KUCHING: The Kenyah community here came together for a night of celebration during the 14th Educational Incentive Award and Peng Leto Kenyah Sarawak (PLKS) 10th Anniversary Dinner, honouring academic excellence and a decade of community spirit.
The event, held at a local restaurant on Saturday (Nov 10) evening, was also attended by Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada.
In his speech, PKKS Kuching branch head Lucas Kalang Laeng highlighted that the branch currently has over 100 registered members and urged more young Kenyah community in Kuching to register and play an active role in the association.
“We need our younger generation to carry forward our legacy. I hope the youth here will step up and help strengthen our community for the future,” he said, while noting that the Kenyah population in Kuching may be small compared to other regions.
He added that the programme has also become a meaningful annual tradition that should be continued to nurture community spirit and encourage youth to excel in education and social involvement.
Meanwhile, PLKS Kuching branch chairwoman Catherina Tipong Usang said the celebration was not only to recognise students’ academic achievements but also to honour the commitment, spirit and hard work of the team that has brought PLKS to its current standing.
The annual dinner, she said, served two main purposes — to recognise nine outstanding students who excelled in their SPM, STPM, and tertiary educations in 2024 and 2025, and to commemorate the 10th anniversary of PLKS’s establishment.
Reflecting on the association’s journey, Catherina shared that PLKS was founded in December 2015 with only 20 members and has since grown to about 120.
“What began as a small group of committed women has grown into a strong network of over a hundred members, united by shared values and a drive to preserve and uplift our Kenyah heritage,” she said.
Since its inception, PLKS has actively organised various activities, including handicraft and beadwork classes, traditional dance and singing sessions, family outings and the annual food and handicraft bazaar.
The association has also participated in state-level cultural events such as Hari Wanita Sarawak, Gawai Dayak celebrations and the Sarawak Arts Festival.
Among PLKS’s proudest achievements, she noted, was when PKKS Kuching emerged champion of the Tidau Tenggerang Orang Ulu competition during the Gawai Dayak celebrations in both 2023 and 2024.
Catherina credited these successes to teamwork and strong collaboration between PLKS and PKKS members.
“All of this was possible through dedication, cooperation and mutual support. Our success reflects the unity and strength of our community,” she said.
She also expressed hope that future programmes would continue to receive financial and moral support from the government and community leaders, noting that PLKS plans to organise at least four or five major activities next year.
“We also that hope YB (Dr Simon) will consider supporting us in the coming year. Even if not now, perhaps next year, so we can continue our efforts effectively,” she added.
