DBP, Chinese school board host festival in Kuching to bridge communities through language
SIBU (July 4): The 2025 Language and Literature Festival, jointly organised by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sarawak Branch and The Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board, will be held from July 7 to 9 at Balai Budaya, DBP Sarawak Branch in Kuching.
More than just a celebration of language, the festival serves as a strategic platform to foster national cohesion by enhancing Bahasa Melayu proficiency among non-Malay students, particularly those from Independent Chinese Secondary Schools (ICSS) and Chinese national-type Primary Schools (SJKC) in the Kuching and Samarahan zones.
The Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board chairman Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau highlighted the important role of ICSS in shaping well-rounded, multilingual citizens through its trilingual education model in Mandarin, Bahasa Melayu, and English.
'As the national language, Bahasa Melayu connects our students to the broader Malaysian society. It breaks down language barriers, strengthens mutual understanding, and prepares them to thrive in a multilingual and multicultural environment,' he told a press conference at Wisma Huawen Do Zhong here yesterday.
Lau pointed out that while ICSS continues to nurture students in their mother tongue, equal emphasis is placed on improving their proficiency in Bahasa Melayu and English—both crucial languages for higher education, professional development, and interethnic engagement.
'Fluency in Bahasa Melayu helps students interact smoothly beyond the classroom, opening doors to broader social networks and deepening understanding among communities,' he said.
'It also nurtures open-minded, globally aware individuals who are respectful of cultural diversity.'
Lau noted that the association has worked closely with DBP Sarawak over the years to implement various national language programmes, including the annual Student Forum Competition, which aims at improving students' command of standard Bahasa Melayu and building their communication skills in practical, engaging ways.
Echoing this vision, DBP Sarawak director Dr Azizul Ismail said the festival reflects the institute's commitment to fostering unity through language and literature, particularly among the young generation of diverse backgrounds.
'The festival is part of our annual efforts to cultivate a sense of national identity and unity in Sarawak's multiracial society.
'We want to provide a platform for non-Malay students to appreciate and embrace the beauty of Bahasa Melayu in an inclusive and encouraging environment,' he said.
Azizul added that the initiative is aligned with the national unity framework 'Unity in Diversity' under the Malaysia Madani vision, which aims to instil shared values while respecting cultural plurality.
'Through this festival, we hope to nurture students who are not only proficient in the national language but also confident, articulate, and able to think critically and express themselves meaningfully in Bahasa Melayu.'
The three-day festival will feature a range of activities, including literary appreciation sessions, language workshops, interschool competitions, and cultural performances, aimed at improving students' language skills and fostering national pride, empathy, and leadership values.
The event is not limited to linguistic development, but also seeks to build lasting bonds across communities, starting from the classroom and reaching into society at large.
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