Sadia plans to set up academy to preserve Iban culture and heritage

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Sidi (seated third left) having a group photo with the Ngajat dancers and their trainers. Also seen is Mabong (seated left).

KUCHING: Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia) plans to set up an Iban Academy to ensure the survival of the Iban culture and heritage.

According to Sadia president Sidi Munan the academy will be used as a centre to teach the traditional Ngajat dance and other arts such as Pua Kumbu weaving.

“The proposal is still in its infancy stage and we hope to realise it one day,” said Sidi at a dinner organised by Sadia headquarters and Kuching branch on Sunday night.

Organising chairperson Mabong Unggang, who also spoke, said that the dinner is held to present certificates of appreciation to around 100 students of the 2014 Ngajat classes.

She said the third phase of the classes was overwhelmingly participated by 60 mostly females students and added that Sadia is prepared to organise an advance class for Ngajat in Jan 2015 which is open to those involved in the previous phases.

The basic Ngajat class will be held only in mid 2015 to ensure that the organisers and dance trainers are better prepared.

Among the highlights of the dinner was the Ngajat performance from the students together with their trainers.