Anugerah Seni Sarawak 2025 Continues Recognition Of Artistic Excellence
KUCHING: The Sarawak Government continues to strengthen the state’s cultural and creative ecosystem through the Anugerah Seni Sarawak 2025, a prestigious platform that recognises excellence and lifelong contributions in the field of arts.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the awards ceremony remains an important platform for recognising the breadth of Sarawak’s creative talent, noting the strong participation this year.
“From what I can see, there are 93 nominees this year. These nominations show the strength of their contributions, and we expect to see even more participation in the coming years,” he said when speaking during the event held at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex on Thursday.
Other present included MTCP Deputy Minister, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, MTCP Permanent Secretary, Datu Sherrina Hussaini, and Director General of the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN), Mohd Amran Mohd Haris.
Dato Sri Abdul Karim also expressed appreciation for the dedication of Sarawak’s cultural practitioners.
“Without their involvement in art, culture, singing and other creative expressions, our lives would be far less colourful and joyful. They are the ones who have coloured the history of our country,” he said.
Meanwhile, eight distinguished individuals and organisations were celebrated at the Anugerah Seni Sarawak 2025, marking a heartfelt tribute to the people who have shaped the cultural landscape of the state through unwavering passion, creativity and lifelong service.
At the forefront of the recognition was Datin Senorita Linang who received the Anugerah Tokoh Seni Sarawak 2025, the highest honour of the evening.
Her decades of dedication have solidified her place as an influential figure in the state’s cultural development.
The evening also celebrated institutional contributions with awards presented to RTM Sarawak, Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) and Persatuan Grup Teater Ngoncong (GTN), acknowledging their collective role in nurturing talent and sustaining cultural activities across the state.
Individual artistic achievements were also recognised through the Opera Kenyalang Award (Theatre) presented to Ahmad Beduwi Narawi, the Sri Ritma Kenyalang Award (Music) awarded to Dr Kamil Salem, and the Kesuma Kenyalang Award (Dance) presented to Hamidah Mohamad.
A particularly emotional moment came with the Nilakandi Seni Sarawak Sepanjang Zaman award, presented posthumously to the late Osman Bitul (B. Osman).
The recognition served as a tribute to his lasting influence and the legacy he left behind in preserving and elevating Sarawak’s artistic identity. -UKASnews
