Latest news with #Snowdan
Daily Express
24-05-2025
- Daily Express
Seeking Unesco recognition for Brooke-era forts
Published on: Saturday, May 24, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 24, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Fort Margherita, currently the Brooke Gallery, is one of the 14 surviving forts. KUCHING: Sarawak is pursuing recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) for its Fort Trails initiative, which showcases the historical and cultural legacy of 23 forts dating back to the Brooke era. The initiative was among the main topics discussed during a recent courtesy visit by Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, to Unesco Headquarters in Paris, France. In a statement Friday, the ministry said Fort Trails represents more than just architectural conservation, as it also embodies the oral traditions and collective memories of Sarawak's multiethnic communities. 'The forts were often built with the support of local communities who contributed belian timber, labour, food, and knowledge of the terrain. Their stories have been passed down through generations,' said Snowdan. Of the 23 historical forts, only 14 remain standing. However, the state regards both the surviving structures and the intangible cultural heritage linked to them as a vital part of Sarawak's identity. Snowdan said the ministry would collaborate with the National Heritage Department, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac), and Malaysia's Permanent Delegation to Unesco to pursue the recognition. Advertisement He also shared Sarawak's aspirations during a meeting with Secretary of the Unesco Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fumiko Ohinata, noting plans to eventually nominate other cultural practices from the state's 34 ethnic communities. In a separate discussion with Unesco World Heritage Centre Deputy Director Jyoti Hosagrahar, Snowdan spoke about the relevance of the Unesco Culture 2030 Indicators to Sarawak's development goals. 'We see the inscription of Niah Caves as a World Heritage Site not only as a celebration of our ancient history but also as a platform to promote sustainable crafts and local livelihoods,' he said.
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Sarawak seeks Unesco recognition for Brooke-era forts
File photo of Fort Margherita in Kuching. – Bernama photo KUCHING (May 23): Sarawak is pursuing recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) for its Fort Trails initiative, which showcases the historical and cultural legacy of 23 forts dating back to the Brooke era. The initiative was among the main topics discussed during a recent courtesy visit by Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, to Unesco Headquarters in Paris, France. In a statement today, the ministry said Fort Trails represents more than just architectural conservation, as it also embodies the oral traditions and collective memories of Sarawak's multiethnic communities. 'The forts were often built with the support of local communities who contributed belian timber, labour, food, and knowledge of the terrain. Their stories have been passed down through generations,' said Snowdan. Of the 23 historical forts, only 14 remain standing. However, the state regards both the surviving structures and the intangible cultural heritage linked to them as a vital part of Sarawak's identity. Snowdan said the ministry would collaborate with the National Heritage Department, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Malaysia's Permanent Delegation to Unesco to pursue the recognition. He also shared Sarawak's aspirations during a meeting with Secretary of the Unesco Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fumiko Ohinata, noting plans to eventually nominate other cultural practices from the state's 34 ethnic communities. In a separate discussion with Unesco World Heritage Centre Deputy Director Jyoti Hosagrahar, Snowdan spoke about the relevance of the Unesco Culture 2030 Indicators to Sarawak's development goals. 'We see the inscription of Niah Caves as a World Heritage Site not only as a celebration of our ancient history but also as a platform to promote sustainable crafts and local livelihoods,' he said. – Bernama Brooke Era Fort Trails lead sarawak Snowdan Unesco
The Star
23-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Sarawak seeking Unesco recognition for Brooke-era forts
Kuching's Fort Margherita, currently the Brooke Gallery, is one of 14 surviving forts from the era. – filepic KUCHING: Sarawak is pursuing recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) for its Fort Trails initiative, which showcases the historical and cultural legacy of 23 forts dating back to the Brooke era. The initiative was among the main topics discussed during a recent courtesy visit by state Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan to Unesco headquarters in Paris. In a statement Friday (May 23), his ministry said Fort Trails represents more than just architectural conservation, as it also embodies the oral traditions and collective memories of Sarawak's multi-ethnic communities. "The forts were often built with the support of local communities who contributed belian timber, labour, food, and knowledge of the terrain. Their stories have been passed down through generations,' said Snowdan. Of the 23 historical forts, only 14 remain standing. However, the state regards both the surviving structures and the intangible cultural heritage linked to them as a vital part of Sarawak's identity. Snowdan said the ministry would collaborate with the National Heritage Department, the federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, and Malaysia's Permanent Delegation to Unesco to pursue the recognition. He also shared Sarawak's aspirations during a meeting with Unesco Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage secretary Fumiko Ohinata, noting plans to eventually nominate other cultural practices from the state's 34 ethnic communities. In a separate discussion with Unesco World Heritage Centre deputy director Jyoti Hosagrahar, Snowdan spoke about the relevance of the Unesco Culture 2030 Indicators to Sarawak's development goals. "We see the inscription of Niah Caves as a World Heritage Site not only as a celebration of our ancient history but also as a platform to promote sustainable crafts and local livelihoods,' he said. – Bernama
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak to launch revamped Tribe Legacy campaign at IMEX Frankfurt 2025
(From third left) Amelia, Snowdan and others pose for a photocall, taken during a press conference at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 in Germany to announce BESarawak's global transformative legacy. – Photo courtesy of BESarawak KUCHING (May 22): Sarawak's return to IMEX Frankfurt 2025 from May 20 to 22 will see the global launch of Business Events Sarawak's (BESarawak) revamped Tribe Legacy campaign, anchored by the compelling new tagline 'Driving Impact Together'. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the campaign was first launched nationally earlier this year and made its regional debut at The Meetings Show Asia Pacific (TMS APAC) 2025 in Singapore last month. 'Now, at IMEX 2025, we mark its global launch – expanding its reach to the international stage. 'This reinforces Sarawak's commitment to legacy-driven business events on an international scale, ensuring that every event contributes to economic growth, knowledge exchange, sustainability, and community advancement,' he said in a press release from BESarawak. Adding on, Snowdan said the Sarawak government has consistently led the way in advancing green economy and sustainable energy, and now reinforces this commitment with the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030. Set to be launched at the end of May, he added that this blueprint will serve as a strategic roadmap for Sarawak's transition to a green economy. 'By championing legacy impact, Sarawak fully supports and strengthens the business events sector with BESarawak, ensuring that events contribute to long-term economic, environmental, and social progress.' Meanwhile, BESarawak chief executive officer Amelia Roziman said BESarawak's presence at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 marks a significant milestone in its journey as a global leader in legacy-driven business events. She explained that BESarawak is nearing the end of its Legacy Impact Master Action Plan (Legacy MAP) 2023-2025, with the goal of transforming Sarawak into the Legacy Capital of Business Events in Malaysia and Borneo by 2030. 'We are ahead of schedule with our initiatives under the Legacy MAP 2023-2025. For example, the Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards has evolved to include participation at a global scale. 'This early progress is a testament to our commitment to reinforce Sarawak as the legacy capital for business events in Malaysia and Borneo by 2030,' she said. She added that BESarawak is committed to positioning Sarawak as the capital of legacy through three transformative initiatives, such as the Intelligent Impact Management System, Legacy360, and Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards (BILA). 'Our three key offerings – Legacy360, and BILA 2025 – are complementary to each other towards a holistic framework to enhance the long-term impact of business events, starting first with Sarawak and then the world.' BESarawak IMEX Frankfurt 2025 lead Snowdan Tribe Legacy
Borneo Post
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Step up promotion of kuntau among young Ibans, association told
Snowdan (standing front, sixth left) and Basil, on his right, join other guests in a group photo with Sikar members. KUCHING (May 12): Sarawak Iban Kuntau Association (Sikar) needs to intensify the promotion of this traditional martial art to the younger members of the community. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan, in making this call, regards the 'kuntau' as much a part of the Iban heritage and identity as the language. The Balai Ringin assemblyman also points out that the martial art holds creative elements to justify its preservation and protection by the state government. 'The Chinese have their 'kung fu', the Malays their silat, and the Ibans, their 'kuntau'. 'I see these martial arts as tools to identity these respective races,' he said in his opening speech for Sikar's annual dinner at a hotel here last Saturday. Adding on, Snowdan noted that other Dayak groups had welcomed Iban kuntau because of its practicality across the aspects of athleticism, aesthetics and self-defence. 'In this regard, Sikar is now tasked with grouping all kuntau enthusiasts all over Sarawak, improving the training programmes and promoting it to youths.' Snowdan also encouraged all NGOs to apply for financial assistance from his ministry. 'There is the annual RM10 million allocation meant for NGOs, including Sikar, to facilitate them in holding core activities, as well as another RM50 million annual fund meant to assist any NGO planning to hold significant festivals.' Later, Snowdan pledged RM10,000 for Sikar to finance its various activities. In addition, the state deputy minister also called upon Sikar members to come and provide moral support to the ministry-endorsed Mr Keling Borneo International 2025 Championship, to be staged at the Summermall Kota Samarahan this May 17. 'Almost all well-known Dayak athletes, from the past era to the present day, are expected to attend the event,' he added. Meanwhile, Sikar president Basil Laman Amin in his welcoming remarks said for now, there are 50 'kelang' (kuntau training centres) across Sarawak under the purview of the association. 'Our Sabahan counterparts have also expressed intention to collaborate with Sikar in holding major programmes in the near future,' he added. Also present at the dinner were Akademi Sarawak Dayak Iban Association head Mabong Uggang and Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) information chief Churchill E Drem – both co-founders of Sikar. kuntau lead martial arts Sarawak Iban Kuntau Association Snowdan Lawan
