MIRI: The 19th edition of the Gawai Dayak celebration in the Miri Division proved to be more than just a cultural festivity—it served as a meaningful platform to honour the contributions of Dayak women and youth in preserving tradition and strengthening ethnic solidarity across Sarawak.

Held at the Meritz Hotel on Saturday, the gala dinner drew over 1,000 guests, including state leaders and members of the Dayak community, in a spirited celebration themed “Segulai Sejalai Nuju Pemansang” (Together Towards Progress).

Representing the Minister of National Unity, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang for the event was Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil.

He emphasised that true national unity can only be realised when every ethnic group is granted space to express and celebrate their cultural identity in a spirit of mutual respect.

“Unity cannot be forced—it grows from shared understanding and experiences. Gawai Dayak exemplifies how culture can serve as a bridge between communities,” he said in his address.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Celebration Committee, Leo Bundan Mathew Sintan, highlighted that the participation of finalists from diverse backgrounds and districts illustrates how Dayak culture continues to thrive among the younger generation.

“Events such as this empower women and youth to step forward as cultural ambassadors of their communities. It is a form of recognition that celebrates not only beauty and traditional knowledge but also the confidence nurtured through our cultural roots,” he remarked.

The evening’s highlights included competitions such as Kumang Iban, Dayung Sangon Bidayuh, Keligit Orang Ulu, and Keling-Belawan, which collectively showcased the richness of Dayak heritage while reflecting the active involvement of youth and women in upholding their ancestral identity.

The event also saw the announcement of RM105,000 in contributions from various state leaders in support of cultural programmes.

Notable donors included Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Aaron and Sarawak Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

The celebration concluded with the symbolic handing over of the Gawai Dayak 2026 hosting duties to the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), marking the continuity of a celebration rooted in collective spirit and the vibrant cultural diversity of Sarawak. -UKASnews