KUCHING: The Kenyalang Bersaok Competition is envisioned to become an annual event, serving as a platform to empower young people with pride in their cultural identity.
Sarawak Art Council (MSS) acting chief executive officer Awang Ikman Awang Sepian said the competition is a prestigious showcase of the traditional ‘Tandak Nopeng Melayu’, a folk dance deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Sarawak and widely celebrated across Borneo, including Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Sabah and Labuan.
“Tandak Nopeng is more than just a dance. It is a living expression of the Malay Borneo identity, reflecting the grace, artistry and rich traditions passed down through generations,” he said.
He said this when representing Minister of Tourism, Creativity Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the Kenyalang Bersaok Competition prize giving ceremony at Wisma Sabati on Sunday night.
Awang Ikman further said that such competitions play a vital role as a cultural bridge between Sarawak and its neighboring regions, particularly Brunei Darussalam, fostering stronger ties and mutual appreciation.
“In a region as diverse as Borneo, the arts serve as a universal language that promotes unity and strengthens social bonds.
“Therefore, through participation, youth can showcase their talents, nurture a love for traditional arts and become stewards of an irreplaceable heritage,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of MSS in supporting cultural initiatives through programmes, performance platforms and grants to develop traditional performing arts across the state.
Meanwhile, Kenyalang Prodigy Club Kuching president Muhammad Nur Fawwiz Bolkiah said the competition stands out for its focus on youth.
“Youth are the inheritors of our culture. Whether this art continues to live or fades away lies in their hands,” he said.
He also hoped that competition would be an annual event, and potentially expanding it to national and even international levels.
“Such events could also serve as an educational platform to encourage young people to learn, appreciate and revive traditional arts,” he said.
He also said that the competition proves that the Sarawak Malay ‘tandak’ art remains relevant and continues to capture the interest of the youth.
“Therefore, it deserves to be an annual event to preserve and empower our cultural identity,” said Muhammad Nur Fawwiz.
Meanwhile, this year’s competition saw 16 youth groups, each consisting of two participants, competing in the youth category.
Four teams from Brunei also joined, making it a cultural bridge that promoted regional camaraderie.
The competition ended with vibrant performances by the winning teams, further showcasing the spirit of unity and cultural pride.
The event was also attended by Brunei’s Consul General in Kuching Sheikh Abdul Mahdani Datuk Paduka Sheikh Abdul Gani.
