By Karen Bong
MIRI, Nov 7: The Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Sarawak Malaysia (FORUM) wants its newly established Cultural Centre to become a must-visit destination for tourists to Miri, showcasing the community’s rich cultural heritage while creating opportunities for cultural and economic activities.
FORUM deputy president Dato Dennis Ngau said the centre should serve as more than just a landmark, but become a vibrant hub for cultural preservation, tourism and community development.
He said the building, with its distinctive architectural design and traditional carvings, had already attracted considerable public attention and emerged as a new landmark in Padang Kerbau, Miri.
However, he stressed that its architectural beauty alone would not determine its success.
“The beauty of this building is not the true measure of our success. Our real measure of success lies in how we bring this building to life through activities, knowledge, culture, economic opportunities and programmes that benefit the community,” he said when speaking at the launching of FORUM Cultural Centre today, which was broadcasted live via Ukas Channel.
The centre was officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and attended by Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai; Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) and FORUM adviser Datuk Gerawat Gala; Deputy Minister of Utility and Communication and FORUM adviser Datuk Liwan Lagang; and FORUM president Datuk Nyurak Keti.
Among the attractions planned for the centre are an Orang Ulu traditional food and cuisine centre, cultural and traditional performances representing the various Orang Ulu ethnic groups, a history and heritage gallery, and exhibitions and sales of locally produced handicrafts.
It will also feature a centre to introduce and promote traditional musical instruments, particularly the sape, as well as spaces for activities, seminars, conferences and community development programmes.
“We want tourists visiting Miri to regard the FORUM Cultural House as one of the must-visit destinations in the city,” he said.
Dennis, who is also Sarawak Kayan Association president and FORUM Organising and Building Committees chairman, said the centre had already demonstrated its usefulness since opening its doors in early 2025, having hosted more than 200 events and programmes using its facilities.
These included activities held at the main hall, ground-floor foyer, open spaces, parking areas and meeting rooms.
“In fact, recently, the Election Commission of Malaysia also used the building’s facilities to conduct briefings for personnel from the N.77 Mulu and N.78 constituencies.
“This demonstrates that the centre served not only the Orang Ulu community but also government agencies, organisations and the wider public,” he said.
Dennis said FORUM was committed to ensuring that the facility remained active, properly managed and accessible to the community.
He added that the centre represented an important investment in preserving the Orang Ulu community’s identity, heritage, pride and unity.
“It is not merely a building that people admire from the outside. We want it to remain vibrant, active and beneficial to everyone,” he said. — DayakDaily
