The richness and diversity of the Sarawak culture knows no bounds. Witness its charm and elegance through “Wisdom of the Ages”, an article that was published on the 2nd edition of Business Events Sarawak, owned by The IBR Asia Group.
One of the most diverse regions in the world, Sarawak boasts more than 40 different ethnic and sub-ethnic groups, each with their own unique customs that date back hundreds of years. As such, countless visitors to Sarawak have been treated to cultural displays such as arts and craft, dances and performances. However, the rich tribal legacies of knowledge and wisdom were, until recently, not exposed to the outside world. Thanks to the Tribal Wisdom Speakers (TWS) programme organised by the Sarawak Convention Bureau, successful professionals from various tribes are able to impart how their heritage have helped them reach the pinnacle of their careers; demonstrating the merger of modern and traditional, and reinforcing Sarawak’s unique appeal as a business events destination.
Modern Healing, Traditional Wisdom
A member of the Bidayuh tribe and a popular speaker under the TWS programme, Datu Dr Andrew Kiyu has dedicated his life to healing people, since he started his vocation as a doctor in 1976. Specialising in public health, with a particular focus on epidemiology and biostatics, Datu Dr Kiyu held various posts in the Sarawak State Health Department, culminating in being named as State Health Director prior to his retirement in 2008.
Even after retirement, Datu Dr Kiyu is still contributing to bettering the health of Sarawakians. For instance, in 2009, he helped out in the response to the influenza outbreak, using his skills and knowledge as a disease control expert. Today, he is a consultant epidemiologist at the Sarawak State Health Department.
Hailing from the Bidayuh community of Kampong Semeba, outside Kuching, Datu Dr Kiyu believes that the beliefs he was taught helped shape his decision to pursue medicine. These, he said, include “showing kindness
and respect as well as aiding and supporting others – especially during difficulties, community sharing, and respect for elders.” The words “peace loving” and “caring” best describe the values of the Bidayuh as well as of the ideal doctor. Datu Dr Andrew Kiyu is one and both, and thanks to the TSW programme he can share the lessons of his unique experiences with others.
The Call of the Wild
As the Deputy General Manager at the Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Oswald Braken Tisen is entrusted with the management and administration of Sarawak’s
rainforest reserves, as well as the flora and fauna found there. It is a career that is very apt as Braken is a member of the Singai Bidayuh tribe – a sub- group of the larger Bidayuh ethinc group – who have a reputation for a symbiotic relationship with the land.
This means sourcing food, materials and medicine from
the land, while at the same time forming a respect and regard for nature. As a youth, Braken used to accompany his elders to the forest. Admitting to being afraid in the beginning, he revealed that the fear diminished thanks to words of wisdom from his father, who told him, “things that move in the forest are either friend or food.”
Aside from inculcating a love and affinity for the forest, Tisen’s experiences also developed in him a passion for conservation and preservation.
“Living from the land means that you take only what you need today and leave some so that you can harvest it again,” he explained.Today, Oswald Braken Tisen is making full use imparted by those lessons as part of his work, and is handing down that same knowledge to others through the TWS programme.
A Home for Heritage
A former journalist by training and profession, Diana Rose revealed that her passion for preserving her Melanau heritage and traditions inspired her to
establish Lamin Dana – which means “traditional house” in the old Melanau dialect. Since 1999, Diana has been the Managing Director of this guest house located in Mukah – between Sibu and Bintulu – where visitors can immerse
themselves in various aspects of Melanau culture.
Describing her heritage, Diana revealed that the Melanau are a coastal people, whose primary traditional activities include fishing and other seafaring activities, as well as sago farming. The last mentioned, she explained, is what makes the Melanau unique. “The Melanau are the only tribe in Southeast Asia who have made sago a world industry by planting, producing and exporting it.”
Diana also highlighted that the Melanau people are considered to be the first tribe in Sarawak to interact with the outside world, as they were the earliest coastal settlers. This pioneering spirit has seen several traits become part and parcel of Melanau culture such as the ability to adapt, and a strong sense of tolerance.
These are the values that helped the Melanau thrive all those years ago, and which has been inculcated in Diana Rose. A proud member of her tribe, she is pleased to have joined the TWS programme as she sees it to be an opportunity to further share her traditions.
Between Two Worlds
A veteran of the Sarawak tourism sector, Louis Jap has been showing visitors around his home state – particularly areas off the beaten track – for nearly 40 years. Aside from guiding tourists, he has also done the same for younger members of the tourist guides’ fraternity by conducting seminars and courses.
Having a Chinese father and an Iban maternal grandmother, Jap reveals that
he has had the influence of two cultures. This includes being exposed to different
Chinese dialects and Iban at home, as well as Chinese folk operas and Iban folk stories.
Recalling his childhood, he said, “My father and my maternal grandmother were very fluent poets in their own rights. I learned quite a bit from them. Not only that, I asked lots and lots of questions concerning the poems they recited and from there, they related to me their meanings, histories and people connected with those poems.”
All these years later, the meaning of those stories and poems have stayed with Louis Jap, shaping his outlook on life and his passion to share that culture with others through his work. He is excited that he
can do that, through the TWS programme.
