KUCHING – The Dayak Chamber of Commerce in Kuching will host the DCCI-KCCI Gawai Kaamatan Celebration 2026 Cultural and Business Exhibition on 27 and 28 June, offering the public a chance to experience a unique blend of tradition and enterprise. The exhibition will run from 8am to 6pm daily, with admission free of charge.
The event is jointly organised to mark the Gawai and Kaamatan festivals, serving as a platform to strengthen ties between Sabah and Sarawak while promoting entrepreneurship, heritage, and creative industries across Borneo.
It aims to highlight the shared cultural richness of the two states and encourage collaboration in business and community development.
The official opening ceremony will take place at 9am on Saturday, 27 June, and will be attended by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick.
His presence underscores the importance of continued cooperation between Sabah and Sarawak in fostering cultural and economic growth.
Over the course of two days, more than 50 exhibitors from both states will showcase a wide range of products and initiatives.
These include traditional crafts, agro-based goods, food and beverages, tourism packages, creative works, and community-driven enterprises.
Visitors will be able to engage directly with artisans, entrepreneurs, and performers, making the exhibition a lively marketplace of ideas and traditions.
A highlight of the cultural programme will be a performance by a troupe from Lubok Antu, presenting the traditional “Gendang Kantu” alongside other performances from Sabah.
This segment offers audiences a rare opportunity to witness the depth and diversity of Borneo’s heritage in one venue.
The Deputy Chairperson of the exhibition, Shalane Matthew, emphasised the event’s community spirit. “At the end of the day, this is really about people coming together.
You’ve got artisans, entrepreneurs, performers, and visitors all in one place. It’s not just about showing products or performances; it’s about sharing who we are, where we come from, and what we’re building together as Sabahans and Sarawakians,” she said.
She added that the organisers hope visitors will take time to interact with exhibitors, enjoy the performances, and immerse themselves in the atmosphere.
Adding further creative flair to the opening day, Maxwel Franklin Saran of Assapai Music Entertainment, a respected composer and publisher, will make a special appearance on Saturday. His involvement is expected to enrich the cultural dimension of the event.
On Sunday, 28 June, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas will conduct a walkabout at the exhibition, reinforcing the significance of the occasion in promoting cultural unity and regional cooperation.
The exhibition is designed to be inclusive and accessible, encouraging participation from all walks of life. By combining cultural showcases with business opportunities, the organisers hope to inspire greater appreciation of heritage while supporting local enterprise.
