Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak’s 15th edition sees vibrant turnout

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 19): The 15th edition of Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2024 held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) here saw a vibrant turnout of Sarawakians residing and studying in the Peninsula.

Mitec was seen flooded by visitors as early as 6.30am, starting with registration and visits to exhibitions and sales booths. There were over 100 exhibitions from various government agencies, the private sector and non-governmental organisations.

When met by reporters, Ungku Omar Polytechnic student Darryll Empra Bap, 20, said this was his second time attending the event.

“I’m excited. My first Lan Berambeh was in 2022 and I expect this year to be even livelier. There’s so many activities and exhibitions and I think it would leave a strong impact on Sarawakian students in Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.

Hailing from Permyjaya in Miri, the Diploma of Civil Engineeirng student came to the venue alongside his coursemates as early as 6am from their campus in Ipoh, eager to participate in the townhall session with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He expressed his hopes that more assistance would be extended to Sarawakian students studying in the Peninsula and hopes to serve the state after graduating.

For Yong Fong Chin, a 21-year-old economics student from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, this year marks the first time attending Lan Berambeh.

“It’s really interesting and there are so many people here. My friends invited me to join them and I’m hoping to learn something from the event,” said the Kuchingnite.

With the growing popularity of the event, many first-time attendees like Yong are discovering the sense of unity and pride it fosters.

For 23-year-old Alif Abdul Muiz, a final year student of Islamic Studies at Universiti Malaya, this was also his second time attending the event.

“I couldn’t attend last year due to a personal commitment but this year, I made sure to come,” he said.

He said the event served as a great opportunity to reconnect with old schoolmates.

“Even though we study at different universities, we still get to meet and catch up here,” he said.

Alif, like many other students, also looked forward to the town hall session.

Among the programmes taking place today are the ‘Sidang Siswa Sarawak’ featuring three sessions or ‘clusters’, namely the Administration and Leadership Cluster; the New Economy Cluster; and Welfare Empowerment Cluster.

These sessions feature panelists comprising state, federal and Dewan Negara senators.

The ‘Kenyalang Speaks’ event was also held consisting of three segments: ‘From Zero to Hero’, ‘The Heroes of the Future’ and ‘Empower Tomorrow’.

A townhall session will also be held, with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg gracing the event.