iRandau 2025 Promotes Tradition, Technology And Community

KUCHING, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- The International iRandau Symposium 2025, held over four days at Lebu’ Kulit, Sungai Asap in Belaga, brought together over 250 participants from Malaysia and abroad to celebrate the integration of cultural tradition, digital technology and community empowerment.

Organised by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Sarawak, the symposium focused on the fields of social sciences, management, science and technology, under this year’s theme, Bridging Gaps, Fostering Sustainability. The closing ceremony was officiated by Deputy Minister of Digital, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong.

In a statement, the university’s Department of Social Science and Management highlighted Ugak’s remarks, which praised the elevation of Randau, an Iban term meaning ‘discussion’, from a traditional longhouse practice to a recognised cultural identity and international tourism attraction.

“iRandau not only preserves the authenticity of tradition but also positions it as a global tourism draw. It serves as a bridge connecting our cultural roots with modern development,” he said.

Ugak, who is also the Hulu Rajang Member of Parliament, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to narrowing the digital divide in rural areas through infrastructure development and long-term investments.

“iRandau 2025 demonstrates that rural communities have the potential to participate in digital entrepreneurship, content creation, and community leadership,” he added.

The symposium also aimed to promote the preservation of Orang Ulu traditions, empower rural youth through digital literacy, and foster stronger collaboration between academia and local communities.

Among those present were Senator Michael Mujah Lihan, Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, UPM Sarawak director Prof Dr Shahrul Razid Sarbini, International Youth Centre director Dr Mohamed Maliki Mohamed Rapiee and Kampung Lebu’ Kulit deputy chief Daniel Ding.

The event received strategic support from the Konsortium Universiti Universitas Borneo (KUUB), the International Youth Centre, Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), the Information Department and Business Events Sarawak.

Since its launch in 2019 by UPM Sarawak’s Faculty of Humanities, Management and Science (FKPS), the iRandau Symposium has evolved into a key knowledge-sharing platform, enhancing the university’s role as a centre for research and community engagement in Borneo.

-- BERNAMA