KUCHING: The newly officiated Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) and Dayak Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) headquarters signifies the way forward for the Dayak community.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this achievement illustrates how the Dayak community is on par with other communities in all sectors of development in Sarawak.
He said the Dayak community is not isolated but instead integrated in the state’s entire community called Sarawakians.
“The DCF has succeeded in preserving and promoting the Dayak culture while the DCCI is platform for Dayak business leaders to rationalise where they can move forward and participate in the state’s ongoing economic development.
“I would like to congratulate DCF and DCCI on their new headquarters. The two buildings standing adjacent to each other symbolise how the Dayak community can progress within the era of active development while still preserving their cultural traditions and heritage,” he said.
He made these remarks during the official opening of DCF and DCCI headquarters at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee here on Saturday (Aug 19).
Abang Johari said the Dayak community must transcend conventional methods and adopt technological advancements to chart new areas in their business endeavours.
He also said education remains an important key in the efforts to combat poverty and uplift the people’s livelihoods.
At the same time, Abang Johari said he has entrusted the Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SDGA) to engage with universities to identify how to further diversify the economic resources and benefits among the Dayak community.
He said the SDGA can invite various experts to debate about the new direction leveraging on the Dayak community’s strengths.
“The state government has provided a building for SDGA so that they can have a place to bring in experts and work together with universities to impart knowledge especially on technology to the community.
“The SDGA must do their part to help their community especially those residing rural areas to enjoy the benefit of technology (and digitalisation).
“The Dayak community has assets in the form of Native Customary Rights (NCR) lands which they can capitalise on through technology to uplift their livelihood and this is the way forward,” he said.
