KUCHING: A Gala Night highlighting Sarawak Dayak culture and traditions will be hosted by M.O. Event Management (M.O Sarawak) and the Sarikei Dayak Talent Association.
The 14th anniversary celebration of M.O. Sarawak will take place in Miri at the Meritz Hotel on Sept 21.
“The M.O. Sarawak Gala this year will be fully supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts as it is held to boost the local tourism sector further,” said Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan on Wednesday (Sept 11).
Some of the objectives of this year’s gala are to showcase creative artwork, further boost the domestic tourism sector among the multi-ethnic communities in Sarawak, and discover young talents from Sarawak through displays that highlight traditional attire, invigorating domestic tourism within the community.
“I am delighted that M.O Sarawak has successfully organised this gala night for 14 years, and for the first time, they have received support from our creative arts funding, alongside generating some profit through ticket sales,” said Snowdan.
According to the founder of M.O Sarawak, Asat Nawin, better known as Mizta, about 800 guests will be attending the gala.
“Not just Sarawakians will be attending the gala on that night, we even have guests from Brunei and it is exciting as this indirectly attracts interest and further boosts the domestic tourism industry in our country.
“This is also our first time organising this event in Miri, having previously organised it in Kuching, and in Sibu three years ago,” Mizta said.
Additionally, during the gala night there will fashion shows; Buri by Mimie James, and Tenun by M.O Sarawak; special performances by Datin Senorita Linang; entertainment performances by Rickie Andrewson and Leez Zwita, and a Pua Kumbu showcase by Madam Bangie.
The gala night will also include a beauty pageant in which 10 finalists will showcase traditional Iban costumes.
“We received many applications to join the beauty pageant, but only ten finalists were selected for the grand finale during the gala night,” said Mizta.
The top three winners will receive cash prizes, a tiara, a trophy, a certificate of participation, Takaful Kasih Plus Protection plans with one-year worldwide accident coverage from the Agro Bank Sarikei branch, and vouchers from Borneo Medispa.
