All articles of culture in Sabah

13May

Sunset Music Fest returns June 4

KOTA KINABALU: The Sunset Music Fest at the Tip of Borneo is all set to take centre stage once again on June 4 at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau in Kudat, the northern-most tip of Borneo. The open air music concert, which features a line-up of performers presenting a broad repertoire of music and songs, will take place from 5pm to 9pm. Held for the tenth year, the music festival is considered one of Sabah’s most unique events given its unconventional venue, offering the audience a spectacular natural backdrop of the sun setting over the Sulu and South China seas. Concert-goers are encouraged to visit other places of interest in Kudat such as the Rungus longhouse, honey bee farm and gong making village before heading to the festival. During the event, access to the venue and its surroundings, which include the pathway from the parking lot to the Globe, will be open to concert ticket holders only from 3pm to 10pm. This litter-free event is brought to the public by Sabah Tourism Board and is organised by its wholly-owned subsidiary Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd. Tickets for the music festival are sold at RM50 per person. Return transportation is available for ticket holders at only RM20 per person. Transportation departs from the Sabah Tourism Board office along Gaya Street at 2pm sharp. Closing date for transport reservations is June 1 (Wednesday). To purchase tickets and make reservations for shuttle bus services, contact Sabah Tourism Board and Sri Pelancongan Sabah (+6088) 212 121 or (+6088) 232 121, or visit the website www.sunsetmusicfest.my. Tanjung Simpang Mengayau is one of the most picturesque sections of Sabah’s long and rugged coastline. It is also popularly known as the Tip of Borneo, the meeting point of the South China and Sulu seas. Sunset views from the headland, white sandy stretches of beach and the brilliant azure colour of the ocean have earned this place the reputation as one of the most spectacular destinations in Sabah. – PR Source : New Sabah Times
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13May

Selfie, wefie contests open to Sabahans in conjunction with Women’s Day celebrations

KOTA KINABALU, May 11 ― Short video and selfie and wefie contests on gender in celebration of the state-level Women’s Day 2016 are now open to Sabahans. Datu Rosmadi Datu Sulai, general manager of Sabah Cultural Board (SCB) in announcing this today said the contests were held to explore gender from the perspective of the community in particular the younger generation. “All this while we have been listening and seeing only from the point of view of adults with regards to gender issues,” he said at a press conference yesterday. “We are especially interested in what youths think and understand about the topic of gender – their opinions, values and beliefs. Their input would help the government in the shaping of women's policies and processes involved,” he said. The photo and five-minute video contests are organised by the Sabah Women's Advisory Council (MPWS) and SCB for Sabahans of all ages and entries can be sent from anywhere around the world in the country’s major languages and Sabah ethnic tongues. Contestants are required to convey in their entries the theme of gender and its role in the workplace, family and community in a loving and harmonious environment set up, and gender in the context of non-violence involving women, children and people with disabilities. Hanna Wong Abdullah, chairwoman of MPWS's Women and Media Committee, said gender was chosen as the theme in this year's Women's Day celebration to engage with young people and seek their views on gender. “The level of gender awareness and gender equality is still truly lacking among the people,” Hanna said. The prize presentation ceremony will take place during the Women's Day celebration in Keningau on August 27 expected to be officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman. Prizes include cash, award for most popular vote with the most likes, and certificates. ― Bernama Source : Malay Mail Online/Bernama
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29Apr

History lessons via Sabah Fest

Kota Kinabalu: Behind the scene of the annual Sabah Fest, a different set of dynamics come into play where the different races and ethnics in the State get to feel a sense of belonging. State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun believed that so much of this has been accomplished since the annual cultural event was first introduced. Sharing with the Daily Express recently, Masidi said he received positive response from the Chinese community last year when the musical theatre featured a love story between a Chinese merchant and a local girl in 'Agop'. "Through the Sabah Fest, we hope to educate the public about our history and the personalities who were mentioned in it. And we present all this in a way that entertains the people. But more than this, we hope that all the races in Sabah will feel a sense of belonging through this event. Last year when we introduced the love story between a Chinese merchant and a local girl, members of the Chinese community were very happy," he said. The Sabah Fest is a cultural event where ethnic groups in Sabah present their rich cultures and traditions through dance, music, fashion and food. The event is a prelude to the statewide Harvest Festival celebration and is a superbly entertaining cultural extravaganza. The musical theatre presents a wonderful blend of cultural and natural heritage that is richly embedded in folklore and one of Sabah's premiere events. This year, it features the story of the legendary freedom fighter, Mat Salleh. Masidi is aware about certain public perception even to this day concerning the historical figure who during his time was branded a menace by the British North Borneo Chartered Company but a local hero to many locals. "Some people say he's a villain, some say he's a hero. Actually the Sabah Fest is a right forum to be a medium of storytelling of our legends and myths. Over time we hope to present other legends through this event. But we want to present in such a way not to judge them but present an exciting story and let people be the judge" he said. It is for this reason that the Minister, who himself has been very much hands-on in the entire preparation of the event, had insisted to incorporate an element of love and romance in the story. "Love is a universal language that all of us can relate to," he added. The annual Sabah Fest musical theatre has featured a number of interesting historical figures of Sabah through a combination of powerful storyline, colourful display of ethnic and contemporary dances and music as well as some of the breathtaking sceneries in the State. Sabah Fest 2016 dance and musical theatre will take the stage from April 29 to May 1 at the Sabah Arts and Culture auditorium. Show starts at 8pm. Information is available on www.sabahfest.com while tickets for the stage performance are being sold at RM50. For more information, the public can contact Zachary Mobijohn at +6088 232 121 or e-mail info@sabahtourism.com. Happening at the same time, the State National Arts and Culture Department will be organising exciting side events before and after the theatre show to offer visitors an experience to remember. The department will organise cultural pocket shows in collaboration with Eastern College, Persatuan Kebudayaan and Kesenian Suara Buluh Perinduh Sabah and Tagaps Dance Theatre, a batik and contemporary ethnic costume show and a Mat Salleh exhibition at the compound area. Source : Daily Express
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27Apr

Anzac enhances ties between Australians and M’sians: CM

Sandakan: Over 70 years ago, Malaysians and Australians fought side by side during the Second World War. That cooperation eventually forged the bonds of friendship between Malaysia and Australia. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the bond was further strengthened when Australians again came to the aid of a new Malaysian nation, striving together for peace during the Malayan Emergency and Indonesian Confrontation. "We share a history. We share a freedom hard fought and valiantly won. We mourn together, men and women of our nations who sacrificed their lives to achieve it, and we renew our commitment to ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain. "It is the privilege of the Sabah people to protect this memorial park, a grave witness to one of the great tragedies of war, and to help those who visit to understand what happened here. "For this is not only a place of memorial and history, but of education and commemoration," he said at the Anzac Day Ceremony at the Sandakan Memorial Park, near here, Monday. His speech was delivered by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Pang Nyuk Ming. Musa said within the memorial park were stories which spoke of the realities of war and of those who provided shelter for soldiers. "(These were stories) of placing one foot in front of the other, day in, day out in the fight for survival, for freedom and for peace." In 1942, a significant number of Australian soldiers captured by the Japanese offensive in Southeast Asia was sent to the prisoner-of-war camp in Sandakan to construct a military airstrip the Japanese believed would assist the war effort. After the allies bombed the completed airfield in 1945, the Japanese commander chose to relocate the surviving prisoners, 260km to Ranau in three separate marches through dense forests and mountainous terrain. Source : Daily Express
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22Apr

Sabah Fest 2016 features Medtemu Sumirid, Magarang dances

KOTA KINABALU: The most anticipated cultural extravaganza musical stage performance of Gulu Gulu – A Tribute to the Past musical performance will be held from April 29 to May 1, this year at the Auditorium Complex, National Department For Culture And Arts, Sabah (JKKN Sabah) starting at 8pm on all three nights. In addition, this three-day event will also highlight the different ethnicities in Sabah through a traditional food and handicraft showcase from 5pm to 10pm at the event grounds. There will be ethnic groups of Kadazan Penampang, Dusun Liwan of Ranau, Bajau Sama, Suluk Sandakan and Dusun Tambunan among many others to perform and display their culture and musical traditions at this year’s Sabah Fest. Witness authentic dances such as Medtemu Sumirid by Dusun Liwan from Ranau. When there is a dispute among the Ranau Dusun people, the Medtemu dance is often performed. The word Medtemu means ‘a meeting to settle disputes’. In the old days, the dance is performed when celebrating the departure of warriors to battlefields or men going on a hunt. Both men and women perform the Medtemu and the basis of this dance is the act of separating rice from its husks by feet, known as Sumirid. This dance is performed to a gong beat called the siri-siri petinduk. The Magarang is performed by the Dusuns of Tambunan. The Magarang ritual is usually held to commemorate the harvest festival and weddings, although traditionally, the Magarang was also associated with headhunting. Normally, the sopogandangan beat by the gongs were played to accompany the Magarang ritual, but slower in tempo. Do not miss this annual premier event, showcasing Sabah’s vibrant cultural heritage, history and tradition in the form of thrilling theatrical performances, dance and music. Find out more at www.sabahfest.com. Tickets for the stage performance are sold at RM50 per ticket. Show starts at 8pm. There is no admission fee for the exhibitions. For more information, please contact Zachary Mobijohn, event manager of Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd at +6088232121 or email info@sabahtourlsm.com. This event is brought to the public by Sabah Tourism Board and organised by its wholly-owned subsidiary Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd. – (PR) Source: New Sabah Times
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