KUCHING: Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS) has expanded its network of young cultural ambassadors with the graduation of thirteen new Sape Ambassadors at the close of its Sape Camp 2025.
The event, held at the Grand Continental Hotel here, marked another stride in YPS’ ongoing effort to inspire unity by engaging youth through culture, creativity and the traditional sape.
Running from November 10 to 15, this year’s camp brought together thirteen participants from diverse cultural backgrounds across Malaysia, including youth from Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, representing communities such as Murut, Dusun, Orang Asli, Malay, Kenyah, Iban, Bidayuh, Chinese, and Lun Bawang.
Now in its third edition since its launch in 2023, the programme has grown into one of YPS’ key cultural initiatives aimed at strengthening understanding among communities through shared musical experience.
Throughout the camp, participants took part in workshops covering sape playing, composition, performance techniques, and vocal training, and their learning journey culminated in their formal appointment as YPS Sape Ambassadors.
In his closing remarks, YPS Deputy Chairman, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Alfred Jabu Numpang, expressed pride in the camp’s progress and reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to nurturing unity among the younger generation.
“The Sape Camp reflects our shared vision to foster unity, celebrate diversity and preserve Sarawak’s cultural heritage.
“Our young participants, now inducted as YPS Ambassadors, represent the next generation of leaders who will continue to bridge cultural divides and champion inclusivity throughout Malaysia,” he said.
YPS Chief Executive, Datuk Aloysius J. Dris, in his welcoming speech, highlighted the camp as a meaningful platform for youth development.
“This year’s participants have undergone a purposeful and experiential learning journey, exploring culture, music and teamwork, all anchored in YPS’ mission of promoting unity.
“Through interactive workshops, sape composition and performance training led by our partners, we hope to deepen their appreciation for Sarawak’s cultural diversity and the art of the sape,” he said.
YPS also acknowledged the contributions of cultural experts and trainers, including Mathew Ngau Jau, Dr Connie Lim Keh Nie of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, and professional coaches from Persatuan Anak Seni Sape Kuching led by Elizabeth Bungan.
A new feature of this year’s camp was a vocal sharing session by well-known Sarawak artiste, Bob Yusof, who guided the participants in exploring vocal expression as part of their performance abilities.
The Sape Camp 2025 programme was built around four objectives: nurturing unity among youths through learning the traditional instrument, deepening knowledge of its history and significance, providing structured training in composition, and offering insights into the craftsmanship behind sape making.
With the latest cohort, YPS now has forty-seven ambassadors trained through the camp since 2023, who will continue to support the foundation’s ‘Unity in Diversity’ initiatives across the country.
