KUCHING (Nov 25): Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS) will hold the second edition of its Sape Camp next month to harness the growing popularity of Sarawak’s iconic musical instrument among young Malaysians.

YPS chief executive Datu Aloysius J Dris said the camp, themed ‘Fostering Talents, Driving Unity’, will bring together 20 participants aged 15 to 29 from Sarawak, Sabah, and Peninsular Malaysia.

“The objectives of the camp include fostering unity, promoting cultural education, enhancing musical skills, and providing insight into the craftsmanship of the sape

“YPS remains dedicated to promoting unity through diversity. With initiatives like the Sape Camp, we aim to inspire future generations and establish YPS as a leading advocate for cultural harmony,” he told a press conference here today.

The programme on Dec 2-5 will begin with workshops at the LimeTree Hotel.

On Dec 3, participants will head to Lan E Tuyang in Bau for a sape-making demonstration, offering hands-on insight into the traditional artform.

The camp will conclude with a graduation ceremony at Wisma Sabati Auditorium on Dec 6.

This will be followed by the free Evening Unity Concert on Dec 7 at Plaza Merdeka, where the newly-appointed YPS sape ambassadors will perform for the public, showcasing their talents and celebrating Sarawak’s rich musical heritage.

Meanwhile, Dris said YPS is open to collaborations with other organisations to further promote the sape and its cultural significance.

Reflecting on the success of the inaugural edition which hosted 15 participants, he said YPS aimed to make the camp an annual event.

“We believe that by bringing together youths through this programme, we can foster not just musical talents but also a stronger sense of unity among Malaysians,” he said.

Among those present at the press conference were sape master Mathew Ngau, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak lecturer Dr Connie Lim, and Persatuan Anak Seni Sape’ Kuching chairwoman Elizabeth Bungan.