KUCHING: Sarawakian sape player Mathew Ngau Jau received the prestigious BOH Cameronian Lifetime Achievement Award at the 19th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards (19BCAA) for his contributions to Malaysian arts and culture.
The award was presented to the 72-year-old, a towering figure in Malaysian arts and culture, and a living testament to the enduring legacy of the Kenyah Ngorek people of Borneo and the enchanting melodies of the sape.
With a career spanning decades, Mathew has not only preserved but also elevated his community’s traditional art forms, earning recognition nationally and internationally.
“The awards took place at PJPAC’s Stage 1, 1 Utama, Petaling Jaya on May 5, showcasing remarkable talent across various artistic disciplines. The ceremony, presented by BOH Plantations and Kakiseni, celebrated outstanding performances in dance, music, theatre, and musical theatre.
“Thirty-nine awards and cash prizes of RM62,000 were distributed, recognising the dedication of Malaysian artists who continually push artistic boundaries,” it said in a press release today.
In her opening speech, BOH Plantations Sdn Bhd executive chairman Caroline Russell, emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting creative expressions through the arts.
Persatuan Kakiseni president Low Ngai Yuen highlighted this year’s theme, ‘Pentas Kehidupan: Meneroka Tanpa Batasan (Life’s A Stage: Explore It Without Limits)’, emphasising the transformative impact of the arts on human experience.
She said updates to judging formats and methodologies were announced for future editions, reflecting the awards’ commitment to staying relevant.
