BINTULU: Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB) is committed to supporting initiatives to preserve and elevate the nation’s heritage art and cultural treasures such as ‘pantun’ to a higher level.
BPHB group chief executive officer Ruslan Abdul Ghani said art and culture are a reflection of the nation’s identity that needs to be nurtured and developed from the grassroots.
“In this regard, Bintulu Port strongly supports initiatives to preserve and advance our culture.
“For example, Sarawak Regatta is one of the events that combines art and culture in the form of a boat race. This event not only highlights the beauty of the art of boat making but also shows the physical strength and cooperative spirit of the paddlers.
“Bintulu Port considers events like this important to maintain a culture of healthy living through sports and leisure activities.”
Ruslan said this when he officiated the closing of the 2024 Sarawak State Poetry Festival, on Friday (July 26).
In the meantime, he hopes that art and culture such as pantun can be promoted to all levels of society through various platforms, including competitions, special radio and TV broadcasts, and made into an international heritage in the future.
“Our hope is that our relationship and cooperation as strategic partners will continue to be forged, and that such programmes can continue in the future,” he said, adding that Bintulu Port will continue to provide support in the effort to dignify the nation’s treasured culture.
The festival in conjunction with the e-Mansang Anak Sarawak (eMAS) 5.0 Carnival that lasted for five days, starting on July 22 to 26, involved the participation of 19 teams for the primary school category and 18 teams for the secondary school category throughout Sarawak.
In addition, Ruslan added that Bintulu Port also emphasises the development of human capital, which believes that education starting from childhood is the basis for the formation of an excellent society.
“Therefore, we encourage the children to study diligently, respect their parents and teachers, and maintain good manners and morals.
“In addition, children should avoid social symptoms and drug abuse that can damage their future.
We believe that by improving the standard of living of the community through knowledge and skills, their lives will be better.”
