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RiamTec students blend culture with compassion in Gawai do

RiamTec students blend culture with compassion in Gawai do

Borneo Post12 hours ago

Goh (right) presents a memento to Lau.
MIRI (June 29): Students of Riam Institute of Technology (RiamTec) brought new meaning to their Gawai celebration by hosting a vibrant campus event that blended cultural heritage with community service.
Spearheaded by the RiamTec Student Council, the Gawai Charity Event 2025 meant to raise funds and awareness for Zero Stray Miri, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection and care of stray animals.
Representing the state Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Councillor Victor Lau officiated at the event, which he hailed as 'a powerful example of youth-led change, combining cultural celebration with civic responsibility'.
'By championing the welfare of stray animals, you are showing that compassion and care are values that should be embedded in all living beings in our society.'
Organising chairman Austin Liew, meanwhile, extended his appreciation to everyone who supported the event, including the lecturers, alumni and fellow students.
'This year, we celebrate Gawai while giving back to the community.'
The celebration featured a lively cultural showcase, including a sape showcase, 'Kumang' and 'Keling' pageants, and a variety of multicultural performances.
Also present were RiamTec assistant chief executive officer Richard Liu, Riam Road Secondary School principal Kong Pei Chuen, and RiamTec manager Beryl Goh. Gawai lead Lee Kim Shin RiamTec

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RiamTec students blend culture with compassion in Gawai do
RiamTec students blend culture with compassion in Gawai do

Borneo Post

time12 hours ago

  • Borneo Post

RiamTec students blend culture with compassion in Gawai do

Goh (right) presents a memento to Lau. MIRI (June 29): Students of Riam Institute of Technology (RiamTec) brought new meaning to their Gawai celebration by hosting a vibrant campus event that blended cultural heritage with community service. Spearheaded by the RiamTec Student Council, the Gawai Charity Event 2025 meant to raise funds and awareness for Zero Stray Miri, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection and care of stray animals. Representing the state Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Councillor Victor Lau officiated at the event, which he hailed as 'a powerful example of youth-led change, combining cultural celebration with civic responsibility'. 'By championing the welfare of stray animals, you are showing that compassion and care are values that should be embedded in all living beings in our society.' Organising chairman Austin Liew, meanwhile, extended his appreciation to everyone who supported the event, including the lecturers, alumni and fellow students. 'This year, we celebrate Gawai while giving back to the community.' The celebration featured a lively cultural showcase, including a sape showcase, 'Kumang' and 'Keling' pageants, and a variety of multicultural performances. Also present were RiamTec assistant chief executive officer Richard Liu, Riam Road Secondary School principal Kong Pei Chuen, and RiamTec manager Beryl Goh. Gawai lead Lee Kim Shin RiamTec

‘Birarak' and Bidayuh pride
‘Birarak' and Bidayuh pride

The Star

time4 days ago

  • The Star

‘Birarak' and Bidayuh pride

Simon (second from right) and Johannes (right) greeting the parade participants. KAMPUNG Taee, a Bidayuh village near Serian in Sarawak, came alive in a vibrant spectacle of culture, heritage and unity at its annual Gawai parade. Known as 'Birarak', the 5km parade took place on June 1 as Sarawak's Dayak community – comprising the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu – celebrated the Gawai harvest festival. The annual Gawai parade at Kampung Taee was a colourful showcase of Bidayuh culture. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star Dressed in traditional finery, the participants made their way through the village, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of gongs and drums. Among them were 14 Bidayuh beauty queens in traditional costumes, symbolising the grace and elegance of their cultural heritage, as well as a number of participants in warrior regalia. Parade participants performing a traditional dance along the route. Households along the route greeted the parade with enthusiasm, offering traditional snacks and drinks to the participants in a spirit of communal hospitality. 'This is the 55th time that the parade has taken place since 1970,' organising chairman Johannes Ridu said. Parade participants chatting with a visitor during the Gawai celebration at Kampung Taee. 'We hold it to celebrate the harvest festival every year and to thank the Almighty for a bountiful harvest for Kampung Taee.' Participants in warrior regalia walking along the parade route through Kampung Taee. Altogether some 3,000 people joined the festivities, including visitors and foreign tourists. Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang, who was the guest of honour, said the strong turnout reflected the community's pride in their heritage. Households along the route offering traditional snacks and drinks to the participants in a spirit of communal hospitality. He said the presence of many visitors also showcased Sarawak's unity in diversity. 'Gawai is a festival we all look forward to every year, not only by the Dayaks. If you look around, we have people from all races coming here to celebrate. Elly took part in the parade to promote her Bidayuh heritage. 'This is something unique to Sarawak. Although we come from different races and religions, we can gather during Gawai to celebrate together,' he said. Simon also said Sarawakians are known for their friendliness and hospitality in welcoming guests to their festive celebrations. Dressed in traditional finery, the participants made their way through the village, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of gongs and drums. 'We welcome everyone to enjoy the Gawai celebration throughout Sarawak,' he added. Elly Eugenia Gavin, one of the beauty queens in the parade, took pride in the opportunity to promote her Bidayuh heritage. Bidayuh warriors performing a traditional dance. The 23-year-old student said the parade is a way to introduce Bidayuh culture to a wider audience beyond Sarawak. 'By taking part in the parade, I get to showcase my Bidayuh traditional attire, which I believe can attract the interest of tourists. Villagers getting ready for the annual Gawai parade at Kampung Taee.- ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star 'The younger generation like myself can also use social media to promote awareness and appreciation of our culture and traditions,' she said. Japanese visitor Yushi Itagaki, who attended the parade with his mother Sachiyo, said they enjoyed their first experience of the event. Villagers performing a traditional dance during the Gawai parade. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star 'I can see a lot of local culture here,' he said. Sachiyo said that they missed last year's parade as they went to Kampung Taee on June 2. 'They told us to come on June 1 this year so that we won't miss it again. It's very exciting to be here watching the parade,' she said.

High demand for traditional dances
High demand for traditional dances

The Star

time5 days ago

  • The Star

High demand for traditional dances

Energetic show: A file photo showing a lion dance performance by the Nam Wah Kangkar Pulai Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe. JOHOR BARU: Traditional dance groups are expecting an increase in demand for cultural performances next year in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026. Persatuan Anak Seni Sarawak founder and president Rosalind Kamis said interest in Sarawakian and Sabahan culture has been growing in Peninsular Malaysia. 'For now, we have not received any confirmed bookings for next year, but I believe they will start coming in as we get closer to Gawai next year. 'Usually, the demand for cultural performances from Sabah and Sarawak sees a spike from the end of May until the middle of July. 'I think it will be the same next year, but perhaps the numbers may be higher as more cultural events are expected to be held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026,' she said. She said though Gawai falls on June 1 and 2, and Kaamatan on May 30 and 31, the festivals in Sarawak and Sabah respectively are typically celebrated throughout the month. Rosalind, a Lun Bawang from Limbang, Sarawak, who lives in Kuala Lumpur, said she has noticed growing interest among people from the peninsula to learn traditional dances. 'In the past, the majority of those attending our workshops (with Persatuan Anak Seni Sarawak) were Sarawakians or Sabahans residing in Peninsular Malaysia. 'But now, many people from the peninsula have also joined in,' said the traditional dance performer, who is also a fashion designer. Meanwhile, Nam Wah Kangkar Pulai Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe president Datuk Teoh Booi Fooi said they were also anticipating more bookings next year. 'Even this year, we are already seeing an increase in requests for performances during cultural events and officiating ceremonies. The demand comes not only from the Chinese community, but also from others who want to include cultural elements in their functions,' he said. Teoh said he expects to start receiving bookings for 2026 after this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is expected to fall in September. 'For now, we have yet to receive bookings for Chinese New Year, but they usually start after the Mid-Autumn Festival. 'We expect the same for cultural events in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, and are prepared to welcome them. 'Even now, outside the festive season, we are receiving an average of about eight bookings every month,' he added.

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