Asadia to resume Dayak cultural heritage classes in March

SIBU (Feb 23): The Sarawak Dayak Iban Academy Association (Asadia) will resume its cultural heritage classes at its centres in Kota Sentosa and Siburan, Kuching, beginning in the first week of March.

Asadia head Mabong Unggang said the classes the classes are aimed at providing opportunities for the younger generation to learn traditional dances such as ‘ngajat’, ‘kuntau’, oral traditions, ‘betabuh’ (traditional drumming), as well as other Dayak dances and cultural arts.

“Through classes like these, our cultural heritage will not be lost, as there will always be young people to continue and further develop it,” he said in a statement.

Mabong noted that since its establishment in 2013, Asadia has been actively working to revive, promote and expand original Dayak culture and traditions, particularly those of the Iban community, to ensure they are preserved and passed on to future generations.

“By preserving our original traditions, our community maintains an identity that is recognised and respected by others,” he said.

This year, Asadia will also introduce classes on crafting the ‘engkerurai’, a traditional Iban musical instrument that is rarely seen today due to declining usage.

Mabong expressed hope that parents would encourage and support their children to participate in traditional arts and games so that these practices do not fade into extinction.

For enquiries regarding Asadia’s 2026 classes, the public may contact Mabong Unggang on 012-692 5562, Henry Guya (019-888 4370) or Victoria Jimy (012-216 1485).