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By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Aug 21: Proton Holdings Bhd (Proton) has chosen one of Sarawak’s most iconic traditional music instruments, the sape to be featured in the 19th Asian Games Museum in Hangzhou, China.
An embodiment of the Orang Ulu’s heritage, the stringed lute was once played for healing purposes or during religious rituals.
Fast forward to today, the sape has evolved into a music instrument also used for entertainment and social purposes.
The national automobile maker’s deputy director of marketing and network support Steven Zhou Qi said featuring the sape at the Asian Games Museum is one of Proton’s initiatives to connect not just Peninsular Malaysia but also Sabah and Sarawak globally.
Stressing on the importance of building bridges, Zhou said: “Proton is focusing on bringing together people of diverse ethnicity and interest groups in Malaysia to a moment of encounter to share values and insights on its people’s life.”
Proton was appointed as one of the official vehicles for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, which is set to take place from Sept 23 to Oct 8.
Its entire current line-up will be on the roster, which includes the X50, X70 and X90 series, Saga, Iriz, Exora and Persona.
To mark the occasion, Proton is rolling out a nationwide campaign to spread awareness of the games—Asia’s largest multi-sports event—which will see Malaysian athletes compete against their counterparts from other nations in the region.
“As the official vehicle for the Games next month, Proton takes pride in promoting the Games’ spirit in Malaysia. Our ‘Proud To Be Malaysia’ campaign has allowed public voting to select cultural crafts, giving our nation a voice and source of pride,” Zhou said at a press conference in Proton 3S Ismaco Sdn Bhd here after the Asian Games—Nation Drive Sarawak programme yesterday.
The Asian Games Nation Drive which runs from August 5 to September 3 will collect several treasures representing Malaysia’s diverse heritage.
From there, the Malaysian contingent will present all the crafts to the Asia Olympic Council and Asian Games committee in Hangzhou.
For Sarawak, the sape replica which represents one of Sarawak’s proud cultural icons was handed over to the Proton team by Sarawakian champion boxer Daelonial McDelon Bong.
“Daeloniel’s outstanding achievements have inspired all Malaysians and this moment embodies the Asian Games’ essence namely unity, sportsmanship, shared values and cultural exchange.
“By doing this nation drive, we are also promoting Malaysia’s tourism especially after the Covid-19 pandemic which changed the global landscape,” Zhou added.
Zhou, who has lived in Malaysia for 18 years added that he personally felt the country is wonderful place and therefore he wants more people from other countries to experience what he has experienced.
Meanwhile, Sarawak was Proton’s second stop for its Asian Games Nation Drive.
Last week, the team went to Sabah and their next destinations will be in the South and North of Peninsular Malaysia. — DayakDaily
