Blowpipe competition highlights unity, tradition at BCF 2025, draws global participation
SIBU (July 6): The International Blowpipe Competition not only helps revive traditional arts intrinsic to Borneo's cultural identity but also strengthens bonds among participants from both within and outside Malaysia, said local community leader Temenggong Stanley Geramong Bandar.
He said the event reflects how racial unity in Sarawak is built not only through shared culture but also through mutual respect and the preservation of natural heritage.
'It symbolises unity through sports and culture, connecting all of us in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect,' he said during the launching of the International Blowpipe competition held at Sibu Town Square Phase I yesterday.
The event, organised in conjunction with the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2025, attracted over 100 participants, including those from Indonesia and Brunei.
Geramong noted that BCF – first launched in 2003 – has grown into a major annual event that highlights the unique cultural diversity of Sarawak's many ethnic groups.
'Through BCF, we witness the strong harmony and unity among the Dayak, Malay-Melanau, Chinese, and other communities that together form the rich cultural tapestry of Borneo,' he said.
He added that the festival's uniqueness lies in its blend of tradition and modernity. This year's theme, 'The Rhythm of Borneo', reflects the harmony between culture, nature, and the Bornean way of life.
Hosting this festival annually in Sibu has made it one of Sarawak's largest and most anticipated cultural celebrations, attracting both tourists and locals with its vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary elements, he added.
'Overall, BCF stands out because it is not just an ordinary cultural festival, but a platform that brings together racial unity, traditional arts heritage, and international exposure in a lively and inclusive atmosphere, making it a truly special event in Borneo,' he said.
On the blowpipe competition itself, Geramong encouraged all participants to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie, expressing hope that the experience would foster deeper friendships and collaboration.
'This sport is not just a competitive arena but also a platform to enhance professional cooperation and build stronger friendships among all of us,' he said.
Last year's edition saw 75 participants take part, indicating steady growth and increasing interest in the traditional sport.
Also present were Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) Chairman Councillor Clarence Ting, his deputy Mohd Abdullah Izkandar Roseley, Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier William Anut, Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan Chairman Councillor Kevin Lau and event organising chairman Councillor Christopher Kelebit Ansa.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
7 hours ago
- Borneo Post
BCF Chinese Cultural Night highlights Chinese community's rich traditions, vibrant heritage
(Seated from third right) Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting, Wong, Ting, Lau, SMC deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley and others in a photo session at UCA Sibu booth. — Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 7): The Borneo Cultural Festival's (BCF) Chinese Cultural Night is a meaningful event that showcases the rich traditions, timeless values and vibrant heritage of the Chinese community, said Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh. 'Culture is the soul of a community. It carries with it the wisdom of our ancestors, the expressions of identity and the bridge between generations. Let us continue to promote mutual understanding, cultural exchange and community harmony. 'Let us also pass down these traditions to our younger generations so they know where they come from and carry forward the best of their heritage,' he said during the opening ceremony of the event here on Saturday. Meanwhile, United Chinese Association (UCA) Sibu president Lau Ing Siong said Chinese culture, with it's a 5,000-year heritage, has taken root and evolved differently across overseas communities. Photo shows the huge crowd that thronged the Borneo Cultural Festival. — Photo by Peter Boon 'Among all countries with overseas Chinese, Malaysia is one of the best at preserving and promoting Chinese culture,' he said. He said the event showcased Chinese cultural performances that also featured participation from other ethnic groups. 'This fully reflects the local flavor of our shared culture and proves that Chinese civilisation is no hindrance to inter-ethnic harmony and development.' During the event, the guest-of-honour was Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, who was represented by his special duties officer Agatha Ting. borneo cultural festival Chinese community wong soon koh
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
BCF blends culture, tourism to boost local economy, says Tiong
Ting (seventh right) representing Tiong to officiate at BCF's Chinese Cultural Night, and joined by Wong (sixth right), Lau (eighth right) and others. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 6): Events like the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) not only facilitate cultural exchange but also help stimulate the local economy and tourism, said Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing. According to Tiong, the annual festival attracts tourists, photographers, food lovers, and culture enthusiasts to Sibu, which in turn benefits sectors such as food and beverages (F&B), hospitality, transportation, and retail. 'The 2025 Borneo Cultural Festival carries the theme 'Rhythm of Borneo', and stands as a major cultural event in Sibu. The programme lineup, including the Chinese Night, Malay-Melanau Night, and Dayak Night, offers an immersive cultural experience through creative presentations. 'It fosters the sustainable inheritance of traditional culture—because culture is not a static exhibit; it lives on through the participation of generations,' Tiong said. Tiong's text-of-speech was read out by his special duties officer Agatha Ting, who represented him at the function. 'By embedding traditional culture into tourism products and services, we enhance the experience, uniqueness, and cultural value. Through such tourism products, traditional culture can become a signature industry, stimulate local economic growth, and offer diverse income opportunities for the people. 'Therefore, I encourage everyone to explore innovative ways to promote traditional culture – preserving its cultural essence while aligning with modern trends, aesthetics, new media promotion, and festival marketing such as this event.' The Bintulu MP was elated to note that many Chinese associations have enthusiastically participated by showcasing traditional delicacies. Visitors not only get to observe how these foods are made but can also taste and buy them—offering a wonderful platform for cultural exchange Also speaking at the event were Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh and United Chinese Association (UCA) Sibu president Lau Ing Siong. Meanwhile, Tiong also announced a grant of RM50,000 to UCA Sibu through Ting. borneo cultural festival Tiong King Sing tourism
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Blowpipe competition highlights unity, tradition at BCF 2025, draws global participation
Geramong shoots at a balloon with a blowpipe to officiate the International Blowpipe Competition BCF 2025 at Sibu Town Square Phase I while (fron second left) Lau, Ting and Izkandar look on. SIBU (July 6): The International Blowpipe Competition not only helps revive traditional arts intrinsic to Borneo's cultural identity but also strengthens bonds among participants from both within and outside Malaysia, said local community leader Temenggong Stanley Geramong Bandar. He said the event reflects how racial unity in Sarawak is built not only through shared culture but also through mutual respect and the preservation of natural heritage. 'It symbolises unity through sports and culture, connecting all of us in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect,' he said during the launching of the International Blowpipe competition held at Sibu Town Square Phase I yesterday. The event, organised in conjunction with the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2025, attracted over 100 participants, including those from Indonesia and Brunei. Geramong noted that BCF – first launched in 2003 – has grown into a major annual event that highlights the unique cultural diversity of Sarawak's many ethnic groups. 'Through BCF, we witness the strong harmony and unity among the Dayak, Malay-Melanau, Chinese, and other communities that together form the rich cultural tapestry of Borneo,' he said. He added that the festival's uniqueness lies in its blend of tradition and modernity. This year's theme, 'The Rhythm of Borneo', reflects the harmony between culture, nature, and the Bornean way of life. Hosting this festival annually in Sibu has made it one of Sarawak's largest and most anticipated cultural celebrations, attracting both tourists and locals with its vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary elements, he added. 'Overall, BCF stands out because it is not just an ordinary cultural festival, but a platform that brings together racial unity, traditional arts heritage, and international exposure in a lively and inclusive atmosphere, making it a truly special event in Borneo,' he said. On the blowpipe competition itself, Geramong encouraged all participants to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie, expressing hope that the experience would foster deeper friendships and collaboration. 'This sport is not just a competitive arena but also a platform to enhance professional cooperation and build stronger friendships among all of us,' he said. Last year's edition saw 75 participants take part, indicating steady growth and increasing interest in the traditional sport. Also present were Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) Chairman Councillor Clarence Ting, his deputy Mohd Abdullah Izkandar Roseley, Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier William Anut, Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan Chairman Councillor Kevin Lau and event organising chairman Councillor Christopher Kelebit Ansa.
