Youth participation in traditional Malay arts festival reflects enduring appeal of S’wak’s cultural heritage

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 26: The encouraging turnout of young participants in the 36th Festival Tari & Lagu Melayu Asli (FTLA) demonstrates that Sarawak’s artistic heritage remains relevant to the younger generation.

According to Abdul Karim, the encouraging response from young participants demonstrates the Sarawak Arts Council’s (SAC) success in fostering appreciation for local arts and culture among the younger generation, helping safeguard Sarawak’s cultural heritage for the future.

Speaking at the 36th FTLA in Kota Samarahan on Saturday (July 25), Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the annual programme serves as a strategic platform for the Sarawak government to strengthen the sustainability of the State’s cultural heritage by actively involving young people as torchbearers of its traditional arts.

“Competitions like these have succeeded in drawing the interest of young people. It proves that the younger generation is not only drawn to modern entertainment but also appreciates traditional songs and dances as heritage that must be preserved,” he said to reporters at the festival which was held at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), as reported by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).

Abdul Karim said the annual FTLA is more than just a competition, serving as a platform to nurture talent while strengthening Sarawak’s cultural identity through the active participation of the younger generation.

The festival brought artists from across the State to broaden community participation in the arts before winners compete at the State-level final.

Besides the Iban-themed dance and Sarawak traditional Malay song competitions, the festival featured a traditional Malay singing workshop and the Ngelakar Seni programme, providing participants with opportunities for knowledge-sharing, talent development, and a deeper appreciation of traditional arts.

The FTLA is also part of broader efforts to preserve Sarawak’s cultural heritage, encourage greater community participation in the arts, and strengthen the State’s cultural identity through the performing arts. — DayakDaily

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