Creative talents from Keningau shines

3 April 2026

KENINGAU: A work titled “Keningau – The Hinterland Gem of North Borneo”, directed by Elvin Liging, emerged as the champion at the Keningau District Tourism Creative Industry Awards 2026, held at Ficus Hall, Bandukan Resort, on 2 April.

The victory underscores the capability of local creative practitioners in showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of Keningau through impactful visual storytelling.

Second place was awarded to “Keningau Menunggu” (Keningau Awaits) , directed by Ira Ivanna Lunjin, while third place went to “The Scent of Kayu Manis”, directed by Kennedy Ang Chee Ming.

The awards ceremony was organised by the Keningau Tourism and Culture Association (KeTCA) in collaboration with the Sabah Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (KPSTI), Tourism Malaysia Sabah, and the Sabah Film and Visual Association (SAFVA), serving as a platform to empower the local creative industry.

KeTCA Chairman and Organising Chairman, Rafie Datuk Robert, said the tourism-themed short film competition serves as a strategic medium to promote Keningau to a wider audience.

According to him, creative approaches through filmmaking not only attract tourists but also help strengthen the district’s image as a destination rich in heritage and natural beauty.

“This also creates opportunities for new talents to be highlighted, while driving the overall growth of the local creative industry,” he said.

He added that more than 20 entries were received, with 10 of the best works shortlisted as finalists based on storytelling quality, creativity, and their ability to highlight Keningau’s tourism elements.

The prize-giving ceremony was officiated by a representative of the Director of Tourism Malaysia Sabah, Nasrul Hadi Menan, accompanied by Rafie and SAFVA President Chester Pang.

In addition to the main categories, special awards were presented to Ceritera Alam dan Jiwa, directed by Rosli Pitri, which won Best Actor/Host and Most Popular Film.

Meanwhile, the Creative Film Award was also won by Keningau – The Hinterland Gem of North Borneo, further reinforcing its recognition.

Seven consolation awards were also presented to several other works, including Langkah Pulang, Chasing Dawn, Keningau, Kampung Rantai – A Hidden Gem, Keningau Wonderland, Surat Untuk Keningau, and Ceritera Alam dan Jiwa.

Rafie expressed hope that the programme would serve as a catalyst for the development of both the creative and tourism industries in Keningau through more effective digital and innovative approaches.

At the same time, he also on extended appreciation to all ministries, departments, and agencies involved, particularly KPSTI, Tourism Malaysia Sabah, and SAFVA, for their support in making the programme a success.

“KeTCA remains committed to expanding strategic collaborations to advance the tourism and creative industries sustainably in this district,” he stressed.