Latest news with #Snowdan
The Star
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
‘Send Sarawak's cultural troupes abroad for greater exposure'
Snowdan (fifth from right) marking the launch of BCF 2025. He is flanked by (from third, left) Chieng, Ting, Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar and Tiang. SARAWAK'S vibrant traditional arts could soon captivate international audiences, as a state deputy minister has suggested sending the state's cultural troupes abroad. 'Our traditional performers have reached international standards and deserve more exposure through overseas performances,' said Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan. 'That is why we have a creative industry portfolio in our ministry – because we recognise the immense talent in Sarawak. 'Sarawak regularly receives invitations from countries such as Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain and the Philippines to present traditional dances abroad. 'It is time to take a more proactive approach in sending cultural troupes to represent the state internationally.' Snowdan was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2025 in Sibu, Sarawak. He said showcasing cultural dances such as those from Melanau, Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Malay and Chinese communities would help promote Sarawak's multicultural identity to global audiences. 'People from abroad are very interested in our traditional dances; it is something they do not see every day. 'Sending our troupes to perform internationally is not just about performance, it is about telling the story of who we are as Sarawakians,' said the Balai Ringin assemblyman. BCF is an annual event that celebrates the region's cultural diversity through music, dance, food and traditional arts, drawing performers and visitors from across Sarawak and beyond. The 21st edition, themed 'Rhythm of Borneo', is ongoing until July 12 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang. Snowdan, who was representing minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the opening ceremony, said BCF not only showcases Sarawak's rich cultural landscape, but also plays a crucial role in preserving it for future generations. 'The festival has become a vital platform where tradition meets modernity and where our younger generation can reconnect with their roots while the world gains a glimpse of Borneo's unique identity. 'It also plays a multifaceted role in promoting tourism, supporting the creative economy and positioning Sibu as a vibrant cultural hub,' said Snowdan. Highlighting the significance of BCF's 21-year legacy, he lauded the dedication of all who had made the festival a success. 'To reach this milestone is no small feat. 'It reflects the passion, teamwork and unwavering commitment of countless individuals who have nurtured this event over the decades,' said Snowdan. BCF organising chairman and Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley said the council was promoting waste reduction and recycling throughout the festival. 'Visitors are encouraged to dispose of rubbish responsibly using clearly labelled bins for general and recyclable waste,' he said. 'BCF's official mascot 'Engkuli' a clouded leopard, serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to conserve Borneo's biodiversity and to inspire environmental awareness,' he added. Also present at the opening ceremony were Sarawak Public Health, Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang, SMC chairman Clarence Ting, and Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng.
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Top Sarawak cultural dancers have opportunities to gain global exposure, says Snowdan
Snowdan (fifth right) with (from right) Joshua, Wong, Tiang, Ting, Izkandar, Chieng and Ching Yong in a photocall after the opening of BCF 2025 on Friday. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 5): Top-performing cultural dance troupes in Sarawak will be given the opportunity to perform overseas as part of efforts to gain international exposure and showcase the state's diverse heritage, said State Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan. He said such initiatives allow Sarawak's unique cultural identity to be presented on the global stage, while providing invaluable experience for the performers. In fact, he said the ministry has been sending cultural dance troupes abroad in the past several years now. 'Sometimes, there are international events held abroad that invite participation from various countries, requesting them to showcase cultural dances. 'And sometimes they invite us, so that's why our ministry, we can send people – dance troupes from Sarawak, whether from Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri, as long as they are very good; they are good dancers of world-class caliber,' he told The Borneo Post when contacted for clarification on a point raised during his speech at the opening of the 21st Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) on Friday. According to Snowdan, the dance troupes must be part of registered associations or clubs, recognised by the Registrar of Societies (ROS), and subsequently registered with the ministry. 'So, it takes turns, sometimes from Sibu, sometimes from Bintulu, Miri or Kuching – for them to showcase our cultural dances from Melanau, Orang Ulu, Chinese, Iban (community), and so on, overseas. 'So that's why through our ministry, because we have a yearly budget to send the dance troupe to perform overseas,' he said. Snowdan encouraged local associations to register with the ministry and submit performance videos for consideration. 'And then, if your dance is really of very high standard, then we can always propose them next time to perform overseas, if there is an invitation,' he added, citing a recent example where Sarawak sent a 20-member dance group to an international event in the Philippines, which included participants from Korea and Japan. He said the entire trip was funded by the ministry, and the group performed in full traditional attire. He said similar performances have taken place in Bali, Jogjakarta, the United Kingdom, and Spain in recent years. During his visit to Bintulu, Miri, and other locations, Snowdan said he has been actively encouraging more associations to register, stressing the need to broaden opportunities. 'We want to open up the opportunities to other groups as we do not wish to be always sending the same group overseas. 'But they have to register with us. And then, of course, they must provide their video to us to show how good they are. 'And last time, we sent some dance groups also to Bali, and then to Jogja to perform, as well as to the UK and Spain,' he said. Snowdan also praised the 180-member dance troupe that performed during the BCF opening, describing their display as 'world-class'. He noted that Sarawak is targeting five million tourist arrivals by the end of 2025, expressing hope that events like the BCF will help boost visitor numbers. On a related note, he revealed that the number of gazetted ethnic groups in Sarawak has increased to 34, up from 27 previously. He also voiced optimism that Sibu could eventually be elevated to city status. BCF 2025 cultural dancers Sibu Snowdan Lawan
Borneo Post
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
‘Glory should be our next destination': Snowdan supports Sandhurst plan, proposed revival of Sarawak Rangers
Snowdan says the legacy of bravery once exemplified by the Sarawak Rangers in the 19th century still lives on, especially among surviving members and their descendants. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 4): The proposal to revive the historic Sarawak Rangers and offer scholarships for Sarawakian youths to study at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom has gained strong support from State Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan. The Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth Chief said the legacy of bravery once exemplified by the Sarawak Rangers in the 19th century still lives on, especially among surviving members and their descendants. 'While the idea is still taking shape in our minds and discussions, it is only right that it be revived sooner rather than later,' he said in a statement responding to a recent call by Works Minister and Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who proposed reviving the Sarawak Rangers as a dedicated security corps to bolster protection in inland and border regions. Snowdan emphasised that the proposed corps would not compete with the Malaysian Armed Forces, but rather serve as a complementary force. 'I also agree with his (Nanta) view that this initiative would strengthen, not compete with, our existing military forces,' he said. He also welcomed Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's announcement that the state is exploring the possibility of offering scholarships for Sarawakian youth to pursue military training at Sandhurst. Calling the initiative both 'realistic and within reach', Snowdan said it would significantly strengthen Sarawak's long-term security capacity across multiple domains. 'I strongly support this practical proposal, especially considering our vast physical landscape and the need for security in areas such as border protection, assets, the cyber realm, and the safety of our scattered rural populations,' he said. Snowdan noted that the aim is not just military preparedness, but also cultivating leadership and professional knowledge applicable to enforcement and national security. 'We want to equip our youth with knowledge not just in military and police theory but also in leadership and areas such as commercial crime, surveillance, and tackling global security threats,' he said. He added that Sarawak already has a solid institutional base, citing the Sarawak Coast Guard and the Unit for Other Religions and Security (UPKS) as examples of the state's proactive approach to internal security. 'Now we should focus on developing our personnel and leadership. Within our diverse population, we are not short of talents. 'Glory should be our next destination ― and Sandhurst is the journey.' lead Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Sarawak Rangers Snowdan Lawan
Borneo Post
20-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
New Sarawak Craft Council HQ, gallery to be built in Kuching
Abdul Karim (centre) speaks to the media at the press conference while Snowdan (right) and Sherrina look on. – Photo by Agnes Tugong KUCHING (June 20): A one-stop craft centre is set to be built in the heart of Kuching to serve as the headquarters of the Sarawak Craft Council and a dedicated gallery for local craft products, said State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He said the centre will be strategically located behind the Sikh Temple adjacent to the road leading to the Borneo Cultures Museum. 'This will be the central hub for Sarawak's craft activities. Museum visitors who wish to purchase local craft items can head directly to the centre after their visit,' he told a press conference after chairing the Sarawak Craft Council meeting today, adding that construction is expected to take approximately two years. Abdul Karim, is also the newly appointed Sarawak Craft Council chairman, said the council's temporary office will operate out of the Sarawak Steamship Building until the new facility is ready. He did not disclose the cost and when the construction will begin. On a related note, Abdul Karim said to further promote local crafts and recognise outstanding artisans, a Sarawak Craft Festival or Craft Day will be introduced soon. The festival, he added, would become a regular event, potentially starting as early as next year, to honour exceptional crafters through awards, certificates, or even designating craft icons He added that to streamline policy implementation and promotional efforts, all craft centres in Miri, Sibu, and other locations will be brought under the purview of the Sarawak Craft Council. 'Registration with the Sarawak Craft Council is encouraged to have access to various benefits such as support funds, promotions as well as skills development and marketing programmes. 'We have funds such as the Facilitation Fund, and if they do not want to register, they will lose out,' he said. To boost global visibility, Abdul Karim said the council would also help artisans market their products online and facilitate participation in international tourism and trade events such as ITB Berlin and the World Travel Market in London. He said the uniqueness and authenticity of Sarawak's crafts are major selling points on the global stage. 'Authentic and fine handmade products always have their own values. We need to patent our designs so that they are not copied or registered by outsiders,' he said. As an example, he cited the traditional Iban top hat 'Topi Tunjang', which recently drew the attention of the French President Emmanuel Macron during the 'Revelations Biennale Paris 2025' exhibition in Paris on May 21, as proof that Sarawak crafts have strong international appeal when properly showcased. Abdul Karim expressed confidence that with a comprehensive development strategy, Sarawak could not only become a national craft hub but also a benchmark for the regional craft industry. Also present at the press conference were State Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Snowdan Lawan and the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini.
Borneo Post
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Snowdan: Sarawak's Performing Arts Centre on track for completion by late 2026, early 2027
Snowdan poses with a choir group from Berlin during the event. KUCHING (June 16): The construction of Sarawak's Performing Arts Centre is on track for completion by late 2026 or early 2027, said Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan. He said the RM300 million landmark, once completed, would be one of the most ambitious cultural infrastructure projects in Malaysia, which would serve as a dedicated space for artistes, musicians and performers to grow and showcase their talents. 'This will be our very own centre for artistic excellence — it will be Sarawak's investment in talent, tourism and the future of performing arts,' he said during the closing ceremony of the Sarawak International Choral Festival and Symposium (SICFest and SICSym) held at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here yesterday. He said the performing arts centre would strengthen Sarawak's position as a regional hub for cultural tourism, which is an ambition already being realised through internationally recognised events such as SICFest and SICSym. 'Over the past few days, Kuching has come alive with the sound of music, joyful harmonies, vibrant energy and heartfelt performances that have touched all of us. The festival's embodiment of the state's artistic spirit should also be commended,' he said. Following that, he thus expressed gratitude to organisers, along with the organising committee of the Kuching Choral Society, for delivering a high-calibre international event which saw participating choirs and adjudicators hailing from countries including Austria, Germany, Singapore, Indonesia, and across Malaysia. Snowdan also highlighted the role of such events in nurturing the next generation of musicians. 'Seeing children and youth on stage is a reminder why we must continue investing in performing arts. I believe they are the future of global understanding and unity. 'Let us continue to bring Sarawak to the world, and the world to Sarawak,' he said. The SICFest and SICSym is a premier international event in Kuching that brings together choirs, vocal educators, and music enthusiasts from around the world. Organised by the Kuching Choral Society with support from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, the event features both a vibrant choral festival and an educational symposium. Participants engaged in performances, competitions, master classes, and workshops led by renowned international adjudicators and conductors.
