Liew signing on a framed picture to mark the launch of the Sabah Ethnic Creative Dance Competition.
KOTA KINABALU: Start young as an approach to preserving Sabah’s diverse cultural heritage, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.
Speaking to reporters after officiating at the Sabah Ethnic Creative Dance Competition cum Prize-Giving Ceremony on Wednesday night, she said children’s exposure to Sabah’s unique ethnic cultures will enable them to understand, appreciate and value their own culture from a tender age.
Liew commended the Sabah Cultural Board (LKNS) and State Education Department for their initiative in reviving the competition this year through the Sabah Art Academy (Akademi Citra Seni Sabah or ACES 2024).
“Well done and keep up the good effort to unearth artistic talents in making the young generation culturally literate in the field of performing arts.
“Together with the Board Chairman (Dikin Musah), General Manager (Mackey Apison), my Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretaries (Mary Malangking and Alesia Sion), and teachers, I am here to fully support the organisers’ effort.
“They have worked tirelessly to make the ACES Programme a success, not forgetting the Suria Sabah Management for allowing this event to be held at their premises this year,” said Liew.
Ten finalist groups participated in the event held in conjunction with the National Day and Sabah Day Celebration 2024. The Minister stressed that the students’ participation in the celebration would instil in them a sense of national pride and patriotism.
Earlier, in her opening address, Liew acknowledged that the involvement of schools is also very important in ensuring the continuing preservation and conservation of the cultural heritage of various ethnicities in Sabah.
“As the Minister responsible for tourism, culture and environment portfolios in Sabah, I encourage the young generation to be involved in uplifting the arts and culture industry in Malaysia in general, and in Sabah in particular. Young people form the link to our cultural heritage. Their early involvement in cultural activities is the right step in cultivating their interest in arts and culture,” she said.
At this juncture, Liew called on all stakeholders to support the State Government’s effort in preserving and conserving our cultural heritage so that it is always relevant throughout the ages.
She presented cash prizes and certificates to the top three winning schools, namely SM St Francis Xavier, Keningau (1st RM5000), SMK Kolombong (2nd RM4000) and SMK Narinang, Kota Belud (3rd RM3000). SM St Francis Xavier also bagged the Best Dance Choreography prize (RM1000). Hairul Azreen Airel Suimin of SMK Kolombong and Viollete Clarabelle Christer of SMK St Francis Convent were adjudged the Best Male Dancer and Best Female Dancer, respectively. The Convent School also won the Best Traditional Fashion accolade.
Also present were LKNS Deputy Chairman Stanis Buandi and State Education Assistant Director (Curriculum Unit) Atiah Sulaiman who represented the State Education Director.
