KUCHING: Eight cultural troupes will perform at the finals of the Gong Beating and Traditional Bidayuh Dance Competition on Aug 30 at Kampung Semadang, Puncak Borneo near here.
The groups are Kelab Kebudayaan Persatuan Segu Benuk, Kelab Kebudayaan Kampung Tematu, Kebudayaan Warisan Kampung Opar, Onak Triyu Kampung Opar, Warisan Tramuok (Periok Kera) Kampung Stass Bau, Bung Siburan Heritage Association, Kelab Kebudayaan Dragon and Staak Bisombu Bau Singai.
According to the competition coordinator Monica Molad, the champion, first runner-up and second runner-up will win RM1,000, RM700 and RM500 respectively. They will also get to take home a trophy each.
“Fourth to eighth will each receive RM100.”
Monica said competition would be tough this year as all contestants are renowned troupes and most have the experience of winning other competitions.
She said the competition would be judged by four judges from the Sarawak Ministry of Arts and Culture. The competition will be officiated by Acting Deputy State Secretary, who is also the Dayak Bidayuh National Association president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, and will be attended by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Hii Chang Kee and several community leaders.
The competition is among the many events that will take place in conjunction with the 5th Semadang International Tagang Festival, which will run from Aug 30 to Sept 1.
The festival is jointly organised by Kampung Semadang Development and Security Committee, Sarawak Agriculture Department and Kampung Semadang Tagang System Committee and is supported by the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports, Ministry of Transportation, Hornbill Skyways, Nang Ori Sdn Bhd and Nestle Products.
