BCF celebrates 21st year as symbol of unity, culture and community pride in Sibu
SIBU (July 4): For over two decades, the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) has fostered cultural pride, boosted the creative economy, promoted tourism, and established Sibu as a center of culture and harmony, said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts praised BCF as a festival that transcends generations, allowing elders to pass down customs and providing youth with a platform to explore and celebrate their identity.
'To reach the 21st milestone is no small feat. This longevity is a reflection of the vision, dedication, and teamwork of countless individuals – from the organisers, exhibitors, artists and cultural advocates to the local community that has supported the festival year after year.
'I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Sibu Municipal Council and the dedicated team for continuing to raise the bar each year,' he said during the 21st BCF opening here tonight.
Abdul Karim's text-of-speech was read by State Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
Abdul Karim also noted that under Sarawak's Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, sustainable growth must include social inclusivity and cultural preservation.
'The Borneo Cultural Festival plays a vital role in this effort, not only as a tourism driver, but as a platform for community empowerment, creative entrepreneurship, and cultural diplomacy.
'Let us continue to support initiatives that protect our heritage, connect communities, and inspire the next generation of Sarawakians,' he said.
Meanwhile, BCF organising chairman and Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley said the festival has long served as a unique platform where Sarawak's diverse communities, including Iban, Bidayuh, Malay, Melanau, Chinese, and others, along with guests from Sabah and Kalimantan, can proudly showcase their identity.
'This is the true value of the festival – a gathering that educates, unites, and brings joy to our community's lives,' he said.
Izkandar added that in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this year's BCF also promotes waste reduction and recycling, with clearly labeled bins for general and recyclable waste.
'Visitors are encouraged to dispose of waste responsibly using clearly labeled bins for general and recyclable waste,' he said.
He explained that this year, the main arch and entrance have been designed to be more than just decorative.
'They serve as a symbol of unity – three mini villages standing together, reminding us that although we come from different origins, we share one big home in Sarawak.
'I truly appreciate the efforts of everyone who has worked hard to decorate these mini villages,' said Izkandar.
Also present during hte opening were State Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Michael Tiang; Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng; Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh; State Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts acting permanent secretary, Desmond Douglas Jerukan; SMC chairman Clarence Ting; Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) deputy chairman Wong Ching Yong; political secretary to Premier Joshua Ting; Temenggong Stanley Gramong; and Pemanca Paing Tawi.
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