KUCHING: Sarawak welcomes visitors from Singapore to attend its Gawai Dayak celebrations and experience its rich culture for themselves, says a state minister.
Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah said a range of activities had been planned for the state-level celebration, including a Gawai Dayak bazaar that is currently on until Sunday (May 26), a Gawai Dayak carnival from June 6-9 and the Gawai Dayak parade on June 15.
"This will enable visitors to experience and enjoy Sarawak's treasure trove of unique cultures and rich heritage," he said when launching the Gawai celebration roadshow in Singapore on Monday (May 20).
Sagah said the roadshow was an opportunity to provide first-hand information about the celebration to tourists and business travellers from Singapore.
He said Gawai was celebrated following the rice harvest to express gratitude for abundance and hope for a plentiful crop in the coming season.
The upcoming celebration aimed to have a positive impact on areas such as education, cultural understanding and preservation, community development, entrepreneurship, environmental management and conservation, he added.
"We have so many experiential programmes to offer. Since Kuching is close to Singapore, which is just a one-and-a-half-hour flight away, I am pleased to invite not just tourists but also fellow Malaysians residing in Singapore to come and participate in the Gawai Dayak celebration," he added.
Business Events Sarawak chief executive officer Amelia Roziman said three packages were available for visitors.
She said the Bidayuh and Orang Ulu packages focused on team-building activities for corporate guests while the Iban package was aimed at tourists.
Engagement sessions were held with tour agents, government officials and other stakeholders during the roadshow, while crafts and products from Sarawak were also displayed.
