Another exciting collection added to our Sarawak Museum with 27 antique miniature cannons

Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Mr Peter Hamer of Amsterdam, Netherlands who had recently donated a total of 27 antique miniature cannons to the Sarawak Museum. Mr Hamer, was an engineer who collected these cannons during his employment with Sarawak Shell Bhd in Miri from the year 1976 to 1984.

He had donated the cannons to the Sarawak Museum so that the valuable artefacts will be preserved and appreciated by future generations especially by the local folks. It is indeed delightful for us to have receive the miniature cannons which are intricately crafted and symbolising the artistic heritage of Borneo. It will now become part of Sarawak Museum’s exciting collection and further enhancing its reputation as a global centre for cultural and historical artefacts

On hand to receive the artefacts was Sarawak Museum Department director, Puan Nancy Jolhi and witnessed by our Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), Datuk Sebastian Ting and the ministry’s permanent secretary, Datu Sherrina Hussaini.

Working visit to the British Museum at the Bloomsbury area of London

Thank you to the management of hashtagthe British Museum for their hospitality during our recent visit to their museum located at the Bloomsbury area of ​​hashtagLondon, United Kingdom. Our visit there was held in conjunction with the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sarawak Museum Department and the British Museum. 

Our arrival there was also received by Dr Jennifer R Morris who is a representative of the British Museum, a historian and museum expert with deep knowledge of Borneo’s history. Dr Morris also used to live in hashtag#sarawak and had recently visited our office at Bangunan Baitul Makmur II, Petra Jaya earlier this year.

Special thanks to Dr Nicholas Cullinan, Director of British Museum

Special thanks to Dr Nicholas Cullinan, the Director of British Museum for his kind support and presence at the recent signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between our Sarawak Museum Department (JMS) and the British Museum. 

Also present during the signing ceremony were Puan Nancy Hj Jolhi, the Director of JMS who signed on behalf the department and those who were there to witness the historic event who included Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, our Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) and Datu Sherrina binti Hussaini, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry.

The MoU with British Museum had marked another milestone for JMS in its journey towards becoming a globally recognized institution. This agreement will focus on the study of Borneo and Sarawak artefacts housed in museums across the UK and at the Sarawak Museum,. It will paves the way for enhanced collaboration between the two esteemed institutions. The MoU underscores the department’s commitment in building international partnerships that highlight the unique history and heritage of Sarawak.

The British Museum is one of the most renowned museum institutions in the world, represents a key partner in the Sarawak Museum Department's vision to expand its global presence. This collaboration is also aligned with the department’s strategic goal of becoming "A globally engaged centre of history and heritage by 2030." 

Thus, the MoU will facilitate joint research initiatives, exhibitions, and cultural exchanges aimed at advancing the field of museology and promoting a deeper understanding of Borneo’s rich history and heritage.

Good ending to this year's Sarawak Regatta with thousands braving Intermittent rain and inclement of weather at Kuching Waterfront

Intermittent rain and inclement of weather did not deter the thousands of spectators and dignitaries from attending the final day of this year’s Sarawak Regatta held at Kuching Waterfront. 

This year’s regatta had also attracted the attention of Brunei’s Sultan, Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, and also our governor, Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. The presence of the Sultan of Brunei accompanied by our Governor and Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had underscored the close ties between Sarawak and Brunei.

Their attendance and keen interest had collectively highlighted the importance of preserving the annual regatta as a truly unique tradition. Heartiest congratulations to Yayasan Sarawak’s Puteri Dang Balai team which was crowned the “King of the River” for the third consecutive year. Their victory in the Raja Sungai 30 Men Paddlers category bagged them a cash prize of RM30,000 along with the coveted Head of State Trophy.

Applauding the organising of annual Festival Gendang Sarawak (FGS)

Our heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency the Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri. Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi for being with us to grace the opening ceremony of the recent 11th Sarawak Gendang Festival (FGS) 2024 which took place at Kuching Waterfront.

The annual event was jointly organized by Sarawak Government our Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) and the Federal’s Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture (MOTAC) through the State Department of Culture and Arts (JKKN) Sarawak. It is also organized in conjunction with the Sarawak Regatta and Kuching Waterfront Festival.

In my speech, it was mentioned that the creative and artistic events, including the Sarawak Gendang Festival are much welcomed because it is unique as well as to boost tourism in Sarawak, which is expected to reach over four million tourist arrivals this year. 

The gendang or drums festival plays a critical role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage in Sarawak because it celebrates and popularises traditional arts such as drumming, ‘bermukun’, and ‘bertandak’, which form an integral part of our local rich heritage. 

It also inspires our local folks to cherish the arts and culture, especially the younger generation and tourists, as a valuable heritage that must be learned and safeguarded for future generations.