Elizabeth appointed new Persatuan Anak Seni Sape Kuching chairperson
KUCHING: Persatuan Anak Seni Sape Kuching (Pusak) has announced the appointment of Elizabeth Bungan Peter as its new chairwoman, effective Saturday (March 2).
The appointment was unanimously agreed upon during the association’s fourth annual general meeting, conducted both physically and virtually.
The 34-year-old sape player and instructor, who is of Kenyah and Beketan descent, succeeds Danison Manium who served as chairman from July 2021.
Elizabeth, who is well-known as a member of the renowned Ilu Leto all-ladies sape band, has showcased her musical talents both locally and abroad, having performed in Taiwan, Indonesia and China.
Currently running a sape class at Cultural Meet, Sarawak Plaza Shopping Complex here, she specialises in teaching the instrument to children and teenagers.
Following her appointment, Elizabeth expressed her commitment to encouraging more young people, especially children and teenagers, to take up and learn the sape.
She envisioned sape becoming the musical instrument of choice in performing arts events.
Elizabeth also emphasised on the need for collaboration with non-governmental organisations to actively involve the younger generation in sape-related activities and programmes to preserve Sarawak’s cultural art in the future.
“I thank the parents, schools, government and private agencies who have supported the efforts of Pusak and sape activists in Kuching.
“Together, we are raising sape to a more competitive and innovative level regardless of differences in age, race and background,” she said.
The meeting also saw the election of other main committee members who will serve from 2024 to 2026, namely Danison as deputy chairman, Teresa Akek (secretary), Sherlynna Parveen Deshon Kaman (deputy secretary), Dorinna Gibson Girik (treasurer), Isabella Menon Parir (assistant treasurer), Ervin Kaiki Rex (Development and Research Bureau head) and Martinus Njok Sebi (Arts and Social Management Bureau head).
Dianne Yeyeng Joseph Tau was appointed as internal auditor.
Meanwhile, former chairman Danison expressed hope for continued collaboration and good relationships within Pusak.
He believed that Pusak, with its positive reputation, will be instrumental in empowering social values and further the development of performing arts and research related to sape.
Pusak, registered on Jan 23, 2020, currently has approximately 89 members.
The association has ambitious plans for the year, including organising a Sape Masterclass, Family Day, Sape Forum, and Pentas Seni Pusak, with the aim of involving both its members and the public.