The evening featured a vibrant programme of traditional music, dance, and crafts, with performances by cultural troupes from across Sarawak and international guests from West Java, Indonesia. The presence of foreign delegations was seen as a sign of Sibu's rising prominence in regional cultural diplomacy. 'Tonight, we are not only witnessing performances. We are witnessing stories of identity, resilience and beauty expressions that connect generations and communities. 'Culture is not a luxury. It is our legacy,' Ting said. He urged Sarawakians to view culture as a living heritage that must be preserved and passed down, especially amid globalisation and rapid digital change. 'Let this festival be more than a celebration. Let it be a call to action, a shared commitment to ensure our cultural heritage remains part of our future, not just our past,' Ting added. The night's performances reflected Sarawak's rich ethnic diversity, including Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Malay, Melanau, and Chinese traditions. Participation from Indonesian groups added a spirit of cross-cultural appreciation. Also present were Lanang MP Alice Lau, SMC Deputy Chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley, Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Joshua Ting, Acting Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia Musa Derek Sairwona, Sibu District Police Chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili, Deputy Organising Chairman Cr Michelle Law, and other invited guests. The Borneo Cultural Festival continues through the weekend, featuring themed nights dedicated to various ethnic groups, culinary showcases, and cultural exhibitions. BCF 2025 Clarence Ting Cultural Night Michael Tiang Sibu
The Star
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Borneo fest in July to feature local, foreign cultural performers
Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar (seated centre) with SMC councillors and council staff holding BCF 2025 publicity posters. This year's Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) in Sibu, Sarawak, promises more excitement with performances by local and foreign troupes. The event, scheduled for July 3 to 12 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang, is themed 'The Rhythm of Borneo'. 'The theme represents the harmony of culture, nature and unique way of life of the people of Borneo. 'It reflects three core elements − traditional culture and music, the rhythm of nature, and identity and tourism,' said Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley. The festival is set to showcase diverse cultural performances from the Dayak, Malay-Melanau, Chinese and Lun Bawang communities, and also feature special guest performers from West Java, Indonesia and India, he said. 'BCF serves as a platform to celebrate diversity, strengthen community ties and bring the rhythm of Borneo to the global stage,' Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar, who is also the event's organising chairperson, said at a press conference. He said the event mascot, the clouded leopard (known as 'engkuli' to the Dayaks), also played a role in promoting awareness of endangered wildlife, especially species that are rare in Borneo. The rare, majestic creature symbolised the rich natural and cultural heritage of Borneo, he added. BCF 2025 is also expected to feature a mini cultural village offering visitors an immersive experience of Sarawak's diverse cultures, architecture and way of life, particularly those of ethnic communities in and around Sibu. Entry to BCF 2025 is free.
