MIRI: The Miri Division Gawai Dayak Celebration 2026 serves as an important medium for strengthening unity among people of various races and cultures, while supporting Sarawak's development agenda towards 2030.
Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn explained that this year’s celebration theme, "Indi Awang, Indi Aseng, Ngancang Pimaancang", which translates to "One Mind, One Heart, Towards Development”, is highly significant in reinforcing the solidarity of the people as the primary driver of state development.
This is in line with the aspirations of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
According to him, successful development does not solely rely on government policies, but also requires close commitment and cooperation across diverse races, cultures, and beliefs, which form the unique strength of Sarawak.
He also emphasised the importance of human capital development through quality education, innovation, and talent development, particularly in strategic fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), artificial intelligence (AI), the digital economy, green technology, aerospace, and renewable energy.
"The Sarawak Government will continue to reinforce technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to ensure youth are equipped with relevant skills, while expanding access to education, including in rural areas," he said.
He said this while speaking at the officiating ceremony of the celebration's dinner at a leading hotel here on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Miri Division Gawai Dayak Celebration 2026 Organising Chairman Simon Ilus remarked that the celebration is not merely a harvest festival, but a symbol of cultural identity and heritage that reflects noble values such as the spirit of cooperation, mutual respect, and gratitude.
He informed that this year's celebration was organised in collaboration with 12 Dayak and Orang Ulu ethnic associations alongside the Miri Resident and District Office, thereby showcasing the strength of unity among the multi-ethnic communities in the division.
The event was also enlivened by cultural performances from the Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, and Iban communities, in addition to the finals of the Keling-Belawan, Kumang Iban, Keligit Orang Ulu, and Dayung Sangon pageants.
In the competitions, Malvist Buyong was crowned the champion of Keling-Belawan, Vanessa Serawa Suel won the Kumang Iban category, Rennie Bulan Johnny emerged as the Keligit Orang Ulu champion, while Melanie Joyce Jeman clinched the Dayung Sangon title.
The event also witnessed the symbolic handover of the hosting duties for the Miri Division Gawai Dayak Celebration 2027 to the Federation of Sarawak Orang Ulu Associations Malaysia (FORUM). - UKASnews
