Liew praises book on ethnic costumes, invites foodies to Borneo festival

Photo shows Kitingan (2nd right) presenting the book to Liew. Looking on are Leo (left) and KDCA Women Council Secretary, Flavian L. Majail.

4 April 2023

By Wartawan Nabalu News

KOTA KINABALU: A book on the evolution of Sabah’s ethnic traditional costumes has received high praise from Sabah’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew.

She commended the KDCA Women Council for their first production of “Evolution of the Sabah Ethnic Traditional Costumes” (Volume 1), which is a 175-page bilingual book with colourful illustrations.

Liew said the book is a unique publication that is well-researched, educational and informative. She also said the book is worthy of being presented to visiting foreign dignitaries or guests as a book gift in the interest of cultural exchange.

"Indeed, it is a masterpiece. Syabas to the KDCA Women Council and Well done! It is worthy of being presented to visiting foreign dignitaries or guests as a book gift in the interest of cultural exchange," she said, after receiving a copy of the book from the Chairperson of KDCA Women Council, Joanna Kitingan, recently.

The book, which has five chapters and was published in 2022, was compiled and edited by Joanna Kitingan and Salbiah Kindoyop PhD.

"It took us one year to accomplish what we set out to do. The book serves as a useful reference for primary, secondary and university students. It is not only about ethnic traditional costumes but also contains information on ethnic communities in five districts," Kitingan, who conducted her research at the Sabah Museum, told the Minister.

She added that the KDCA Women Council is working on the second edition which is expected to be completed this year. The second volume will cover ethnic traditional costumes and ethnic groups in five other districts.

Meanwhile, Liew also received a briefing from Leo Liew, the Organising Chairman of the Borneo International Food Festival 2023, which will be held from May 26 to 28 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).

The festival, which is a prelude to the State-level Kaamatan celebration, will feature about 150 booths showcasing the cuisine peculiar to Malaysia and other Asian countries. Food experts and enthusiasts from Taiwan, China, Thailand, Philippines and Korea were also invited to participate in the food festival.

Leo said they are creating a platform for the food and beverage (F&B) industry players to exhibit their menu and delicacies.

He said the festival will create opportunities for young people to venture into the F&B franchising business. He also said contemporary traditional costumes will be paraded in a fashion show during the festival.