Call on NGOs to help communities maintain cultural identity

KUCHING (Nov 6): Individuals, organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) must work together to preserve the arts and culture and in this respect, they should encourage the communities to take part in activities related to these areas.

In making this call, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan says the main objective is to help communities maintain their cultural identity and inculcate in them a sense of pride for their artistic heritage.

“The ministry will continue in its efforts to ensure the formulation of policies, facilitate regional cooperative development, encourage participation of all stakeholders, and cultivate skilled, creative and innovative human capital in tourism, arts and culture in Sarawak.

“One of the initiatives includes grant applications such as the Sarawak Heritage, Arts and Culture Facilitation Fund,” he said at the ‘Sape Serenity: Rhythms That Unites Appreciation Night’ here on Sunday.

Adding on, Snowdan commended the Persatuan Anak Seni Sape Kuching (Pusak) for continuing to actively involve the young generation in promoting and sustaining traditional Sarawak music instruments such as ‘sape’, ‘jatung utang’ and ‘selingut’.

“I hope to see more of our younger generation learn to play these traditional music instruments at the international stage in the future,” he said.

The event also served as a thanksgiving celebration held in connection with the ‘Sape Serenity: Rhythms That Unites Expo Programme’, held at Plaza Merdeka here last month.

During the event, several Pusak members and individuals were recognised for their efforts and achievements including Ivanna Anz Eddie, Mohd Ikhmal Hakim Nicolas Changing and Hubert Zach Garan Hitler Ajan, who were hailed as the ‘Most Outstanding Teenage Members’; Awangku Rayyan Putra Johari, Baptista Emmanuell Korintus, Lis Eliza Sulugo and Fabian Emmanuel Kulleh (Most Active Members); Ferderick Malidini and Stanford Ryan (Most Outstanding Members); as well as Korintus Leban, Patrick Asau and Tomi Bulen, who were awarded the ‘Special Sape Maker Appreciation’ honour.