Sabah State Arts Award 2025 Celebrates Icons of Culture and Creativity

Liew (middle) receiving a token of appreciation from Mohd Radzi

22 September 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s rich cultural heritage took centre stage this evening as the Sabah State Arts Award (ASN) 2025 honoured outstanding artists, cultural icons, creative practitioners, organisations and institutions whose contributions have elevated the state’s identity at home and abroad.

The prestigious ceremony, held at the Horizon Hotel Kota Kinabalu, was officiated by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew. The welcoming address was delivered by Mohd Radzi bin Omar, Deputy Director-General (Culture and Arts Sector) of the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN), representing the Director-General.

Organised by JKKN Sabah with the support of the Ministry, ASN 2025 reaffirmed its role as the state’s highest platform for cultural recognition, celebrating achievements that resonate both nationally and internationally.

The top honour, Sabah State Arts Icon 2025, was awarded to Abdul Karim Gulam, who received a certificate, trophy and RM9,000 cash prize.

Academy of Creative Arts and Technology (ASTiF) – Arts Advocate (Government/Corporate Agency)

SEAMEX Sabah Association – Arts Advocate (Non-Governmental Organisation)

Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) – Arts Advocate (Media Organisation)

In the Special Awards category, the Male-Efficient received recognition under the Senior Category, while Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tawau won in the Junior Category. Each received RM4,000 alongside a certificate and trophy.

The evening’s celebration featured special performances by Jane Anastasia Ann Yali, Effah Hazierah Azamain, the Sekafi Music Apprenticeship Ensemble, and the JKKN Sabah Cultural Troupe, blending traditional ethnic heritage with contemporary expression.

To further strengthen Sabah’s cultural ecosystem, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment announced an increase in total prize allocations by RM20,000, signalling its commitment to fostering inclusivity, sustainability and creative growth.

ASN 2025 highlighted the arts as not only a legacy of civilisation but also a strategic asset in driving creative industries, cultural diplomacy and tourism. It reaffirmed Sabah’s role as a bridge between generations and communities – a “Stage of Traditional and Contemporary Arts” recognised both regionally and globally.

Also present during the event were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datuk Josie Lai; JKKN Sabah Director, Marina Abu Bakar; and JKKN Division of Arts and Culture Enhancement Director, Saifulkhairi Ahmad, underscoring the government’s continued commitment to positioning the arts as a pillar of development and identity.