By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 2: Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan has emphasised the importance of promoting Sarawak’s diverse cultures to the rest of the world, whether through social media or international visits.
The minister also suggested that individuals, particularly those studying or working abroad, represent their heritage by wearing traditional attire or items to gatherings, thereby serving as ambassadors for Sarawak’s multi-ethnic diversity.
“The Dayak Iban community of Sarawak should be proud of their culture, customs, and traditions.
“As an indigenous tribe in Borneo, we should be proud of our identity and express it through traditional clothes, dances, crafts, tattoos, and folklore,” he said while officiating as the guest-of-honour at the ‘Majlis Makan Malam Persatuan Ngajat Asal Iban (NGASI)’ held at Penview Convention Centre (PCC) Demak here on Saturday (April 27), according to a statement.
Snowdan also explained the financial assistance provided by MTCP, including the allocation of funds for clubs and associations to organise activities.
“Every year, we allocate funds called the ‘Facilitation Fund and Event Fund’ for clubs and associations to apply to the ministry for funding for their activities.
“Associations that organise activities such as workshops and seminars involving the field of creativity are encouraged to apply via the ministry’s website,” he said.
Also present during the event were Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang, Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) director Datu Jack Aman, NGASI president Bartholomew Sirow Chong, and other organising committee members.
During the event, Snowdan allocated RM20,000 and Gira RM5,000 under the Minor Rural Project (MRP) to NGASI for its ongoing activities.
Snowdan also presented certificates to 12 participants who completed a ngajat programme.
Various ngajat performances by club members were showcased at the event. — DayakDaily
