06-07-2025
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.
