PSEOU 2025 Elevates Orang Ulu Music, Brings Cultural Heritage To A Higher Stage
MIRI: Seni and culture of the Orang Ulu community continue to be strengthened and showcased, with the potential to be elevated to national and international levels through the organisation of the Pentas Suara Emas Orang Ulu (PSEOU) 2025, held here on Saturday night.
Organised by the Kelab Wanita Berwawasan Baram, the programme was officiated by Telang Usan Assemblyman and Sarawak Tourism Board Chairman, Dato Dennis Ngau, who was present representing the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
In his speech, Dato Dennis said the organisation of PSEOU 2025 was not merely an entertainment competition, but an important platform to preserve the identity, language, history and sense of self of the Orang Ulu community, ensuring that it continues to be safeguarded and passed on to younger generations.
According to him, the courage shown by participants in performing songs in their respective mother tongues reflects pride in their own identities, while also proving that Orang Ulu music remains relevant and possesses commercial value within Sarawak’s creative industry landscape.
“Each song presented is not just a performance, but carries historical value, emotion and ancestral stories that reflect the uniqueness of Orang Ulu heritage.
“Winning or losing is not the main measure. Rather, the courage to uplift one’s own identity is the true victory,” he said.
He also expressed his appreciation to the Kelab Wanita Berwawasan Baram and the entire organising committee for their commitment in hosting a high-impact competition that successfully brought together participants from various parts of Sarawak, while attracting hundreds of spectators.
Commenting on future directions, Dato Dennis expressed hope that PSEOU could be established as a larger-scale annual event with the potential to be promoted at the national and international levels, in line with efforts to position arts and culture as tourism products for Sarawak.
At the same time, he conveyed appreciation to the Sarawak Government for approving an allocation of approximately RM30 million for the construction of the FORUM Building, which now stands as a symbol of cultural empowerment for the Orang Ulu community.
On the grand final night, Spinney emerged as the PSEOU 2025 champion with a Lun Bawang song, followed by Bobby Laing in second place with a Kayan song, while Eric Belu secured third place with a Lun Bawang song.
Special awards were also presented, including Best Song Award to Eric Belu, Best Performance Award to Bobby Laing, Best Vocal Award to Spinney and Popular Artiste Award to Sall.
Meanwhile, the Christmas Song Choir Competition 2025 saw Bintang Timur from BEM Lutong Baru crowned as champion.
The event was further enlivened by performances from local guest artistes as well as a special appearance by invited artiste from Indonesia, Agus Hingaan.
Also present at the event were Miri City Deputy Mayor Ariffin Mohamad, Telang Usan District Officer Ezra Uda, and Baram Progressive Women’s Club Chairperson Mujan Lah. -UKASnews
