KUCHING: The Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), in collaboration with the Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), will host the 17th Joint DCCI-KCCI Gawai Kaamatan Celebration 2026 from 27 to 28 June in Kuching.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at Menara Dayak Chamber on Friday.
Themed “Honouring Tradition, Shaping The Future,” the two-day event is expected to serve as a strategic platform integrating cultural heritage, trade, tourism, investment, and the economic empowerment of indigenous communities in Sarawak and Sabah.
This joint initiative between DCCI and KCCI is seen as a continuous step toward strengthening regional cooperation among indigenous business communities, while elevating the Gawai-Kaamatan festivities as a distinct Borneo cultural and economic brand.
The highlight of the celebration will be the Gala Dinner on 28 June 2026 at Amity Venue, UNIFOR, Kuching, which is scheduled to be officiated by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Openg, as the guest of honour.
DCCI President Dato Allan Keripin Nangkai stated that the celebration is more than just a cultural event; it serves as a strategic platform to empower the indigenous business community and expand economic collaboration between Sarawak and Sabah.
According to him, the programme also focuses on promoting indigenous-owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), expanding access to investment and financing, strengthening economic policy dialogues, and positioning cultural heritage as a driver of the creative economy.
“This programme is more than a mere cultural celebration, as it serves as a strategic platform to empower indigenous businesses, foster cross-border cooperation, and turn cultural heritage into a driver for economic growth,” he said.
Also present were the Organising Chairman of the 17th Joint DCCI-KCCI Gawai Kaamatan Celebration 2026, Kilat Beriak, alongside the leadership teams of DCCI and KCCI.-UKASnews
