3 NGOs support UB Iban Public Speaking event
KUCHING: The upcoming Utusan Borneo ( UB) Iban Public Speaking 2018 competition has received support from three Dayak-based NGOs.
The support is timely and apt as the UB Iban Section will be holding it early next month - Oct 5 ( Friday) for the preliminary stage at Kingwood Hotel here and the final on Oct 6 ( Saturday) at the auditorium of IPG Batu Lintang here.
The competition is open to all Malaysians of any race and cultural background.
Sarawak Dayak National Union ( SDNU) is giving all- out support to all Iban public speaking competition organisers statewide, said SDNU vice president Dr Gluma Saban.
SDNU plays a significant role in bringing the state’s native communities together and also in providing a platform for them to promote their respective cultures, he pointed out.
“SDNU has been the pillar of a solid system that has the ability to unite youths, give them freedom of expression and ideas, as well as space to explore their talents and shine,” he said when motivating the organising committee members recently.
By supporting such event, he opined that SDNU will be the perfect avenue for the youths, especially the Dayaks, to explore anything with their imagination and combining the various ethnic elements into one unified pattern.
He added that regardless of their race and cultures, SDNU treats its members and all youths
SDNU has been the pillar of a solid system that has the ability to unite youths, give them freedom of expression and ideas, as well as space to explore their talents and shine.
as equally important assets that can be nurtured together.
The UB Iban Public Speaking competition this year will see three different categories – Form Five and below (or under 17) , 35 years and below (especially those still in tertiary institutions and young working adults) and the Open category (no age limit).
“The programme is apt for youth groups and other public speaking enthusiasts as it is aimed at forging a strong sense of community, identity and sense of belonging to the state. SDNU regards the event as ‘ many tributaries in Sarawak, which eventually combine into one main river’,” said Gluma who is also a university professor.
“Such uniqueness makes us very rare and our system has proven successful in developing and developed countries in the world. Youths from 18 until 35 years of age are the most active range of population and SDNU will assist in whatever possible ways that can lift up their aspirations,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association ( SDGA) president Dr Dusit Jaul said his association lauded UB Iban Section’s initiative.
“The move is timely. We all know for a fact that language plays an important role in projecting an ethnic identity . As the Iban saying goes ‘ Di kelala buah ari langgu, dikelala bansa ari jako’. This initiative deserves support of every member of the Iban community who wish to see the language flourish in this fast changing world,” said Dusit, who is attached to a government agency.
Sarawak Dayak Iban Association ( Sadia) Kuching branch chairman Datuk Paduka Anthony Nait Mani urged school and tertiary students not to miss the opportunity to compete in this year’s UB Iban Section’s competition.
He pointed out that so far only UB Iban Section organised public speaking for members of the public.
“There may be similar competition at school level but they are not made public,” said Nait, who is an entrepreneur.
Another reason for not missing it is because of the good cash prizes up for grabs, he said.
“The organiser was kind enough to upgrade the cash prize for the champion of each category so as to make the competition as prestigious as possible. I hope members of the Dayak community reciprocate by sending participants,” he added.
The experience gained in the coming competition can also be useful in helping them to improve at other competitions involving other languages like English and Bahasa Melayu, he said.
The competition patron for last year and this year is Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing.
The competition registrar Watson Menjang can be reached at 014- 8742633.
For detailed information, members of the public are advised to call Chris Bishop at 014- 8989604 or Frankie Junau ( 016- 8072129).
Dr Gluma Saban, SDNU vice president