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Borneo Post
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
BCF celebrates 21st year as symbol of unity, culture and community pride in Sibu
Snowdan (fifth right) officiating at the opening of BCF, while (from fourth right) Tiang, Izkandar, Ting, Chieng, Wong and others look on. 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.
Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
BCF 2025 to showcase Sibu's cultural richness, green aspirations
Izkandar (seated centre) in a photocall with other organising committee members showing BCF 2025 posters. SIBU (July 2): SIBU (July 2): The Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2025 is set to spotlight Sibu's vibrant cultural identity and commitment to sustainable development from July 3 to 12. Organised by the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), the festival, with the theme 'Rhythm of Borneo', will emphasise the harmony between Bornean culture, nature, and daily life, highlighting the region's ethnic diversity through art, performance and environmental awareness. SMC Deputy Chairman and BCF 2025 Organising Committee Chairman, Mohamed Abdullah Izkandar, said the festival goes beyond cultural entertainment by promoting local heritage and values to a wider audience while involving grassroots communities. 'BCF 2025 is not only a platform to showcase cultural and artistic heritage, but also serves as a medium to promote Sibu's uniqueness to visitors from within and outside the country. 'We are also focusing on community involvement and the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in line with green development aspirations,' he told a press conference here today. The festival will feature performances from Dayak, Malay-Melanau, Chinese, and Lun Bawang communities, alongside international acts from West Java, Indonesia, and Delhi, India. A new official mascot, Engkuli the Bornean Clouded Leopard, will symbolise the unity of people, culture, and nature while raising awareness about endangered species, he said. 'We are optimistic about attracting more visitors this year due to relaxed travel restrictions. 'With the cooperation of various agencies, ministries, and sponsors, we are confident that BCF 2025 will become the largest cultural celebration in Sibu,' he added. In line with the SDGs, waste management measures include designated bins and enforcement monitoring, with fines imposed on those who violate cleanliness rules. He also revealed that Jalan Bujang Suntong will be temporarily closed on July 4, 11 and 12 to ensure public safety during key festival events, and advised the public to follow traffic instructions to avoid congestion and penalties. With support from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and various sponsors, BCF 2025 aims to be the largest cultural gathering in the region, reinforcing Sibu's identity as a cultural and ecological hub. For updates and information, contact SMC at 084-333411 or follow their official social media platforms. BCF 2025 borneo cultural festival Rhythm of Borneo Sibu SMC
Borneo Post
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
BCF 2025 to introduce new female mascot to join ‘Engkuli' in celebrating ‘The Rhythm of Borneo'
Izkandar (seated centre) and BCF 2025 organising committee members showing the event's promotional posters. SIBU (June 6): The upcoming Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) will introduce a new female mascot to accompany its official mascot 'Engkuli', a clouded leopard, as part of this year's celebration themed 'The Rhythm of Borneo'. BCF organising chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley, who is also Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman, said the festival will take place from July 3 to 12 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 and 2 here. 'First introduced as the official mascot last year, Engkuli returns this year to continue promoting the rich natural and cultural heritage of Borneo,' he told a press conference yesterday. He added that the mascot also plays an important role in raising awareness of endangered species, particularly those native to Borneo. A highlight of this year's festival will be the creation of a mini cultural village at Sibu Town Square Phase I, aimed at offering visitors a rich and immersive experience of Sarawak's diverse cultural traditions, architecture, and way of life, particularly those of ethnic communities. The carnival, he said, embraces three key elements – traditional culture and music, the rhythm of nature and identity, and tourism. 'This year's BCF will feature a variety of cultural performances representing the Dayak, Malay-Melanau, Chinese, and Lun Bawang communities, among others,' he said. Additionally, the festival will welcome special guest performers from West Java, Indonesia and Delhi, India, who will showcase their unique cultural heritage. The Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, is expected to officiate the opening ceremony on July 4. The guest of honour for the closing ceremony on July 12 will be Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. BCF borneo cultural festival clouded leopard Engkuli female mascot
