Latest news with #OrangUlu
The Star
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Thousands attend Sarawak's Gawai Day open house
Showcasing diversity: Sarawak's Orang Ulu ethnic group, Uli Bilong (centre) and friends singing a welcome song at the Sarawak government's Gawai Dayak Day open house at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. — Bernama KUCHING: Sounds of the sape, a traditional musical instrument of the Orang Ulu community, as well as dance performances from various ethnic groups, were among highlights of the Gawai Dayak Day open house organised by the Sarawak government. Held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, the event was attended by about 3,000 visitors from diverse racial backgrounds. Organised by Orang Ulu leaders, the event, from 9am to 2pm yesterday, was graced by the guests of honour Sarawak governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. The programme was also attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Openg and his wife Puan Sri Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Tian, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala and a line-up of state Cabinet ministers, Bernama reported. Earlier, the arrival of the guest of honour was accompanied by a parade and a performance of Ngentau Lan'e and Belian Suket by the Sarawak Kenyah National Association, which is often sung by the Kenyah community to welcome guests. As the chairman of the organising committee, Gerawat, who is also an Orang Ulu of the Kelabit ethnic group, said this year's open house event provided an opportunity for the community to showcase their culture through clothing and performances to the visitors. 'As the main hosts and organisers, we are showcasing our culture to outsiders... not only the Orang Ulu but also other communities such as the Bidayuh and Iban,' he said. Suzanna Nyuak, 32, said the festive occasion was a platform for Sarawakians to celebrate the festival regardless of their race or religion. 'I was on duty as the receptionist for this event, and the warmth of the event was felt when people started coming in. 'For all Sarawakians, especially my family in Kapit, I hope this year's Gawai Day will give meaning to all of us,' said Suzana, who is from Kampung Nanga Ibau, Kapit.
The Sun
2 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.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Joy at Sarawak govt Gawai Day Open House
KUCHING: The sounds of the sape, a traditional musical instrument of the Orang Ulu community, as well as dance performances from various ethnic groups were among the highlights of the Gawai Dayak Day Open House organised by the Sarawak government today. Held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), the event, organised by Orang Ulu leaders, was attended by approximately 3,000 visitors from diverse racial backgrounds. The event, which started from 9 am to 2 pm, was graced by the guests of honour, Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. The programme was also attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Puan Sri Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Ammar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Tian, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala and a line-up of state cabinet ministers. Earlier, the arrival of the guest of honour was accompanied by a parade and a performance of Ngentau Lan'e and Belian Suket by the Sarawak Kenyah National Association (PKKS), which is often sung by the Kenyah community to welcome guests. As the chairman of the Organising Committee, Gerawat, who is also an Orang Ulu of the Kelabit ethnic group, said this year's open house event provides an opportunity for the community to showcase their culture through clothing and performances to the visitors. 'As the main hosts and organisers, we are showcasing our culture to outsiders... not only the Orang Ulu but also other communities such as the Bidayuh and Iban,' he said. Unable to celebrate Gawai Day with her family due to work commitments, Suzanna Nyuak, 32, said the festive occasion was a platform for Sarawakians to celebrate the festival regardless of their race or religion. 'I was on duty as the receptionist for this event, and the warmth of the event was felt when people started coming in. 'For all Sarawakians, especially my family in Kapit, I hope this year's Gawai Day will give meaning to all of us,' said Suzana, who is from Kampung Nanga Ibau, Kapit.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Orang Ulu community hosts state-level Gawai Dayak Open House 2025, drawing thousands
Wan Junaidi (fifth right) leads the toast during the state-level Gawai Dayak Open House with Abang Johari (seventh right), Uggah (sixth right), Gerawat (eighth right) and other guests. – Ukas photo KUCHING (June 1): The state-level Gawai Dayak celebration this year saw the Orang Ulu community take centre stage as hosts of the Gawai Dayak Open House, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, drawing over 3,000 attendees from all walks of life. In attendance were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, along with state and federal dignitaries. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the open house was not only a platform to highlight Dayak culture and traditions, but also a testament to Sarawak's racial harmony. 'Today is an opportunity for us to showcase Dayak culture, tradition and practices, and also to bring all races together. 'We are very happy to have our Head of State, the Premier, leaders as well as people of all races in attendance. This is the true picture of Sarawak,' he told reporters. One of the cultural performances during the open house. – Ukas photo He added that the open house demonstrated the state's cultural diversity and harmony to the rest of Malaysia, and the pride Sarawakians have in their traditions. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, who is also chairman of the organising committee, said the Orang Ulu were proud to be given the opportunity to host this year's state-level celebration. This year, it is our turn to host the celebration, and we are showcasing the Orang Ulu culture together with other major Dayak communities like the Bidayuh and Iban,' he said. He noted that hosting responsibilities for the state-level Gawai celebration rotate among the Dayak communities, with the Iban community scheduled to host next year. He also outlined a series of events held in conjunction with this year's celebration, including the Gawai Bazaar at MJC, Batu Kawa which was held from May 15 to 25, and the upcoming Gawai Dayak 'Niti Daun' Parade on June 21, which will feature 90 cultural troupes parading from Tun Jugah building to the Kuching Waterfront. 'Our guest of honour for the 'Niti Daun' Parade will be our Premier and we welcome everyone to come and join us as the parade is one of the best showcases of our Dayak culture,' he said. More than 3,000 people from all walks of life visited the open house. – Penerangan photo He added that there will also be a Gawai Dayak Gala Dinner on June 22 at BCCK where the Head of State and his wife will serve as guests of honour. 'We have also invited the Prime Minister and Premier to attend,' he added. He said one of the highlights of the dinner will be the Kumang-Keling showcase, with participants from various divisions showcasing their traditional attire as well as other cultural performances.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Kuching's iconic white cat statue dons Orang Ulu attire for Gawai Dayak
The iconic white cat statue dressed and ready for the Gawai Dayak celebration this year adorned in traditional attire inspired by the Orang Ulu tribe. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (May 29): Kuching's iconic White Cat statue is now officially dressed for this year's Gawai Dayak celebration, adorned in traditional attire inspired by the Orang Ulu tribe. Adding a festive touch to the city centre, the statue is outfitted in vibrant garments featuring Sarawak's state colours – yellow, red, and black – alongside cultural motifs that pay tribute to the state's rich indigenous heritage. 'This year, I think you can see that the cat is dressed in an Orang Ulu design, and the colours used are our state colours – yellow, red, and black,' said Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng when met by reporters during the lighting up of the cat statue at the Padungan roundabout this evening. He emphasised that the annual Gawai Dayak festival is more than just a harvest celebration – it is a time to reflect on gratitude and unity among Sarawak's diverse communities. He also highlighted the depth and influence of Dayak culture, especially in the evolution of Sarawak's creative identity over the years. 'In actual fact, our Dayak friends have a very rich cultural heritage. That's why we initially came up with all these designs to be printed on clothing, accessories, and so on. That was almost 20 years ago. 'So you have now what we call Sarawak batik. The Sarawak batik, those motifs in actual fact come from our Dayak tribes. 'They have all their weavings, pua kumbu, some of them come from the beads,' said Wee. Dr Sim (fifth left), Wee (sixth left) and others pose in front of the white cat statue. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad Highlighting the significance of Dayak culture in shaping Sarawak's identity, Wee spoke about its long-standing influence on the state's creative expressions. 'So with Sarawak sort of rich with them with such a rich culture and with rich tradition and all that we continue to celebrate. 'It's important to showcase that this land is not only full of excitement because of its diverse people and ethnic groups, but also because of its rich cultural heritage. 'So let's appreciate all of this whether it's past, present or for the future,' he said. Also present during the lighting up ceremony was Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and several MBKS councillors. cat statue Gawai Kuching MBKS Orang Ulu
