Manyin (third right) accompanied by SK Dominic Pichin headmaster Marcos Nyandang (right) and Mas Gading MP Anthony Nogeh Gumbek (second right) watch the welcoming dance performance.
SERIAN: Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) chief advisor Dato Sri Michael Manyin has expressed his hope to see more talented people of Bidayuh ethnicity showcasing their talents on the world stage.
He said two Bidayuh ladies – 2012 London Olympics bronze medallist diver Pandelela Rinong and Miss Talent winner at 2014 Miss World Dewi Liana Seriestha – have blazed a trail and showed that the Bidayuhs indeed have a pool of talented people.
He pointed out that Pandelela has won many accolades in the sport of diving, while Dewi Liana has been in high demand to perform and sing at functions, and this enabled them to improve the economic status of their respective families.
“Even in football, where top professionals earn a lot of money per week, presents another opportunity. Therefore, I hope parents will encourage their children to develop and hone specific talents that they have, which would enable them to earn a good income after leaving school.
“Talent development, along with education achievement and skills training are three areas which can move us forward and stop the Bidayuhs from being left behind,” he said.
Manyin, who is also Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communications, made these remarks at the SK St Dominic Pichin’s 60th anniversary dinner and launching of Balu Tayung Langui multi-purpose hall in Kampung Pichin near here recently.
The call for Bidayuhs to succeed in more fields is in line with the target to produce a larger pool of middle-class Bidayuhs so that the community will be on par with other racial groups, he added.
Meanwhile, the newly-completed hall was packed for the dinner which was also the first event hosted there. The hall, said to cost just over RM1 million, was built by a contractor from Serian.
Manyin said the hall, named after his late mother, can be used for various purposes such as badminton matches, hosting seminars and other events.