SIBU: The Sibu Teochew Association (STA) has urged the United Chinese Association (UCA) to keep working together to protect and develop the folk cultures of various origins.
In addition, to inject new vitality and selling points into Sibu’s cultural tourism industry.
“Folk culture is the root of a nation and the bond that maintains national identity and cohesion,” said STA chairman, Kapitan Su Ngio Kee who made the call.
“Through learning and examination of culture, we can have a deeper understanding of our own history and traditions and thus enhance our sense of belonging to our nation,” he said at the STA folk culture night here Sunday (Aug 11), in conjunction with the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2024.
Su said the annual BCF with various Chinese cultural peformances along with those from the Malay/Melanau and Dayak communities has always captivated the crowd.
“We feel extremely honoured to be invited by UCA to showcase our Chaoshan folk customs on the stage for all to see so as to enhance the exchange and understanding of different folk cultures,” he stated.
He said, the ancient Chaozhou opera, folk dance and song, the delicious “Grandma Kueh”, food and Kung Fu tea and the unique folk handicrafts, etc, have been part of their lives all along, and that all these precious cultural practices are still a significant feature in present day society.
“We, STA, hope that through folk performances, the public can experience and feel the charm of folk culture. We know for sure that with joint efforts from all of us, we can preserve and nurture our precious cultures so that they can continue to thrive,” Su added.
Also present were STA honorary adviser, Penghulu Chua Hiong Kee and UCA president, Lau Ing Siong.
