MIRI: The Dayak Association Miri (DAM) must evolve beyond being a social platform and play a stronger role in empowering young people through education, leadership, culture, entrepreneurship and community development, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Uggah said DAM had an important responsibility to ensure the younger generation remained connected to its heritage while being equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to compete in a rapidly changing world.
His speech was delivered by the Chief Adviser of DAM, Datuk Dr Nuing Jeluing at the association’s Appreciation and Installation Night 2026 here.
The event was attended by Minister for Transport Sarawak, Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin and Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, who also contributed RM5,000 and RM3,000 respectively to DAM.
Also in attendance was DAM’s president, Cr Abin Galieh.
Uggah said the newly appointed 2026-2027 executive committee should build on the achievements of its predecessor while introducing fresh ideas, programmes and stronger partnerships.
“The association must remain relevant to the changing needs of our community, particularly our young people,” he said.
He urged the new leadership to lead with integrity, inclusiveness and a strong spirit of service, while continuing to promote unity, education, culture, welfare, leadership and community development.
Uggah also paid tribute to the outgoing executive committee for the 2024-2025 session, acknowledging its dedication, time and sacrifices in serving the association and the wider community.
He said community leadership was not always easy and often required service without expectation of recognition or reward.
“Your term may have ended, but your contribution to the association and the community will remain part of its history and legacy,” he said.
A key focus of the evening was the recognition of academic achievement, with awards presented to students who excelled in UP-DLP, SPM and STPM during the 2024-2025 academic sessions.
Recipients of Tertiary Achievement Awards at first degree, master’s and PhD levels were also recognised.
Uggah described education as one of the most powerful tools for transforming individuals, families and communities, and called on young Sarawakians to pursue higher education, professional qualifications, research and innovation.
He said Sarawak needed a new generation that was not only academically strong but also equipped with character, creativity, leadership skills and a sense of responsibility towards society.
“Your success is not yours alone. It is also a source of pride for your family, your community and Sarawak,” he said.
The association also honoured members for long service and recognised parents through the Parent Role Model Award.
Uggah said long service represented more than the number of years spent with an organisation, but reflected loyalty, commitment, contributions and the lives touched along the way.
On parenting, he said the home was the first classroom for every child, with parents playing a fundamental role in instilling values such as respect, discipline, responsibility, kindness and perseverance.
Uggah further called on DAM to strengthen opportunities for young people through cultural activities, sports, entrepreneurship, leadership development and community programmes.
He said preserving Dayak heritage, language, customs and traditions should go hand in hand with embracing education, technology, innovation and economic opportunities.
“Our young generation must understand their roots while being prepared to compete in a rapidly changing world,” he said.
At the same time, Uggah stressed that cultural identity should never become a barrier separating communities.
“Sarawak’s strength lies in our diversity, unity and mutual respect,” he said.
He said the Dayak community had played an important role in Sarawak’s history and development and should continue contributing positively to the state while strengthening ties across communities.
Uggah also called on DAM to become more than a platform for social networking, saying it should create real opportunities and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
“The future of Sarawak depends on all of us,” he said, stressing the importance of working together regardless of background, religion or ethnicity.
The appreciation and installation night marked the formal transition from the outgoing executive committee to the newly appointed 2026-2027 leadership, while also celebrating academic excellence, long service and parental contribution.
Uggah congratulated the new committee and all award recipients, while thanking parents, teachers, families and supporters for helping nurture the younger generation.
He expressed hope that DAM would continue to grow stronger, preserve Dayak heritage and empower the next generation to contribute meaningfully to Sarawak.
