UCTS students gain insight into Iban culture
SIBU: A total of 50 Arts students in School of Foundation, University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) gained insight into Iban culture at a ‘Ngabang’ event in Rumah Ranggau in Sungai Assan.
In a press statement, UCTS said the two-day community event was part of the students’ Event Management course work.
“Led by organising chairman Jonathan Matthias Sia Chia Xin, the students stayed with the longhouse folk to experience their lifestyle, culture,” it said.
The event began with ‘Miring’ on the first day packed with games such as tug-of-war and ‘sumpit’ (blowpipe).
In the evening, students and residents joined the fun-filled ugly competition or ‘pekit gamal jaik’.
They also danced around the bountiful tree or ‘ranyai’ and enjoyed karaoke singing.
On the second day, Sibu Fire and Rescue Department personnel gave a talk on fire safety and sponsored two fire extinguishers for the longhouse.
Through a cooperative effort, the students cleaned up the longhouse and its surrounding.
Jonathan said: “The experience was inspiring as it taught togetherness and finding joy in the tiniest of things while it encouraged bonding among students and the families”.
Sponsors for the event were Moma Water Sdn Bhd, Kinetic Food Trading Sdn Bhd, Jun Rong Fashion House (Miri), King Gaming Cyber Café and Hon Sheng Automobile Parts and Services.