Latest news with #SarawakPublicCommunicationsUnit


Borneo Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Cosplay, K-POP dance challenges to highlight youth talent at Kuching Fest 2025
Wee (sixth left) joins others for a group photo after the press conference. – Sarawak Public Communications Unit photo KUCHING (June 19): The 'Cosplay Competition' and 'K-Stage: K-POP Cover Dance Challenge', two exciting youth-focused events, will be featured as part of the Kuching Festival 2025 set to take place this August. The initiative is spearheaded by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) as part of its ongoing efforts to empower youth through creative and inclusive platforms. Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng highlighted the importance of such youth-centric programmes, especially in a rapidly evolving world where the voices and interests of the younger generation are increasingly vital. 'As a local authority, we believe that celebrating culture and community also must include ideas, talents and dreams from the next generation,' he told a press conference, as reported by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit. He added that the council's approach to youth development aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of health and well-being, quality education, sustainable cities and communities, and strategic partnerships. The Cosplay Competition will take place on Aug 2 from 5pm to 11pm at the MBKS Theatre. Open to all Malaysian citizens, the competition will feature two categories: Junior (ages 5 to 12) and Open (ages 13 and above). The Junior Category offers cash prizes of RM600 (champion), RM400 (first runner-up), RM300 (third place), as well as RM200 each for Best Pose, Best Character, and Audience Choice. Open Category winners will receive RM1,000 (champion), RM800 (first runner-up), RM500 (third place), and RM200 each for Best Pose, Best Character, and Audience Choice. Participation is free, and registration can be completed online from June 20 to July 29 via The K-POP Dance Challenge will follow on Aug 3 from 5pm to 10.30pm, also at the MBKS Theatre, with cash prizes of RM2,000 (champion), RM1,000 (first runner-up), RM500 (third place), RM500 (Best Costume), RM500 (Best Costume Design), and RM100 each to five winners for Best Random Dance Performance. Registration is also free and can be done online via with the closing date on July 15. cosplay dance challenge K-pop Kuching Festival MBKS


Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Perlis royals in Kuching for Gawai Parade, RWMF
Tuanku Syed Faizuddin (second left) with Gerald (left) at the KIA today. – Information Department photo KUCHING (June 19): The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, arrived in Kuching today for a four-day official visit to Sarawak. According to the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Their Royal Highnesses touched down at Kuching International Airport (KIA) at 2pm and were warmly welcomed by Deputy State Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu. This evening, the royal couple is expected to attend a private dinner hosted by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. Tomorrow (June 20), Their Royal Highnesses will visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre to witness Sarawak's renowned orangutan conservation efforts. In the evening, they are scheduled to attend the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) at the Sarawak Cultural Village, one of the region's most celebrated cultural and tourism events. The highlight of the visit will take place on Saturday, when Tuanku Syed Faizuddin and Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen are expected to witness the 2025 Gawai Dayak Parade at the Square Tower along Jalan Main Bazaar at the Kuching Waterfront. The parade is a major event in Sarawak's cultural calendar, celebrating the rich heritage and traditions of the Dayak community. Their Royal Highnesses are set to conclude their visit on Sunday evening, departing from KIA to Penang at 7.15pm.


Borneo Post
2 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
137 conferred state awards by Sarawak Governor at investiture ceremony
Wan Junaidi confers the PBK award to Fauziah Mardiana. – Photo from Sarawak Public Communications Unit KUCHING (June 18): A total of 137 individuals were conferred state awards and titles by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar during an investiture ceremony held at the Astana Negeri today. The ceremony commenced with the conferment of the Darjah Utama Yang Amat Mulia Bintang Kenyalang Sarawak, Pegawai Bintang Kenyalang (PBK) to 10 recipients. Leading the list was Datin Fauziah Mardiana Sepawi from the Government Servants Welfare and Sports Council (Maksak) Women Sarawak Education Bureau. Among the PBK recipients was also Professor Ts Dr Shanti Faridah Salleh, Director of the Institute of Sustainable and Renewable Energy (ISuRE) at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas). Twenty others, including Dr Ho Ai Chia, Dr Sally Suriani Ahip, Dr Mohamad Norjayadi Tamam, and Dr Rudy Tawie Joseph Sipi, received the Pingat Pentadbiran Awam Pingat Perkhidmatan Bakti (PPB). The ceremony also saw 18 individuals receiving the Darjah Yang Amat Mulia Bintang Sarawak, Ahli Bintang Sarawak (ABS), while another 18 were conferred the Darjah Utama Yang Amat Mulia Bintang Kenyalang Sarawak, Ahli Bintang Kenyalang (ABK). Additionally, 39 individuals were awarded the Pingat Pentadbiran Awam Pingat Perkhidmatan Terpuji (PPT). Notable recipients included Abdul Aziz Kadri, Abdul Karim Dollah, Ain Lamat, Amin Mangi, Amirul Syafiq @ Kertini Karnil, and Amir Hamzah Jahidin. There were 32 recipients of the Darjah Yang Amat Mulia Bintang Sarawak, Bentara Bintang Sarawak (BBS), with notable recipients such as Awang Sahpura Awang Mangku, Aidel Jemat, Bohari Mohamad Zini, Chundi Jipon and Emran Pa'ee. Present at the ceremony were Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohammad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata, Sarawak Attorney General Dato Sri Saferi Ali, deputy ministers, and senior government officials. investiture state awards Wan Junaidi


Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Borneo Post
Final Unesco assessment for Sarawak Delta Geopark next week
Handout photo shows one of the locations under the Sarawak Delta Geopark. KUCHING (June 17): The Sarawak Delta Geopark (SDGp) will undergo its final and most critical step in securing the Unesco Global Geopark (UGGp) status, as the field evaluation mission takes place next week. A statement published by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) said the mission will be conducted from June 23 to 26 by two highly regarded Unesco evaluators, namely Jean-Simon Pagès from France and Antonio Garcia Jiménez from Spain. According to the statement, both evaluators bring extensive experience in geopark assessment and management. 'Their findings will be instrumental in determining whether the Sarawak Delta Geopark meets the strict international standards required for official designation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco),' the statement added. During the four-day evaluation, the experts will tour various significant locations across the Sarawak Delta region that collectively demonstrate its rich geological, biological, and cultural diversity. Key areas they will explore include the Schist Tuang Semeba and Paku Rock Maze in Bau, known for their distinctive geological features, as well as the Wind Cave Nature Reserve in Bau, which highlights both geological and biological importance. The Semenggoh Nature Reserve in Padawan, home to diverse flora and fauna, will also be part of the itinerary. Cultural heritage will be prominently showcased through visits to the Borneo Cultures Museum in Kuching and the Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong, both serving as important centres for preserving and promoting local traditions. The evaluators will also make their way to Kampung Peros in Krokong, Bau, an example of a kampung geopark, and SMK Paku in Bau, a geopark school actively involved in education and awareness related to geoconservation. Additional strategic locations throughout the aspiring geopark area will also be assessed. 'This evaluation mission holds great significance, not only for the potential Unesco recognition but also for showcasing Sarawak's commitment to sustainable development, geoconservation, education, and community empowerment. 'It is a vital opportunity to present the region's efforts in preserving its natural and cultural heritage through inclusive and forward-thinking geopark initiatives,' the statement added. The Sarawak Delta Geopark covers an area of 3,112 square kilometres and is characterised by stunning landscapes, remarkable geological formations, and a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures. These communities not only depend on the natural resources of the area but also play a crucial role in preserving traditional knowledge and cultural practices that are deeply intertwined with the environment. The region's geological history is particularly notable, with rock formations and features dating back around 250 million years, shaped by significant tectonic activity. These geological processes are part of a broader narrative that connects Southeast Asia with other regions, including Europe and Asia, making many of the sites within the Sarawak Delta of international geological importance.


Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Abang Johari: Three strategic priorities identified for post-completion phase of Baleh Dam
Abang Johari speaking to the press during his working visit to the Baleh Hydroelectric Dam. BALEH (June 16): The Sarawak government has identified three key strategic priorities for the post-completion phase of the Baleh Hydroelectric Dam, positioning the state as a regional leader in green energy development. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that these priorities are biodiversity conservation, agricultural development, and the protection of wildlife habitats. The Premier stressed that post-project planning is crucial to ensure that the benefits of power generation are achieved without compromising environmental sustainability and the well-being of local communities. 'This approach is vital to ensure that our energy development does not come at the expense of the environment or local livelihoods,' he said in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit news report during his working visit to the Baleh Hydroelectric Dam site today. He stressed that once the dam is completed by 2027, Sarawak Energy must roll out a comprehensive biodiversity agenda aligned with green economy principles. Among the major initiatives proposed is a large-scale reforestation programme to restore forest biodiversity impacted by the dam's development. Agricultural activities will also be introduced in surrounding areas to create new economic opportunities for local communities. Abang Johari further highlighted the importance of preserving and rehabilitating wildlife habitats in the region. He directed Sarawak Energy to work closely with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), Sarawak Forest Department, and Sarawak Agriculture Department to carry out this green agenda. 'These efforts must be aligned with the involvement of local communities and businesses,' he said. This approach, he added, is in line with the state government's long-term goal to ensure that energy development moves hand in hand with environmental conservation, particularly in the face of global climate change. 'We have learned from the development experiences in Batang Ai and Bakun. Now, we are adapting our strategies to meet global climate demands,' he noted. The Baleh Hydroelectric Project, currently in its second phase of construction, is expected to be completed by the end of 2029, with a generation capacity of 1.2 gigawatts. The project forms a key component of Sarawak's strategic roadmap to become a leading green energy producer in the region by 2030. Abang Johari Tun Openg Baleh Hydroelectric Dam green energy strategic