KCCI hosts 16th Kaamatan Gawai celebration with Borneo Country Music Fest

Borneo Post

11-06-2025

Ladislaus (seated middle) with KCCI officials who are also part of the organising committee of the celebration.
PENAMPANG (June 11): Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) will play host to the 16th KCCI-DCCI (Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry) joint Kaamatan Gawai celebration.
KCCI President Datuk Ladislaus Maluda said the event will be held on June 27 and 28 and they are expecting about 300 members from DCCI to attend the celebration.
'This year, we are holding the Borneo Country Music Fest (BCMF) as part of the celebration. It will be held at Buhavan Square on June 27 and will feature four top bands, one each from Sabah and Kalimantan as well as two from Sarawak.
'They will be performing on the evening of June 27. During the day, bands from four schools, SMK Limbanak, SM St Michael and the Pre University in Menggatal will be showcasing their talents in the country music genre,' Ladislaus told a press conference on Monday.
According to him, the BCMF is not only about music, it is also a venue for local entrepreneurs to do business and promote their products as there will be about 40 stalls operating in Buhavan Square on the same day.
'This fest will provide a significant stage for local musicians, food and beverage providers as well as performers to showcase their talents and products. BCMF can also inspire young people to pursue music, culinary arts or event management.
'It could also set a precedent for future innovative cultural events in the region, positioning Penampang as a hub for creativity and entertainment,' he added.
Ladislaus disclosed that on June 27, the joint celebration will kick off with a golf tournament at Sutera Harbour Golf and Country Club where KCCI and DCCI will be sending 32 golfers each to vie for the Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam Challenge Trophy.
Prize presentation for the tournament will be held during the BCMF, Ladislaus said.
On June 28 morning, the celebration continues with a forum on the business opportunities in the oil and gas industry which will be held at the ITCC grand ballroom.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun is expected to officiate the event.
And in the evening, the KCCI-DCCI joint Kaamatan Gawai celebration will culminate with a dinner at the same venue where the four country music bands will also be performing.
KCCI, Ladislaus said, has extended an invitation to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor to grace the celebration.