Latest news with #RegattaLepa
Daily Express
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Regatta Lepa more than just a celebration: Liew
Regatta Lepa more than just a celebration: Liew Kota Kinabalu: The annual Regatta Lepa festival in Semporna is not merely a cultural and tourism event but also a symbol of identity, artistry and harmony of the State's diverse communities. State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said this year's event, its 30th edition with the theme Marian Addat Bangsa Ta or Our Cultural Festival, would be a historic milestone. Advertisement 'The State Government remains committed to supporting and empowering culture-based programmes as part of a sustainable and inclusive tourism development strategy. 'Regatta Lepa is not just a tourism event but also a platform to strengthen cultural identity, boost the local economy and unite people from various backgrounds through cultural appreciation,' she said at the launch of the Regatta Lepa 2025, here, Monday. SPONSORED CONTENT Also present were Semporna District Officer Alexander Liew, Senior Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (Kepkas) Muhammad Sufi Kaim who represented the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Senallang Community Development Leader (PPM) Rasdeh Sabardin, Sulabayan District Chief Abdul Majid Palah and Sulabayan PPM Datuk Hajan Gurimbang. Liew highlighted that one of the most significant additions to this year's celebration was the successful hosting of Igalthon on June 21 at Padang Pekan Semporna. Advertisement 'The performance featured 1,000 dancers performing the traditional Igal dance, all dressed in traditional attire and moving gracefully in synchronised choreography. 'What's even more remarkable is that the performance will be recorded in the Malaysia Book of Records as the Largest Igal Dance Performance in Malaysia, and for the Highest Number of Igal Dancers. Advertisement 'This achievement is clear evidence that local culture remains vibrant and can be elevated to the national level, thanks to strong collaboration between the community, government agencies and cultural enthusiasts,' she said. Running from June 24 to 29, the festival features a programme of workshops, symposiums, traditional ceremonies and cultural performances designed to engage locals and visitors alike. Central to the event is the lepa, a traditional single-mast boat, elaborately decorated and paraded along Semporna's waters in a vivid celebration of Bajau craftsmanship. Among the highlights are the Regatta Lepa workshop and symposium at the Tun Sakaran Museum, the Sangom Maglami-lami community celebration and the Ratu Lepa 2025 pageant. Exhibitions by government agencies, local artisans and entrepreneurs will also provide opportunities for cultural exchange and economic growth. The festival will culminate at Dataran Regatta Lepa with a grand parade of ornately decorated lepa boats, followed by the Sangom Mairan evening event featuring an awards ceremony, cultural performances and a fireworks display.
Borneo Post
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Sabah's Regatta Lepa festival brings Bajau maritime heritage to life
Liew (third from left) holding promotion poster of the Regatta Lepa festival. KOTA KINABALU (June 23): The annual Regatta Lepa festival in Semporna is more than just a colourful celebration. Now in its 30th year, the event serves as a vital showcase for the Bajau people's rich maritime culture and traditions, spotlighting a community whose identity is deeply intertwined with the sea. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said the festival symbolises the artistry, heritage and harmony of the state's diverse communities, with this year's theme, Mairan Addat Bangsa Ta or Our Cultural Festival, underscoring the importance of preserving these traditions for future generations. 'Each day of Regatta Lepa features a different programme, so we encourage everyone to come and be part of the celebration. Our government takes this event seriously, as it reflects a beautiful cultural heritage that we want to preserve and continue,' she said at a press conference following the launch of Regatta Lepa 2025 here Monday. She added that in addition to preserving culture, the festival also supports efforts to attract more tourists, which in turn benefits the local economy. Running from June 24 to 29, the festival features a programme of workshops, symposiums, traditional ceremonies and cultural performances designed to engage locals and visitors alike. Central to the event is the lepa, a traditional single-masted boat, elaborately decorated and paraded along Semporna's waters in a vivid celebration of Bajau craftsmanship. Among the highlights are the Regatta Lepa workshop and symposium at the Tun Sakaran Museum, the Sangom Maglami-lami community celebration and the Ratu Lepa 2025 pageant. Exhibitions by government agencies, local artisans and entrepreneurs will also provide opportunities for cultural exchange and economic growth. Earlier this month, the festival set a new Malaysia Book of Records milestone when 1,000 dancers performed the traditional Igal-Igal dance simultaneously during the IGALTHON event, adding to the festival's reputation as a vibrant celebration of heritage. The festival will culminate on June 29 at Dataran Regatta Lepa with a grand parade of ornately decorated lepa boats, followed by the Sangom Mairan evening event featuring an awards ceremony, cultural performances and a fireworks display.
Barnama
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Sabah's Regatta Lepa Festival Brings Bajau Maritime Heritage To Life
KOTA KINABALU, June 23 (Bernama) -- The annual Regatta Lepa festival in Semporna is more than just a colourful celebration. Now in its 30th year, the event serves as a vital showcase for the Bajau people's rich maritime culture and traditions, spotlighting a community whose identity is deeply intertwined with the sea. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said the festival symbolises the artistry, heritage and harmony of the state's diverse communities, with this year's theme, Mairan Addat Bangsa Ta or Our Cultural Festival, underscoring the importance of preserving these traditions for future generations. 'Each day of Regatta Lepa features a different programme, so we encourage everyone to come and be part of the celebration. Our government takes this event seriously, as it reflects a beautiful cultural heritage that we want to preserve and continue,' she said at a press conference following the launch of Regatta Lepa 2025 here today.
The Star
15 hours ago
- General
- The Star
Sabah proposes centre to preserve Bajau cultural heritage
KOTA KINABALU: A dedicated cultural training centre for the Bajau community may soon become a reality to ensure the long-term preservation of the Regatta Lepa heritage, among other cultural aspects. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said in proposing the centre that there is an urgent need for a structured platform to preserve and teach traditional Bajau skills. 'The Regatta Lepa takes place every year and attracts many visitors. But I asked the Semporna District Officer if we have a centre or institution where young people can learn the history and background of this cultural celebration. 'At the moment, some elements are taught in schools, but there is no dedicated space. "That is why I have proposed establishing a heritage or cultural training centre, not just for the Bajau, but for anyone who wants to learn,' she told a press conference here on Monday (June 23) ahead of this weekend's 30th Regatta Lepa in Semporna. She said the proposed centre would offer hands-on instruction in the cultural arts that define the community, including traditional boat design, costume-making, dance choreography and preparation of local dishes. 'Many Bajau cultural practices can be preserved and passed on at such a centre. We want to build a training space that ensures the continuity of Bajau culture and opens it to anyone interested in learning,' she said. Liew stressed that formalising cultural knowledge is essential for its survival. 'Right now, traditional knowledge is mostly passed down within families. But we need a more structured, accessible way to teach and preserve these traditions, similar to how the Kadazandusun community has set up training centres across different districts,' she said. Such an initiative would not only safeguard Sabah's intangible cultural heritage but also create opportunities for cultural tourism and community-based education, she added. "We will work with the (federal) Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry as well as local stakeholders to make it happen," she said. On the Regatta Lepa, Liew said the state government has planned a week-long programme filled with traditional performances, dance, music and food, drawing thousands of visitors to Semporna. 'This celebration has become a major cultural attraction, not just nationally but internationally. It is vital that we give it proper exposure and recognition,' she said. Semporna, which receives over 2,000 tourists daily, is expected to see even larger numbers during the Regatta Lepa period. 'If we maintain good air and sea connectivity, Semporna will remain one of the top destinations in Sabah,' Liew said.
Daily Express
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Regatta Lepa Festival brings Bajau maritime heritage to life
Published on: Monday, June 23, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 23, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: For illustrative purposes only. - Filepic by Bernama KOTA KINABALU: The annual Regatta Lepa festival in Semporna is more than just a colourful celebration. Now in its 30th year, the event serves as a vital showcase for the Bajau people's rich maritime culture and traditions, spotlighting a community whose identity is deeply intertwined with the sea. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said the festival symbolises the artistry, heritage and harmony of the state's diverse communities, with this year's theme, Mairan Addat Bangsa Ta or Our Cultural Festival, underscoring the importance of preserving these traditions for future generations. 'Each day of Regatta Lepa features a different programme, so we encourage everyone to come and be part of the celebration. Our government takes this event seriously, as it reflects a beautiful cultural heritage that we want to preserve and continue,' she said at a press conference following the launch of Regatta Lepa 2025 here today. She added that in addition to preserving culture, the festival also supports efforts to attract more tourists, which in turn benefits the local economy. Running from June 24 to 29, the festival features a programme of workshops, symposiums, traditional ceremonies and cultural performances designed to engage locals and visitors alike. Central to the event is the lepa, a traditional single-masted boat, elaborately decorated and paraded along Semporna's waters in a vivid celebration of Bajau craftsmanship. Advertisement Among the highlights are the Regatta Lepa workshop and symposium at the Tun Sakaran Museum, the Sangom Maglami-lami community celebration and the Ratu Lepa 2025 pageant. Exhibitions by government agencies, local artisans and entrepreneurs will also provide opportunities for cultural exchange and economic growth. Earlier this month, the festival set a new Malaysia Book of Records milestone when 1,000 dancers performed the traditional Igal-Igal dance simultaneously during the IGALTHON event, adding to the festival's reputation as a vibrant celebration of heritage. The festival will culminate on June 29 at Dataran Regatta Lepa with a grand parade of ornately decorated lepa boats, followed by the Sangom Mairan evening event featuring an awards ceremony, cultural performances and a fireworks display. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
