KUCHING, May 29: Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak’s (YPS) two-day community market which focused on Sarawak’s unity, cultures, and stories was part of realising the vision of Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
YPS deputy chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong who officiated at the event on May 21 and 22, praised His Excellency for the latter’s intention to enhance the unity in Sarawak.
“His love for Sarawak and his way of doing it, uniting all the people of Sarawak is something we must all appreciate.
“We will continue the legacy with people like Datu Aloysius J Dris (YPS chief executive) and the community with a like-minded approach to making Sarawak a happy place,” he said.
He also said that Taib’s best contribution was that he was able to gather all races to work and be happy together.
“I hope that the organisation will remain relevant and able to play a greater role in the future and become a uniting force,” he added.
The community market was organised at Kuching Old Court House in conjunction with YPS’ 28th anniversary.
The aim was to have a co-curated space designed by art practitioners and the organisation to enhance the coexistence of unity and harmony within the community through shared experiences.
The public had the opportunity to interact with seven talented art practitioners and engage in an interactive showcase, workshops and masterclasses by local artpreneurs Dr Yvonne Michelle Campbell who specialises in ethnolinguistics and acting coach, Felix Agustus.
Additionally, there was also an exhibition of YPS’ past and current projects such as Sarawak’s Pride, ARCH (Achieving Racial Cohesion and Harmony), Things That Binds Us, and the latest Projek SUARA (Strength through Unity, Alliance, and Responsive Action).
Among art workshops and showcases were those by duo Huda and Lynn featuring lino carving story stamp sessions, Nama Berita duo Natasha and Felicia featuring storytelling sessions in Iban, Fun Art Club by Kelly Jong featuring art sculpture workshops with Sarawak motifs, M Sahzy with a jungle sculpture made out of recycled organic materials, and Ceres Lau who conducted paper art workshops recreating one of Sarawak’s favourite dish—Sarawak Laksa—and showcased local favourites like the siet, linut, and tebaloi (delicacies by the Melanau) in the main exhibition hall. — DayakDaily
