Latest news with #SnowdanLawan
The Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Short film shot at Niah National Park premiering this Father's Day
KUCHING: A short film shot entirely at Niah National Park is set to be released on Father's Day this Sunday (June 15). "Space Between" not only showcases Sarawak's natural beauty but also portrays the relationship between a father and his young daughter as they explore their heritage of harvesting birds' nests in the depths of the Niah Caves. Produced by 21 Ways Film, a Sarawakian production house, the film is believed to be the first to be shot on location at Niah National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site. State Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan said initiatives like this reflected the growing creativity and confidence in Sarawak's film industry, as more filmmakers sought to tell stories rooted in the state's landscapes and traditions. "I would like to commend the team behind 21 Ways Film for their effort and commitment in producing this film. "Their work demonstrates the kind of homegrown storytelling that highlights Sarawak's unique identity, culture and talent," he said at the premiere screening of "Space Between" here on Monday. Snowdan said the film was supported by the ministry's tourism, heritage and creative industry facilitation fund, which was established to encourage growth across the creative, tourism and performing arts sectors. Looking ahead, he hoped that "Space Between" would be considered for submission to international film festivals. "This will be a way to further showcase Sarawak's unique stories and landscapes as well as the capabilities of our local creative talents. "Platforms like these offer opportunities for exposure, growth and connection with the wider world and we fully encourage our filmmakers to be bold in reaching beyond our borders," Snowdan said. Director Danish Busmah described "Space Between" as a deeply personal story about a father and daughter. "Behind the film lies something real, our collective desire as Sarawakians to tell stories that come from our heritage and lived experiences," he said. The 12-minute film features local actors Julai Billie as the father Jon and Darweesha Dasuki as his daughter Sara. It will be shown on TVS (Channel 122 on Astro, MYTV and Unifi TV) at 5.30pm on June 15.
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.
Malay Mail
23-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Only 14 forts remain: Sarawak pushes Unesco bid to preserve Brooke-era landmarks, cultural legacy
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 (MOTAC), 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
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
Borneo Post
08-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak deputy minister reminds NGOs to use MRP funds for core activities
Snowdan (right) presents the MRP cheque worth RM20,000 to SDNU information officer Churchill Drem. KUCHING (May 8): Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been reminded to spend minor rural project (MRP) funds allocated to them for their core purposes. State Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said it would defeat the purpose of presenting funds to the NGOs if said monies are not used as intended. 'Although we don't monitor how these funds are being used, we do hope they are only used for the NGOs' core purposes. 'For instance, investing the funds in fixed deposits may seem prudent on the surface, but it is not a wise use of the funds. Thus, it defeats the purpose,' he said. The Balai Ringin assemblyman had on Monday presented a total of RM125,000 in MRP funds to nine NGOs, including the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU). He had pledged the allocation to SDNU during the union's Christmas gathering here last year. funds MRP ngos SDNU Snowdan Lawan spend
