Latest news with #YayasanPerpaduanSarawak
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Foundation features ‘Sape Ambassadors' at Borneo Native Fest in KL
Volunteers gather for a group photo at the YPS booth, open throughout the Borneo Native Festival at the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur. KUCHING (May 23): Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS) is now at the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur for the three-day Borneo Native Festival (BNF), running until May 25. The foundation's participation at this cultural and heritage gathering marks its first appearance outside Sarawak, bringing together its 'Sape Ambassadors'. 'Our participation at this festival is very much awaited and the stage performance is our first away from home,' said a YPS spokesman in a statement today. 'The Sape Ambassadors have their followers in Sarawak and they have been well received for their unique stage presentation.' The 'Sape Ambassadors' have gained prominence in Sarawak after numerous public performances, including at the Borneo Cultural Festival, an international tourism event held in Sibu last year, and also their last concert at the closing of the annual Kaul Mukah Festival earlier this month. The 'Sape Ambassadors' are a group of talented musical youths, trained in sape, the traditional boat lute of the Orang Ulu. 'These 'Ambassadors' comprise youths representing all races in Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, including representation from the Orang Asli community. 'They adorn their colourful traditional costumes playing the sape to the beat to local favourite songs in all languages in Malaysia including Mandarin, Kadazan-Dusun, Orang Asli and Tamil, besides the various Sarawak's indigenous languages. 'Their songs are local favourites, including oldies and other community hits like the Iban's 'Berkikis Bulu Betis', Kadazan-Dusun's 'Anak Kampung' and the Mandarin version of 'Mei Lan Wo Ai Ni'. 'This makes for a unique musical presentation; hence, the adoption of the stage theme 'Rhythm of Unity',' the spokesman added. Backed-up by Amir Hamzah from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), the 'Sape Ambassadors' stand as one of YPS signature projects in its nationwide 'Unity in Diversity' promotion. These Ambassadors are performing at the BNF in KL's Central Market today, from 4pm to 5pm. The spokesman added: 'YPS will have a booth located at the festival site where a mini exhibition featuring YPS's vision and mission and its activity promotions. 'We also invite everyone to a special 'Jum Kelaka Sarawak' (Let's Speak Sarawak) session, taking place at the booth throughout the festival where you can polish up your colloquial Sarawak dialects.' Entry to the festival is free. Borneo Native Festival Sape Ambassadors Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak YPS
Borneo Post
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak deems Kaul Mukah a symbol of shared identity
Sape Ensemble by YPS Sape Ambassadors during Konsert Malam Perpaduan Kaul Mukah. KUCHING (May 9): Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS) has deemed the recent Kaul Mukah 2025 a symbol of shared identity. During YPS' much-anticipated Konsert Malam Perpaduan, which closed the festival on April 27, YPS chief executive Datu Aloysius J Dris said such cultural platforms support social cohesion. 'Kaul is more than a festival, it is a symbol of shared identity, a time to reflect on our roots, and an opportunity to bring people together,' he said in a statement. He said the presence of Deputy Economy Minister and Mukah MP Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib as well as Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine underscored the government's strong support for cultural platforms that promote social cohesion. Dris also thanked Persatuan Melanau Mukah and the organising committee for their commitment to preserving cultural traditions while fostering unity. Memories captured with all the VIP guests, YPS Sape Ambassadors, and orchestra POTRES. Royston praised the evening's showcase, which included youth talents. 'Congratulations to Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak for organising the Konsert Malam Perpaduan Kaul Mukah, which successfully showcased an array of vibrant performances, especially by young local talents, and demonstrated the strong collaboration among all parties involved to ensure the concert's smooth execution,' he said. Royston added that the Konsert Malam Perpaduan Kaul Mukah has succeeded in nurturing unity in diversity by gathering local talents and featuring performances from various ethnic backgrounds, creating a space for inter-cultural interaction. More than 800 people gathered under the stars at Tapak Kaul in Mukah to attend the concert themed 'Rhythm of Unity', which captivated the audience with a rich blend of traditional and contemporary performances celebrating Sarawak's multicultural identity. A highlight of the night was the performance by the YPS Sape Ambassadors, whose fusion of traditional Sape melodies with modern instrumentation captivated the audience. Adding an inspiring multicultural layer, YPS also brought in its ambassadors from Peninsular Malaysia, including an Orang Asli from Perak and an Indian performer from Selangor, who shared the stage with their Sarawakian peers. Their performance was a vivid expression of national unity transcending geographical and ethnic lines. The concert was not only a musical success but a meaningful platform for cultural expression and mutual understanding. 'I believe this concert successfully fostered national unity by bringing together audiences from various ethnic backgrounds,' said YPS sape ambassador Muhammad Ikhmal, who comes from the Sekapan community. 'It's a chance for us to mingle with individuals of different races, it strengthens our bonds and allows us to explore techniques in playing the sape. Beyond just performing, it teaches us to be confident, to face our audience, and creating self-assurance in what we do,' added fellow ambassador Dexter Godwin, who is Iban. An Orang Asli YPS sape ambassador sings 'Bunga Kantat and Nanai Bengsat'. Persatuan Melanau Mukah secretary Mazira Ramli, who also served as secretary of the Kaul Mukah 2025 main organising committee, reflected on the broader impact of the event. 'Yes, I believe this concert has succeeded in nurturing unity in diversity. Through a combination of performances across races, languages, and cultures, it not only showcased the heritage of each community but also created a space for mutual understanding and appreciation of our differences. 'The warm reception from various segments of society shows a strong interest in unity-based events. The large turnout is a testament to the event's success. This concert has effectively planted the values of tolerance, unity, and compassion among Malaysians. It is also an important platform to foster goodwill in a creative way' she added. Stanford delivers a showstopping performance. Internationally acclaimed singer and 27th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) gold medallist Stanford Ryan delivered a show-stopping performance, while the dynamic Sibu D'Tari dance troupe got the crowd moving during an interactive mengarang dance session, igniting joy and camaraderie among attendees of all ages. In addition to the lively atmosphere on the ground, the concert garnered strong engagement online. The live streaming of the event via YPS's official Facebook page reached 10,996 people, with 14.2K views, 463 reactions, and 84 shares as of the time of writing—an impressive digital footprint that extended the spirit of unity far beyond Mukah. More than just a concert, Konsert Malam Perpaduan was a heartfelt tribute to Sarawak's living cultural legacy. It stood as a reminder that music, dance, and shared experiences can weave a powerful tapestry of understanding and unity—one beat at a time. A YPS sape ambassador from Selangor sings 'Chamkeela angeelesi' during the concert.
Borneo Post
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Kaul Mukah 2025 wraps up with special Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak concert
Hanifah (front centre) is seen with the organising committee and performers. Dris is at front second left. MUKAH (April 28): Kaul Mukah 2025 wrapped up its programme last night with a unique musical performance by Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS). The special performance was themed 'Fostering Unity, Celebrating Diversity, and Preserving Cultural Heritage in Sarawak'. 'The performance, held at the main stage of Tapak Kaul Mukah, was warmly received by thousands of visitors, marking the end of this annual festival that began on April 19. 'Through a blend of traditional dances, ethnic music, and songs promoting unity, YPS showcased the richness of Sarawak's cultural diversity in an emotionally and spiritually engaging presentation,' Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine said in Sarawak Public Communication Unit report. Founded on May 16, 1994, Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak is a non-profit organisation committed to fostering and maintaining unity, harmony, and peaceful relations among Sarawak's diverse communities. Royston said he hoped YPS will continue playing a vital role in building an inclusive and respectful society. 'Their participation in this year's Kaul Mukah aims to strengthen public understanding of the importance of embracing different cultures while instilling a sense of pride in the region's heritage,' said Royston. Kaul Mukah, a traditional Melanau celebration, continues to grow as a platform showcasing the richness of local culture while attracting tourists from within Malaysia and abroad. With its creative performances and powerful message of unity, Kaul Mukah 2025 ends on a meaningful note, underscoring cultural heritage as the heart of peace and harmony in Sarawak. Among those present at the event were Deputy Minister of Economy and Mukah MP Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, Mukah Resident Datu Kueh Ley Poh, YPS chief executive Datu Aloysius J Dris, Mukah District Officer Peleadzman Ahip, and Mukah police chief DSP Muhamad Rizal Alias.
Borneo Post
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak's Sape Ambassadors to perform ‘Rhythm of Unity' concert at Kaul Mukah
The YPS Sape Ambassadors will perform the concert themed 'Rhythms of Unity' at Kaul Mukah 2025. KUCHING (April 25): Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS) will present its Konsert Malam Perpaduan themed 'Rhythm of Unity' on Sunday (April 27) in conjunction with Kaul Mukah 2025. a The musical showcase celebrating Sarawak's unity, culture, and the vibrant spirit will take place at the main stage of Tapak Kaul Mukah. A press release today said it will be an unforgettable evening featuring the harmonious blend of traditional and modern music, highlighting Sarawak's spirit of unity in diversity. It is a follow up to the tremendous acceptance by the audience at last year's performance, which resonated deeply with locals and left a lasting impression on the festival. This year, the concert returns even stronger with bolder performances and a renewed mission to bring the people together. The YPS Sape Ambassadors will take centre stage, rendering the soulful sounds of the sape with an ensemble of traditional and contemporary musical instruments, presenting rhythms that bridge ethnic heritage and modern artistry. Adding a meaningful layer to this year's concert, YPS will also feature ambassadors from Peninsular Malaysia – an Orang Asli ambassador from Perak and an Indian ambassador from Selangor. These talented individuals will perform alongside their fellow ambassadors from Sarawak, symbolising true Malaysian unity that transcends geography and ethnicity. 'Kaul is a celebration rooted in Melanau tradition and it's a time to honour their culture, heritage, and identity. We believe this concert is a wonderful platform to promote unity and diversity, allowing Sarawakians of all races and even visitors from outside the state to experience the richness of Melanau culture and the many other ethnic traditions that make Sarawak unique,' said a YPS spokesperson. There will also be special guest performances including by internationally-acclaimed Stanford Ryan, gold medallist at the 27th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in the United States, and the energetic Sibu D'Tari dance troupe, who will be lead a crowd-favourite interactive 'mengarang' dance segment with the audience. Entrance to the concert under the stars is free.
