KUCHING (July 18): Redeems, the Association of Research and Development Movement of Singai Sarawak, plans to elevate its iconic Gawai carnival to the international level.

In stating this, its president Datuk Peter Nansian requested the state government’s involvement to turn the Gawai Carnival Redeems (GCR) which has now entered its 16th edition as an international cultural festival next year.

“So, we are requesting the cooperation of the state government to upgrade this GCR into a world tribal festival in 2025 as this will not only allow us to showcase the tribes of Sarawak, but also (as a platform) to bring in tribes from around the world.

“This way, we can nurture and develop local culture while also experiencing and sharing global tribal cultures in Sarawak, thus boosting its tourism industry,” he told a press conference at the Borneo Tribal Village office in Batu Kawah here yesterday.

“Hopefully, we can organise the international tribal festival next year,” said Nansian, while expressing his gratitude to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his support in the upcoming GCR 2024.

To accommodate this plan, he said, Redeems is prepared to upgrade its facilities and parking space.

According to him, the Redeems Centre currently features a large hall for community development and social enterprises, a cultural village for nurturing culture, as well as a court facility for games of futsal, badminton and squash.

“Next year, we may introduce (new) pickleball (court facility), and we are also proposing to our Premier and the state government to approve the establishment of a childcare and learning centre under SeDidik Sdn Bhd here,” he disclosed.