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Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
SMC enters Malaysia Book of Records with iconic ‘itut' at BCF 2025
Yeoh (fifth left) hands over the MBOR certificate to Ting, witnessed by Tiang (sixth left), while Kampung Nangka Melanau Welfare Association chairman Councillor, Abang Carrol Abang Dris, who is also the itut organising chairman (right), Chieng (third left), Ling (fourth left), (from second right) Joshua, Hii, Lau and others look on. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 12): The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has made it into the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for the highest number of visitors swinging on the 50-foot 'itut' – a traditional Melanau swing – set up at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 during this year's Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF). A total of 2,288 people took part, surpassing the original target of 2,000. MBOR representative Edwin Yeoh presented the certificate to SMC chairman Clarence Ting during the BCF closing ceremony tonight, witnessed by Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang. In a speech read by Tiang, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said festivals like BCF not only entertain but foster social cohesion, tourism, and public well-being. 'They build social cohesion, attract tourism, and promote public well-being by fostering pride in our identity and locality. 'These are elements critical to the fabric of strong, resilient communities, something we prioritize in our public health and development agendas,' he said. Dr Sim also commended the dedication of attendees, performers, vendors, and enforcement personnel who ensured the success and safety of the event. 'Your engagement keeps the spirit of BCF alive and relevant in every passing year. 'As we close this year's edition, I encourage everyone to carry forward the goodwill, knowledge, and appreciation gained. Let 'The Rhythm of Borneo' guide us in building inclusive communities where culture continues to thrive,' he said. Earlier, BCF organising chairman and SMC deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley said this year's edition stood out for its unity and renewed spirit. 'We saw new talents take to the stage with confidence, alongside cultural groups who have long championed the preservation of ancestral heritage. 'We tasted the richness of cuisines from various communities, admired crafts that blended tradition and innovation, and appreciated diversity with open hearts. 'This is the true beauty of the festival,' he said. The evening featured traditional dance performances and a prize presentation for the Food Premises Toilet Cleanliness Competition. Also present at the event were Sibu MP Oscar Ling, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, Senator Robert Lau, Deputy State Secretary (operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee, Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman, Political Secretary to Premier Joshua Ting, BCF deputy organising chairlady Cr Michelle Law, and acting Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Musa Derek Sairwona.
Borneo Post
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- 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
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
