Gawai Kamaatan expo unites Sarawak and Sabah through culture, commerce on June 27-28

The Kantu performers from Lubok Antu gearing up to entertain the public at the DCCI-KCCI Gawai Kaamatan Celebration 2026 Cultural and Business Exhibition on June 27 and 28 at the Dayak Cultural Foundation tower building.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 17: The public is invited to attend the DCCI-KCCI Gawai Kaamatan Celebration 2026 Cultural and Business Exhibition, a two-day event aimed at strengthening cultural and economic ties between Sabah and Sarawak while promoting local entrepreneurship and heritage.

The exhibition, jointly organised by the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and the Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), will take place at the Dayak Cultural Foundation on June 27 and 28 from 8am to 6pm daily.

According to a media release today, the event will be officially opened at 9am on June 27 by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, underscoring the importance of continued collaboration between the two Bornean states.

Over the two days, more than 50 exhibitors from Sabah and Sarawak will showcase a wide range of products and services, including traditional crafts, agro-based products, food and beverages, tourism offerings, creative works, and community enterprise initiatives.

Visitors will also be treated to a rich cultural programme featuring performances from both states. Among the highlights is a special appearance by a music troupe from Lubok Antu performing the traditional “Gendang Kantu”, alongside various cultural performances from Sabah that celebrate the diversity of Borneo’s heritage.

Deputy chairperson of the Cultural and Business Exhibition, Shalane Matthew, said the event is designed to create a welcoming environment where people can connect through culture, business, and shared experiences.

“At the end of the day, this is really about people coming together. You’ve got artisans, entrepreneurs, performers, and visitors all in one place. It’s not just about showing products or performances — it’s about sharing who we are, where we come from, and what we’re building together as Sabahans and Sarawakians,” she said.

She added that organisers hope visitors will take the opportunity to engage with exhibitors, enjoy the performances, and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the celebration.

“We hope people come down, take their time, talk to the exhibitors, enjoy the performances, and just soak in the atmosphere. It’s a simple idea, but one that means a lot to us,” she said.

Adding to the festivities, respected music composer and publisher Maxwel Franklin Saran of Assapai Music Entertainment will make a special appearance on the opening day, bringing a creative touch to the exhibition.

On June 28, visitors can also look forward to a walkabout by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, reflecting the event’s significance in fostering cultural unity and regional cooperation.

Admission to the exhibition is free, and members of the public are encouraged to attend and experience the unique blend of culture, creativity, and commerce from across Borneo. — DayakDaily