Bintulu division will become host for this year's Sarawak Youth Week celebration from 13 to 19 October

Bintulu division will become host for this year's Sarawak Youth Week celebration which is on from 13 to 19 October. Over 5,000 youths from within and outside Bintulu are expected to participate in the annual event which is organised by Ministry of Youth, Sports & Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED). This year’s theme is “Our Aspirational Youth” and the event is aimed to give recognition, empowerment to our youths, as well as serve as a platform to develop the talents of young Sarawakians.

This programme is also expected to inspire positive changes among the young generation in our local community and it serves as a symbolic appreciation by Sarawak Government for the important role of youth in the holistic development of our nation and state.

The development of our youths had always received the attention of Sarawak Government, including through the implementation of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030) to drive them to progress. Various activities will be organised throughout the week, including “Youth Champion”, “Youth Active”, “Youth Marketplace”, “Youth Care” and “Youth Got Talent”. 

Colourful end to 2025 edition of Borneo Games, East Kalimantan Indonesia will become host in 2027

We congratulate East Kalimantan (KalTim), Indonesia, for having been selected as the host for the 2027 edition of the Borneo Games to be held in their beautiful city of Samarinda. The decision for East Kalimantan to host the 2027 games was reached unanimously during a meeting held at Sarawak Golf Club in Petra Jaya, Kuching on 27 September. Alhamdulillah, when the matter was tabled at the meeting, the Governor of East Kalimantan himself His Excellency Rudy Mas'ud had expressed readiness to host the next edition in Samarinda. Unanimously, all agreed that the 2027 Borneo Games will be held in East Kalimantan.

Following the success of this year’s edition in Sarawak, our government would continue to channel contributions and funds to develop sports in Borneo and support regional cooperation that could further enhance the quality of athletes. This was mentioned by our right honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang JohariTun Abang Haji Openg during the closing ceremony of this year's games held at Penview Convention Centre (PCC) Demak on 28 September. Our esteemed Premier had also wished all the visiting athletes a safe journey back home to their families and call upon them to continue training to compete in East Kalimantan in 2027. 

According to him with God willing, by 2027, Sarawak will already have its own airline (AirBorneo) and for us to fly directly to Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan. We may also explore cooperation between AirBorneo and Royal Brunei Airlines to connect regions across Borneo region. He had commended the organising of this year's games, which had brought together athletes from Sarawak, Sabah, the Federal Territory of Labuan, Brunei Darussalam and East Kalimantan. The five-day event had reflected the spirit of friendship and understanding among Borneo’s regions that remained strong. The Games were first held in 1954 in Brunei Darussalam as a platform to unite athletes from Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei. But sadly after the 16th edition in 1970, the organising of the games came to a halt due to various constraints before being revived from 2005 to 2013, with the last edition hosted in Labuan. After another 12-year hiatus, the games returned to Kuching this year.  

The games had also given opportunities to those who have competed at the national level the chance to continue competing here, while also preparing for the SEA Games and even the Olympics.We are optimistic for the 2027 edition would be more vibrant with the possibility of wider participation from the five contingents of Sarawak, Sabah, Labuan, Brunei and East Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Good potential for lagoon at Kampung Telaga Air in Padawan to host future Sarawak Regatta and Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race

 I was given the honour to grace the closing and prize presentation ceremony of this year’s “Pesta Regatta Telaga Air” at Kampung Telaga Air in Padawan district and it was indeed an exciting event for the general public who thronged the fishing village since it started on 26 September. In my speech, I have mentioned our Sarawak Government commitment through Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) to supporting the organisation of regattas across the various divisions. Our ministry had offered financial assistance through the “Tourism Event Grant”, which organisers may apply for to facilitate the successful hosting of these culturally significant events. 

For the regatta at Kampung Telaga Air, the event has the potential to become the official venue for future Regatta Sarawak because of the suitable locality of the lagoon-like tributary there. This is also due to the increasing number of entries for both the Sarawak Regatta and Sarawak International Dragon Boats Race from throughout the region as well as overseas. The size of the Sarawak River at our iconic Kuching Waterfront is also not enough to accommodate the increasing numbers of boats competing in the various categories of the annual Sarawak Regatta and Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race.

The organising of regatta is popular in Sarawak because the water sports continues to attract the attention of locals and visitors alike with its unique blend of tradition, thrilling sportsmanship, and vibrant atmosphere. We congratulate both the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) and the Kampung Telaga Air committee members for having successfully organised this year’s regatta which had attracted participation from all over Sarawak.   

Board members meeting of Majlis Seni Sarawak (MSS)

This morning I had chaired the board members meeting for Majlis Seni Sarawak (MSS) which was held at Hilton Hotel Kuching and it was also attended by our Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), Datu Sherrina Haji Hussaini. The majority of our board members were also present except for two who were absence with apologies.

I have commended the good work of our board members and had also welcomed on board the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Encik Awang Ikman Awang Bin Awang Sepian who had joined MSS recently. I have reminded on the important role and functions of MSS especially in supporting the organising of pillar events, programs and activities involving our Sarawak Government. Together we can achieve more and to continue the excellent service delivery to all stake holders including our local folks.  

Official launching ceremony of Borneo Games 2025 at Stadium Perpaduan Negeri Sarawak, Petra Jaya, Kuching City

The official launching of the much awaited Borneo Games 2025 was held on a modest scale but the atmosphere was still electric with over 1,000 athletes, their coaches and contingents officials showing their enthusiasm at the ceremony held at Stadium Perpaduan Negeri Sarawak in Petra Jaya, Kuching City. I was given the honour to official launch this year’s games that was last held in 2013. This year Sarawak is host for the games which is participated by contingents from our state, neighbouring Sabah, Labuan, Brunei and East Kalimantan (KalTim), Indonesia. In this year’s edition, there are five main sports featured which include athletics, swimming, badminton, lawn bowls, and archery with a total 124 medals that are up for grabs.

Sarawak is deeply honoured to to host the Borneo Games again and we are not looking so much at winning. The most important objective is for the games to be successful and we can strengthen our friendship with one another. The games is expected to be held every two years, with the next host to be determined before the end of this year’s edition scheduled on 28 September with the closing ceremony will be graced by our Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg.