by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 22: World-renowned sape maestro Matthew Ngau Jau is among three distinguished individuals awarded the Icon Dayak (Orang Ulu) during the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak Celebration 2025 gala dinner tonight.
Joining him in receiving the honour were international beauty queen Francisca Luhong James and national sprinter Jonathan Nyepa.
A revered cultural custodian and one of Malaysia’s last traditional sape masters, Matthew Ngau was recognised for his lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting the sape, a traditional lute of the Orang Ulu people, to audiences around the world.
Hailing from the Kenyah community, Matthew Ngau is not only an accomplished musician but also a passionate educator and cultural advocate. He serves as the artistic director of Parang Sape, an initiative that mentors young musicians, ensuring that the spirit of Bornean music continues to thrive globally.
Among his many accolades are the National Living Heritage Award (Tokoh Warisan Kebangsaan) conferred by the Ministry of Tourism in 2015, the Adi Guru Malaysia title in 2022, and the Boh Cameronian Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. He was also the Ambassador of the Rainforest World Music Festival in 2011.
Francisca Luhong James, a beauty queen of mixed Kenyah, Kayan, and Iban heritage, received the Icon Dayak (Talent) award for her achievements in the world of beauty pageants.
She made history by being the first Dayak woman to win Miss Universe Malaysia.
In the sports category, fellow Kenyah and national sprinter Jonathan Nyepa was honoured as Icon Dayak for his outstanding performances in international track events, including the SEA Games, Commonwealth Games, and other prestigious meets held in countries such as the Philippines, China, Indonesia, and Australia.
Presenting the awards was Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, together with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Also present during the event were Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg; Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi; Dewan Negara Speaker Senator Dato Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah; Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari; Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the chairman of the Main Organising Committee for the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak Celebration 2025; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; and Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, who also serves as the chairman of the Working Committee for the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak Celebration 2025. – DayakDaily
