Hakka heritage shines at cultural festival in Kuching, welcoming global guests

KUCHING (Nov 2): The Malaysian Hakka Cultural Association (MHCA) hosted its third edition of the ‘Hakka Rhythm- the Cultural Integration’ festival at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre here today.

With guests from around the globe including Hong Kong, Shenzhen, the United States, Singapore, Sabah, and Peninsular Malaysia, the event showcased Hakka’s cultural heritage in forms of artisanal crafts and cuisine, presented by 18 participating vendors.

A students’ art and craft competition also took place at the event, with the objectives to promote cultural preservation and knowledge of the Hakka culture among the young generation.

Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, who was the event’s guest-of-honour, lauded the organisation for the hosting of the event.

“This festival embodies Sarawak’s spirit of unity and inclusivity, and through events like this, everyone can come together to celebrate and show their support for one another,” he said.

As a pledge of support, Yap presented a donation of RM8,000 to the MHCA Sarawak Branch for the association to conduct its community engagement programmes.

The association’s chairman Liang Xian Jin, meanwhile, emphasised on the importance of cultural conservation for future generations.

“This festival is more than just a mere celebration; it’s about carrying Hakka values forward.

“We want the young people to have pride in their cultures so as to make sure that they live on,” he said.

Also present at the event were Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang and Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How, and event’s organising chairman Kapitan Chai Ming Chin.