Latest news with #SDNUSibu
The Star
4 days ago
- General
- The Star
Heritage parade proposed for Sibu's Gawai celebrations
Doris hitting the gong to officiate the Sibu Pre-Gawai Ceremony. AN Iban traditional cultural programme called 'Niti Daun' has been proposed for future Gawai Dayak celebrations in Sibu, Sarawak. The cultural parade aims to showcase the richness of Dayak heritage while fostering harmony among the various ethnic groups in Sibu. Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Sibu and Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu have expressed their intentions to organise the programme. SIDS Sibu chairman Angelyn Uchi Maseng said the initiative was a significant effort to introduce the uniqueness of Dayak culture to the public. 'Many other areas have successfully implemented similar programmes. 'We believe Sibu is equally capable of making 'Niti Daun' an annual event that is eagerly anticipated,' she said at the Sibu pre-Gawai ceremony. The event, organised by Sibu Dayak Gawai Committee in collaboration with SDNU Sibu, SIDS Sibu, Orang Ulu National Association (Ouna) Sibu and Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Sibu, was attended by about 1,500 guests. Uchi said SIDS Sibu and SDNU Sibu were prepared to be main organisers of the 'Niti Daun' programme, but financial support was needed. 'We hope that elected representatives and relevant agencies will support us with the necessary funding to make this a reality,' she said. She also expressed appreciation for the community's continued support in preserving Dayak culture through participation in traditional activities such as the Bertaboh, Ngajat and Manduk Tuak competitions organised by the committee. Sri Aman MP Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodie, who served as the Tuai Pengabang (guest of honour), said the Gawai celebration was a symbol of gratitude for the results of hard work throughout the year in farming, especially padi planting. 'Gawai teaches us to appreciate the blessings of the fruits that are bestowed. 'This is also in line with the value of unity. When we work together, we reap success together,' she said. She added that the Dayak pre-Gawai ceremony was important in strengthening relationships between communities. Also present were Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana, political secretaries to the Sarawak Premier Susan Clement Ingun and William Anut, SIDS president Datuk Alice Jawan and Iban community leader Temenggong Stanley Gramong.
Borneo Post
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Bahagia Jaya Unit dominates SDNU-SIDS traditional dance contest at Sibu's Gawai Bazaar Carnival
Chambai (fourth left) and Anyie (third left) pose for a photo-call with the winning troupe Bahagia Jaya Unit of SDNU Sibu, taken during the prize-presentation. SIBU (May 10): The Bahagia Jaya Unit of the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu swept top honours in both the 'Betaboh' and Men's Ngajat categories at the SDNU-Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) traditional dance competition. The programme took place at the Taman Tasik Permai Food Court here on Friday night, held in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak Bazaar Carnival. Their victory in the 'Betaboh' event earned them a certificate of appreciation, a trophy, and a cash prize of RM800. The Boungenvilla Unit placed second, bagging RM600, followed by Ulu Salim Unit at third place with RM400. SIDS Sibu Tanjung Penasu Area secured fourth place, receiving a certificate, a trophy, and a consolation prize of RM50. In the Men's Ngajat category, Bahagia Jaya Unit continued its winning streak with a first-place finish, earning RM300 and a trophy. Boungenvilla Unit secured second place and received RM250, and Rantau Panjai Unit came third with RM200. The consolation prize for fourth place was awarded to Menyan Unit, with RM50. In the Women's Ngajat category, Ulu Salim Unit emerged as champion, receiving RM300, a certificate, and a trophy. SIDS Sibu Tanjung Penasu Area took second place and earned RM250, followed by SIDS Sibu Seduan Jaya Area in third, with RM200. SIDS Sibu Rantau Panjai Area received a consolation completing the list of top teams, with a consolation prize of RM50. In his remarks, SDNU Sibu Cultural Bureau chairman Anyie Angking emphasised the importance of reintroducing traditional games and arts to the younger generation as a means of nurturing cultural pride. 'The response from the youth has been very encouraging, showing that they still appreciate our artistic heritage, particularly the Iban culture,' he said. The event also served as a platform for showcasing artistic talents and bridging generational ties within the Dayak community in Sibu. Prizes were presented by SDNU Sibu chairman Chambai Lindong and Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy secretary Sait Enggang. Also in attendance were SMC councillors Augustine Merikan and Sammy Ngelambai. Bahagia Jaya Unit Dayak SDNU SIDS traditional dance competition
The Star
24-04-2025
- The Star
Sibu workshop helps Bahasa Iban teachers use AI in lessons
Chambai (second from left) presenting a workshop certificate to a participant. With him are (from right) Nicola and Ricky. TO MAKE Bahasa Iban more appealing to students, the Sibu branch of the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) has called on educators to use modern technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), in teaching the language. SDNU chairman Chambai Lindong said teaching techniques had come a long way from the traditional chalk-and-blackboard methods used in the past. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of a three-day SDNU Sibu workshop organised by the Education Ministry (MOE) and Sarawak Education Department. 'The workshop was held to introduce and share skills as well as best practices for incorporating AI tools in Bahasa Iban lessons in today's digital era,' said Chambai. The programme, he said, also aimed to enhance students' interest in learning Bahasa Iban. 'Using interactive videos and apps can make learning more engaging and enjoyable. 'While animations might be complex, simple videos and visual aids can definitely spark interest in the language.' Chambai also urged teachers to take part in similar initiatives run by MOE or non-governmental organisations. 'Holding such programmes isn't easy due to challenges such as limited funding and resources. 'Nevertheless, I hope other SDNU branches and Dayak associations across Sarawak will work with the relevant partners in hosting similar activities, especially to promote and strengthen the Iban language,' he added. Chambai expressed gratitude to Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew for contributing funds that helped make the workshop possible. He said the SDNU Sibu branch was keeping pace with digital developments by integrating AI into various initiatives. The workshop drew 39 teachers from primary schools and eight teachers from secondary schools in Sibu. Also present at the workshop were Sarawak Education Department assistant director (learning sector) Ricky Adon Chuat, MOE Educational Technology Division assistant director Nicola Sigat and SDNU Sibu vice-chairman and education bureau head Johnady Janton.
