Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s cultural heritage and creative talent are important to Malaysia’s national identity, experts said at the Merdeka Award Borneo Talk Series 2025, here, Wednesday.
The event is organised by the Merdeka Award Trust, founded by Petronas and Shell in 2007, is a public engagement initiative aimed at promoting though leadership, intellectual exchange and the spirit of excellence among Malaysians.
“We grew up surrounded by cultures, stories and landscapes that are uniquely ours, from the rhythms of traditional rituals to the colours of our environment and the warmth of our communities,” Sabahan creatives, Kenji Chai and Ekin Kee Charles said.
Graffiti Artist cum Illustrator, Kenji and Film Director cum Writer, Ekin, were among Sabah’s leading artistic voices invited to discuss how creativity drives commerce and how the arts can become a sustainable industry shaping the nation’s future.
Other speakers included Finas Board Member cum Contemporary Artist Yee I-Lann and PLO Borneo Fashion Design Founder Nancy Jullok.
“These elements shape how we see the world and how we express ourselves creatively in bold and innovative ways,” said Ekin and Kenji.
Storytelling represents one of Sabah’s greatest opportunities, they noted, with authentic cultural narratives becoming economic assets.
“When these stories are translated into creative products, whether films, fashion lines, murals or digital content, they do not just preserve culture but also create economic opportunities for local communities.
“Additionally, cross-industry collaboration would prove important to advancing Malaysia’s creative sector.
“When creatives come together, we do not just share skills, we combine perspectives, culture and experiences. This is where real innovation happens,” they said.
They said being the “next story” meant honouring those who built the foundation while imagining a future where Sabahan creativity stands confidently on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Merdeka Award Trust Secretary Kerina Fauzi said national recognition platforms empower local talent.
“By grounding the theme in Sabah’s heritage, we honour how communities in Sabah continue to preserve age-old customs while embracing modern aspirations. It reinforces the truth that Malaysia’s national story is not complete without the voices, creativity and spirit of Sabahans,” she said.
She also noted artificial intelligence’s growing influence in creative industries, pointing out the Trust has introduced Anugerah Harapan Negara to recognise young Malaysians working with new technologies.
“In order for Malaysia to be at a global par with other developed countries or developing countries, we have to recognise that. So basically, we must move forward,” she said, adding that conventional artistic methods remain equally valued.
For the record, this year’s Borneo Talk Series, themed ‘Inspired by Ancestors, Driven by Dreams: You Are the Next Story’, celebrates how Malaysia’s identity continues being shaped by its arts, culture and heritage.
The series includes a new award category for Humanities, Arts and Sports and had previously visited Kuching as part of the Trust’s commitment to celebrating Borneo’s cultural richness.
The name Merdeka Award Trust is used to commemorate the true spirit of independence and unity within the country which transcends the conventional definition of national sovereignty.
It explores the liberation of the mind and spirit, the strength of character and integrity that underpins meaningful achievements and the creativity and vision that enables greatness.
In the endeavour to continuously foster unity and excellence among Malaysians, the Trust has established two signature programmes, namely the Merdeka Award and the Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment;
The Merdeka Award rewards excellent individuals and organisations whose works and achievements have not only contributed to the nation’s growth but have also inspired greatness in the people of Malaysia. It is a prestigious award that honours their outstanding effort and role in living the ‘Merdeka’ spirit.
Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment (Magia) is designed to make it possible for qualified and deserving Malaysians, between the ages 22-35 to engage in short-term collaborative projects/programmes of up to three months, at an internationally-recognised host institution in select disciplines (education, arts, sports, community/social work, environment, health, science and technology).
Since 2019, the two programmes are held biennially and alternated each year, with the aim to enhance the appeal and relevance of the Merdeka Award to reach younger Malaysians.
