09/08/2025

SATURDAY | AUG 9, 2025

COMMUNITY 7

Tribute to unsung heroes executed during WWII o Memorial service marks 80th anniversary of end of war

‘Lebuh Pudu’ by Gan Chin Lee is among the artworks featured.

Exhibition explores Malaysian identity in diversity

GEORGE TOWN: What does it mean to call yourself a Malaysian today? An art exhibition titled negaraku II invites everyone to explore this question as a leadup to National Day on Aug 31. Curated by Ivan Gabriel and produced by Hin Bus Depot, it brings together pieces from the private collections of Bingley Sim and Ima Norbinsha, both advocates of socially conscious Malaysian contemporary art. The exhibition features some 35 curated works, with some shown as thematic sets, bringing the total number of individual pieces to about 60. While the inaugural negaraku edition last year sparked discussions about nationhood through visual storytelling, negaraku II widens the lens to include the diverse voices of citizens, migrants and everyone in between. Gabriel said the present exhibition is a call to re-examine what it means to belong. “It’s about honouring every face and every untold story that breathes life into this land,” he said at the opening of negaraku II at Hin Bus Depot. “The works we’ve gathered are living reflections of the people and everyday realities that shape Malaysia.” Organising the exhibition into thematic chapters enables visitors to move through stories that touch on pride, migration, food and shared aspirations, while leaving room for them to bring their own meaning. “In every piece, you’ll find glimpses of everyday harmony, whether it’s a neighbour’s kindness, a shared meal or the resilience of those who came from elsewhere and now call this home,” said Sim. He stressed that these remind that unity is not about being the same, but about choosing to see and support each other. This year’s edition also features new artworks by selected artists, offering perspectives on urgent social and political issues of our time. Multilingual guided tours in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and sign language are available. The exhibition also features live food demonstrations where visitors can savour delicacies like roti jala and nasi ulam . The tasting and storytelling are meant to transform the space into a breathing celebration of shared memory and connection. Supported by Yayasan Mr. D.I.Y. and Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers, the exhibition is free for the public and runs until Aug 31 at Hin Bus Depot.

Ű BY JOSHUA CHANG newsdesk@thesundaily.com

the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. Among those in attendance were Sandakan Municipal Council president Walter Kenson, the chamber’s chairman Chia Hock Ak, relatives of the victims, and representatives from Sandakan Girl Guides and various civil societies. While many today may view WWII as a distant chapter in history, its legacy remains vital in shaping future generations. It strengthens our shared heritage and cultural identity, uniting all Sandakan residents, regardless of roots or religion. The memorial was a reflection on the courage, sacrifice and devotion of those who protected the land. As National Day, Sabah Day and Malaysia Day approach, it gave Sabahans an opportunity to draw inspiration from the past. “Let us learn from the resilience shown by everyday heroes 80 years ago,“ urged Lai. “The post-war spirit of survival demonstrated by the Chinese community helped rebuild

KOTA KINABALU: A wreath-laying ceremony was recently held at the Sandakan Massacre Memorial in conjunction with Warriors’ Day 2025. The solemn event organised by the Sandakan Chinese Chamber of Commerce paid tribute to local community members who were executed by Japanese forces on May 27, 1945 during World War II. “Honouring our heroic forefathers is not just about remembering the past. It’s about shaping the future,“ said Lai King Hang, founder and chairman of Sandakan Heritage Trail. He said the monument at Red Hill in Sandakan is an optional detour on the heritage trail, as indicated on its map. “It serves as a powerful way to connect with the past and honour those who defended Sandakan despite the horrors they faced,“ he added. This year’s memorial service held special significance as it also marked The festival was organised ahead of World Indigenous Day, which is observed today, by QI Group’s social impact arm RYTHM Foundation. The foundation’s chairperson Datin Seri Umayal Eswaran said the gathering was not only to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of the Orang Asli, but also to bring their voices and stories, which are so often left unheard, to the forefront. “Our work with Orang Asli communities is not a programme, it is a promise. A promise of equity, dignity, and shared progress,” said Umayal at the event. All initiatives embed local languages, traditions and identities. “Projects can touch lives, but only policy can change systems. That is why we advocate, co-create, and partner across sectors – to deliver impact that reshapes futures.” The event offered a working model of community-led development through RYTHM

Kenson (3rd right) with local leaders at the monument in memory of those who were sacrificed.

Sandakan-level Day celebration organised by Sandakan Municipal Council was held at the Sandakan Community Centre. Warriors’

Sandakan and laid a foundation for future generations. Their legacy must never be forgotten.” Meanwhile, the annual

Festival celebrates indigenous traditions and identities KUALA LUMPUR: The Rimba Fest 2025 was held recently with a message that “true inclusion means redistributing power and not just offering a seat at the table.”

something meaningful and valuable.” Teacher’s assistant Wati Tero said: “It’s amazing to see how children who once struggled to read are now recognising letters and slowly learning to read – all because someone believed in giving them a chance.” In a media release, RYTHM Foundation said it is looking to collaborate with NGOs, academic institutions, corporate CSR arms and government agencies. It has provided after-school tutoring and indigenous-led learning in Sabah, Pahang, Kedah and Negeri Sembilan. Partnerships with USM and IIUM Pagoh have supported digital entrepreneurship and ecotourism initiatives with the Kensiu and Jakun communities in Kedah and Johor. In Ranau, it facilitated mentorship platforms and civic engagement opportunities, empowering indigenous women and youth to lead dialogue with policymakers. Also launched at the event was the new Indep logo, designed to symbolise empowerment for indigenous communities in Malaysia.

Orang Asli participants performing a traditional dance. Foundation’s Community Adoption Programme (CAP), which is being expanded under the newly launched Indigenous People’s Development Programme (Indep).

grassroots advocacy, since 2021. CAP Kedah’s Malim Gunung participant Zulkifli Kulim said he used to think life in the forest was just ordinary. “I never knew guiding others through it could be a career. This camp opened my eyes and made me realise that something so familiar to me could become

The programme has seen tailored locally-led initiatives in education, economic resilience, youth and women leadership, as well as