04/07/07
By Roger J. Duyong
SIBU/Sarawak: The Second Borneo International Tattoo Convention has drawn down its curtain on Sunday evening with at least one thing achieved – awareness.
Federal Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew, when officiating at the closing ceremony believed that awareness in the importance of keeping the tattoo culture in the younger generation had increased.
"I am confident that after the three-day international event our younger generation is now aware of the importance of keeping and maintaining one of our cultures in Sarawak. And that its interest and awareness have increased.
"We know that not many of our youth today would not like to sport tattoos, much less keeping the tradition. However, after today I am sure the youth realise the importance of keeping one’s identity," he said, adding that he would like to see more of the youths taking part in the future.
For the foreign participants taking part in the event, awareness in them had also been developed. As such, Robert Lau, who is also Sibu Member of Parliament, requested the participants to spread the word about the unique tribal tattoo in Sarawak, as well as its cultures, longhouses and beautiful green Sarawak, in their respective countries.
"To our friends from overseas, who have taken the trouble to come all the way from USA, Italy, UK, China and other countries, I would like you to tell your countrymen about what you have seen and experienced in this tropical paradise.
"I have heard many of you told me today that you have visited some places in the few days you were here. But, I can tell you that you had only seen a very small portion of what Sarawak offers.
"Nevertheless, please tell your friends back home what you have seen and recommend them to come and experience our unique cultures and hospitality," he said.
Many people concurred with the minister that the international event did attract a lot of attention not only from overseas, but also from within Malaysia, too.
Several artists, tattoo studios and enthusiasts had come from within Sarawak and Peninsular had turned up and stayed throughout the three-day event from June 29 to July 1, 2007.
On the direction of the Borneo International Tattoo Convention, Lau suggested it be extended to either yearly or biennial event.
"After having seen how successful the event was and most importantly the focus of the world was in Sibu, I propose that the event will either be turned into a yearly or biennial event in the future.
"To this end, I would attempt to seek the help from the relevant authorities concerned to assist in making it reality," he said adding that it would be one of the signature events for Sibu tourism product.
For the organisers, he was happy with them and the choice of venue, despite some shortcomings. He said if there were shortcomings he believed that the organisers would iron them out and should improve in future events.
Sibu town is in the central region of the State of Sarawak, the biggest state in the Federation of Malaysia. Sarawak, home to exotic flowers and the Orang Utans, has at least 27 ethnic groups living within its borders.
Sibu is now the focus of cultural extravaganza, an annual Borneo Cultural Festival, which show cases several of the 27 ethnic cultures here. It begins from July 1st to 7th every year.
Their excellent hospitality is known the world over. One needs to come and experience it.
To get to Sibu, you need to fly into Kuching, the state capital, from either Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or from Johore Bahru. Check it out with the nearest airline agents for details.
Ends.
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