China’s Yunnan Province to join Sarawak’s Taste of Borneo Carnival 2026

MIRI (Dec 8): The Taste of Borneo Cultural Carnival 4.0 (TOBC 4.0) is set to return, promising a vibrant 12-day celebration from July 1 to 12, next year at the Miri Boulevard open carpark.

The organising committee has announced the confirmed participation of 23 ethnic organisations, signalling strong early support for the annual flagship event.

Sarawak Chinese Association (SCA) president, Harry Lee Tian Song, highlighted that the overwhelming response reflects a collective commitment from the region’s diverse communities.

“We are honoured to continue hosting this important cultural event, which showcases the diverse and unique cultural heritage of our region,” said Lee.

“The associations’ participations demonstrate the shared dedication of our multi-ethnic communities in strengthening cultural appreciation and fostering unity in diversity,” he said in a statement, following a press conference held on Saturday.

Also present at the press conference was Miri Mayor Adam Yii and Miri Resident Galong Luang.

Aligned with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, TOBC 4.0 aims to elevate Sarawak’s profile as a premier, world-class cultural tourism destination.

A major highlight for the upcoming carnival is the planned participation of a cultural delegation from Yunnan, China.

This collaboration follows a visit by SCA representatives to Yunnan in Sept, 2024, where they discovered significant cultural similarities between some of Yunnan’s minority groups and Sarawak’s own Iban, Bidayuh, and Melanau communities.

“Inviting the Yunnan delegation will allow for mutual learning, while enhancing efforts in preserving our own indigenous and multicultural heritage,” said Lee, describing the cross-regional cultural connection as ‘rare and meaningful’.

This year’s carnival will further solidify its standing as a true ‘Borneo Cultural Carnival’ by welcoming regional partners from Indonesia, Sabah, and Brunei.

A highlight of the event will be a special mini museum-style exhibition featuring more than 1,000 woven bamboo and rattan baskets.

The organisers aim to set both a Guinness World Record and a Malaysia Book of Records for the largest collection of such baskets produced at a single event.

The programme also includes a strong focus on youth engagement through student-centred activities.

These include a secondary school traditional cultural dance competition, a primary school 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) environmental clothing design and fashion show, and a secondary school musical band street parade.

According to Lee, these initiatives promote teamwork, environmental awareness, and cultural preservation among Sarawak’s youth, aligning with the state’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy.

Nightly programmes will add to the festivities, featuring an ‘Ethnic Communities’ Cultural Exchange Night’ with performers from Yunnan, Indonesia, Brunei, Sabah, and local groups.

A public concert showcasing artistes from various communities will also be held to foster unity and celebrate Sarawak’s multicultural spirit.

Food, creative products, handicrafts, and cultural exhibitions will be available for rental.

Interested parties may contact Cynthia Chai on 019-8151815 for more information.