By Jacob Achoi
SERIAN, Sept 9: Serian MP Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem is mooting the idea of organising ‘Serian’s Got Talent’ and aiming to make it a reality next year.
He believes that such an event could serve as a platform for discovering and showcasing the talents of the local community, which will further promote Serian Division.
“I see a lot of potentials in them (local community), waiting to be discovered and nurtured. So, I am proposing that we organise Serian’s Got Talent right here in Serian, which I want to see happen next year,” Riot told reporters today at the Serian Rafting Challenge 2023 flagging off ceremony at Kpg Tema Mawang, Tebedu.
Riot drew inspiration from the recent ‘Ratu Belanting’ event, which was held in conjunction with the ongoing Serian Rafting Challenge, where he witnessed the remarkable talents exhibited by the 10 finalists.
“I attended the event last night and I was truly impressed by the abundance of talents (on display), who deserve to be showcases in the Serian’s Got Talent event,” he emphasised.
Additionally, Riot also underlined his commitment to enhancing the facilities at the starting point of Serian Rafting Challenge in Kampung Tema Mawang.
He mentioned plans to improve the suspension bridge that overlooks the starting point, with the riverbank improvements falling under the responsibility of the Serian District Council (SDC).
“For the improvement of the riverbank, I have spoken to them (SDC), and on my part I will give priority to the improvement of the suspension bridge,” he said.
Riot expressed his satisfaction with the enthusiastic response to the Serian Rafting Challenge, which attracted participants not only from Sarawak but also from West Malaysia and Indonesia.
He also acknowledged the involvement of various government agencies from the Serian Division, institutions of higher learning, Teachers Training Institutes, and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).
He extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, led by Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, for their support and allocation, while commending the pivotal role played by the SDC in organising this annual event, which has been steadily gaining popularity.
The event featured the participation of 184 teams, each comprising four individuals, out of the initial 187 teams, as three teams failed to attend. The challenge covered a 25km route, culminating at Kampung Tebakang Dayak.
Tebedu District officer Joseph Liaw and SDC secretary Tay Guan Huat were present. — DayakDaily
