MIRI – The Pertandingan Seni dan Estetika Orang Ulu (PSEOU) 2025 concluded on Saturday night with a vibrant showcase of Orang Ulu music and culture, drawing dignitaries, performers, and hundreds of spectators.
The event, organised by the Baram Visionary Women’s Club, underscored the importance of cultural preservation and community pride.
The programme was officiated by Telang Usan State Assemblyman and Sarawak Tourism Board Chairman, Dato Dennis Ngau, who represented Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
In his address, Dato Dennis emphasised that PSEOU is more than a competition, describing it as a platform to safeguard the identity, language, and traditions of the Orang Ulu community for future generations.
He noted that participants’ courage to perform in their mother tongues demonstrated pride in heritage and reinforced the relevance of Orang Ulu music within Sarawak’s creative industry.
“Each song performed is not just a song, but contains historical values, emotions and stories of ancestors that reflect the uniqueness of the Orang Ulu heritage,” he said, adding that true victory lies in upholding identity rather than winning titles.
The event also highlighted the government’s commitment to cultural empowerment. Dato Dennis expressed appreciation for the Sarawak Government’s allocation of approximately RM30 million for the construction of the FORUM Building, which will serve as a symbol of Orang Ulu cultural strength and provide a dedicated space for community activities.
The competition’s climax saw Spinney crowned champion with a Lun Bawang song, followed by Bobby Laing in second place with a Kayan performance, and Eric Belu securing third place with another Lun Bawang entry.
Special awards recognised outstanding contributions: Best Song went to Eric Belu, Best Performance to Bobby Laing, Best Vocal to Spinney, and Popular Artist to Sall.
In addition, the 2025 Christmas Song Choir Competition crowned Bintang Timur from BEM Lutong Baru as champion, adding festive cheer to the evening.
Guest performances included appearances by local artists and a special showcase by Indonesian singer Agus Hingaan, further enriching the cultural atmosphere.
The presence of dignitaries such as Miri City Deputy Mayor Ariffin Mohamad, Telang Usan District Officer Ezra Uda, and Baram Visionary Women’s Club Chairman Mujan Lah reflected strong institutional support for the event.
Their involvement, alongside community leaders, reinforced the festival’s role in elevating Orang Ulu culture to national and potentially international recognition.
Looking ahead, Dato Dennis expressed hope that PSEOU could evolve into a larger-scale annual event, positioning Orang Ulu arts as part of Sarawak’s tourism offerings.
With growing interest in indigenous heritage, the competition is poised to become a cornerstone of cultural sustainability and creative industry development in the state.
