Curtin students empower Bidayuh youth with digital literacy
Ariffin (middle row, fifth left) joins volunteers and participants for a group photo.
MIRI (May 28): Students from the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences at Curtin University Malaysia recently held a Digital Empowerment Workshop for Bidayuh youth in Tudan, aiming to equip them with modern tools to preserve and promote their cultural heritage online.
Supported by Pasukan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Bahagian Miri (PKKK) and Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Miri, the one-day workshop was participated by secondary school students from the local Bidayuh community.
Participants received hands-on training in popular digital platforms such as Canva, Capcut, and Metaverse-related tools, enabling them to tell cultural stories through digital posters, short videos, and virtual content.
A key highlight was the creation of promotional content featuring traditional Bidayuh cuisine, like 'pogang', developed by the youth in collaboration with village elders.
Deputy mayor Ariffin Mohamad praised the initiative for fusing ancestral wisdom with modern skills, saying: ''Adab dulu, baru ilmu' (manners before knowledge) remains a guiding principle. This workshop shows how tradition can thrive when paired with respectful and creative learning.'
The workshop also featured lively activities including tutorials, team challenges, and digital content competitions, which sparked enthusiasm and camaraderie among participants.
Curtin students acted as facilitators, mentoring the youth through each creative task while building their confidence in using digital platforms.
Head of the faculty's General Studies Valerie Velina Anaelechi, also the project's academic advisor, said the long-term vision behind the initiative is to educate the young ones about the importance of digital literacy not only as a skill, but also as a tool for cultural resilience.
'Digital literacy is more than a modern skill; it is a tool for cultural resilience. By helping young people tell their stories online, we are giving them the means to protect and promote their heritage for future generations.' Bidayuh cultural heritage Curtin University Malaysia digitalisation lead
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Over 3,000 join colourful Gawai Dayak 2025 Parade in Kuching
Abang Johari (fourth left) with Uggah (third left), Dr Sim (third right) and other local dignitaries march their way from the Tun Jugah Building to the Kuching Waterfront. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 21): More than 90 contingents and 12 decorated floats, featuring over 3,000 participants from the Orang Ulu, Bidayuh, and Iban communities, brought vibrant colour and cultural significance to the Gawai Dayak 2025 Parade, much to the delight of both locals and visitors. The day began with the traditional Orang Ulu 'Upacara Mamat' ceremony, held at the Tun Jugah Building lobby. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated the ritual, which was conducted by the Sarawak Council for Customs and Traditions and led by Pemanca Tony Kulleh from the Belaga Kenyah community. The ritual sought blessings and permission from ancestral spirits to commence the parade. A contingent representing the Iban community at the parade. – Photo by Chimon Upon Following the ceremony, Abang Johari and other dignitaries joined the 1.2-km parade from Tun Jugah Building to the Kuching Waterfront. Among those in attendance were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, along with the main organising committee chair of the state-level Gawai Dayak celebration, Datuk Gerawat Gala. The 'Upacara Mamat' ritual remains symbolic as a celebration of unity and a means of passing down the spirit of courage and togetherness to younger generations. It reflects values of gratitude, shared achievement, and harmony – ideals at the heart of Gawai. The two-hour parade also featured contingents and special guests from outside Sarawak, including members of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Sarawak Branch. A women contingent showcasing their costumes at the parade. – Photo by Chimon Upon The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, was present as a special guest. Also in attendance were delegates from North Kalimantan, led by Vice Governor Ingkong Ala and the Republic of Indonesia Senator Dr Marthin Billa, who is also the President of the National Dayak Customary Council. The Orang Ulu community was represented by groups such as the Sarawak Kayan Association Kuching Branch, Sarawak National Kenyah Association, Sarawak Bisaya Association, Sarawak Lahanan Association, Punan National Association, Serian Orang Ulu Association, Sarawak Kayan Women Association, and the Orang Ulu National Association. Contingents from the Bidayuh community included branches of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) from Serian, Lundu, Urban Kuching, Central Kuching, Siburan, Serapi, Penrissen, Padawan, Bau, Samarahan and Tebedu, as well as the Kuching Biperoh Association, Kuching Biya Association, and the Jagoi Area Development Committee. Representing the Iban community were the Tun Jugah Foundation, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak, Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, several SDNU branches, the Anak Borneo Semenanjung Association, Sarawak Pribumi Intellectual Association, Dayak Kuching Community Culture and Charity Club, and Sarawak Dayak Iban Association. One of the contingents making their way to the Kuching Waterfront. – Photo by Chimon Upon Speaking to reporters after the parade, Uggah said it served as a platform for Sarawak's diverse ethnic groups to showcase their rich culture and traditions. 'It is also to enlighten the non-Dayak community of the traditions and customs practised by the Dayaks,' he said. He also expressed appreciation to the Premier Abang Johari and Raja Muda of Perlis for attending the cultural celebration. abang johari Gawai Dayak parade Kuching Niti Daun
Sinar Daily
6 days ago
- Sinar Daily
What happens to qurban meat? Understanding its journey and meaningful distribution
Qurban isn't just about sacrifice. It's about distribution. The journey of Qurban meat is perhaps the most beautiful part of the ritual, a chain of giving that reflects Islam's deep concern for equity and care for the poor. Photo by Canva FROM choosing the right animal to making sure the meat reaches the right hands, Qurban isn't just about sacrifice. It's about distribution and fulfilling an amanah (trust) that extends far beyond the slaughter site. Federal Territories Mufti, Sahibus Samahah Datuk Prof Madya Dr Luqman Abdullah, shared a clear guide on the right way to perform qurban, and the responsibilities that come after, the respectful handling of the meat, the fair distribution, and the deeper intention behind every step. The first lesson is clear: not every animal qualifies as a qurban offering. Only certain livestock are eligible such as camels, cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep. Wild animals like deer or wild buffaloes are not allowed. Both males and females can be offered, whether they're fertile or castrated. But the eligibility doesn't stop at type, it goes deeper. The Mufti reminds us that animals must be healthy, well-fed, and free from any physical defects. That means no limping, no blindness, no broken horns, and certainly no signs of emaciation. There are even age guidelines: Camel: At least 5 years old Cow or Buffalo: At least 2 years old Goat: At least 2 years old Sheep: At least 1 year old or must have shed its front teeth This ensures the animal is mature enough, physically and symbolically for the sacred act of sacrifice. The Act of Slaughter: A Test of Skill, Faith, and Compassion Contrary to popular belief, the act of slaughter isn't just a physical ritual, it's a spiritual responsibility. 'Before the blade even touches the skin. Intention (niat) must be made,' said the Mufti. Whether it's a sunnah qurban or one that was nazar (vowed), the slaughterer must be a sane, practising Muslim, armed not just with a sharp knife but also deep understanding and respect. From choosing the right animal to making sure the meat reaches the right hands, Qurban isn't just about sacrifice. It's about distribution and fulfilling an amanah (trust) that extends far beyond the slaughter site. Photo: Canva Here's how the act unfolds: The animal is laid gently on its left side, facing the qiblah. It is restrained but never harmed, using proper tools. The slaughterer recites 'Bismillah Allahuakbar' and sends blessings upon the Prophet SAW. The knife is then swiftly drawn across the neck, cutting the trachea, oesophagus, and both major arteries. And in the quiet that follows, the du'a is whispered: 'Allahumma inna hadza minka wa laka fataqabbal minni' ('O Allah, indeed this is from You and for You, so accept it from me.') The emphasis here is on speed, mercy, and precision so the animal does not suffer, and the act remains dignified. What Happens to the Qurban Meat After the Slaughter? If you've ever wondered where Qurban meat goes after the sacrifice, you're not alone. The journey of Qurban meat is perhaps the most beautiful part of the ritual, a chain of giving that reflects Islam's deep concern for equity and care for the poor. But here's a key distinction: not all Qurban meat is treated the same. If one cow is shared among seven people, some performing wajib (obligatory) qurban, others doing sunnah qurban or even aqiqah, it becomes vital to separate the shares according to their intention. Why? Because: Wajib Qurban meat must be fully distributed to the needy Sunnah Qurban allows the owner to consume a portion Aqiqah meat has its own separate rulings Don't Sell the Skin (or Any Part of It) There are strict boundaries around what can be done with qurban parts, especially when it comes to payment. As explained by classical scholar Sheikh Zakaria al-Ansari, it is haram to sell any part of the qurban animal including the skin, horns, or even giving them as payment to the butcher. Instead, the owner may keep the hide for personal use or gift it to someone who can benefit from it, while any parts of the animal that are unusable should be respectfully buried. When done correctly, Qurban is more than just a ritual. It's a lesson in sacrifice, discipline, compassion, and community. It reminds us that faith isn't just about prayers or fasting, it's about how we care for others, especially those with less. So this Eid al-Adha, when the blade meets flesh and the takbir fills the sky, remember: the qurban is not just what you give up—but what you give forward.
Borneo Post
14-06-2025
- Borneo Post
RM4.9 mln agricultural road project to improve access in Kpg Krusen Kranji, says Tebedu rep
Dr Sinang symbolically crosses the traditional Bidayuh bamboo bridge during the Gawai Nyisan Bunos at Awah Gawai N'Tangan Biriyak, Kampung Krusen Kranji on Friday. – Photo from Ukas SERIAN (June 14): A RM4.9 million agricultural road project will soon be implemented in Kampung Krusen Kranji, announced Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada. According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, Dr Sinang said the new road will not only connect Kampung Krusen Kranji to the neighbouring villages of Krusen Siu and Krusen Mawang, but also provide much-needed access to farms and idle land previously difficult to reach. 'This project will provide road connectivity to farms and vacant land, as well as providing convenience to all landowners in the area. 'When ready, the Serian Resident's Office will be responsible for opening the tender,' he said at the 'Gawai Nyisan Bunos' (Gawai closing) at Awah Gawai N'Tangan Biriyak, Kampung Krusen Kranji on Friday. During the event, Dr Sinang also announced a government allocation of RM10,000 for the construction of a new public toilet at Awah Gawai N'Tangan Biriyak, which will support upcoming community programmes in the area. agricultural road project Dr Simon Sinang Bada Kampung Krusen Kranji
