Venue: Kompleks Sukan Lubok Antu
The Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SDGA), in partnership with the Persatuan Kebajikan Masyarakat Asal Engkilili, Lubok Antu dan Skrang (PELASAR) and the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM-SDG), successfully concluded the Aram Begempuru: Lubok Antu Community Awareness, Outreach and Local Craft Entrepreneurship Programme at the Lubok Antu Sports Complex here.
The closing ceremony was graced by Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak merangkap ADUN N.34 Batang Ai, YB Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh. Also present was Mr. Zainie anak Aji, representing YB Tuan Roy Angau anak Gingkoi, Member of Parliament for Lubok Antu. Other dignitaries in attendance included APPGM-SDG Sarawak Regional Head Miss Raine Melissa Riman, PELASAR Advisor Tuan Jugah Muyang, PELASAR President Mr. Brown Sang, representatives from Youth Empowerment Society Sarawak (YESS), community leaders from across Lubok Antu, as well as various partner agencies.
The programme drew more than 600 participants and featured the participation of over 20 government agencies and institutional partners. The event offered a comprehensive range of services and activities, including booth exhibitions, direct access to government support services, education and training pathways, health screenings, youth empowerment sessions and structured community dialogue engagements.
Led by Programme Director Brandon Beckham and assisted by Programme Coordinator Shalene Durie, the Aram Begempuru outreach was implemented over a three-month period across five longhouses in the Lubok Antu area. The programme focused on strengthening community awareness and improving access to essential services in the areas of education, health, welfare and safety, through coordinated, on-the-ground engagement.
As part of the broader outreach initiative, the Heritage Handicrafts and Garment Crafting Empowerment programme, led by SDGA Deputy Treasurer General Aileen Kumang, served as a complementary empowerment component. Through this initiative, 25 rural entrepreneurs were trained in traditional craft-making and basic entrepreneurship skills, combining cultural preservation with the development of sustainable income opportunities.
In his remarks, YB Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh commended the strong spirit of unity and collaboration demonstrated through the Aram Begempuru programme. He recognised its effectiveness in connecting government agencies with grassroots communities and expressed his full support for the continuation and expansion of the programme to other areas across Sarawak.
SDGA President Ts. Rizzo Mungka described Aram Begempuru as a reflection of shared commitment and coordinated outreach, noting that the programme has demonstrated how meaningful partnerships can improve access to services while empowering rural communities in a sustainable manner.
“Aram Begempuru has shown how shared commitment and coordinated outreach can meaningfully improve access to services and empower rural communities. This is sustainable impact built together,” he said.
The Aram Begempuru programme stands as a testament to unity, cultural pride and collective progress, reinforcing the value of community-driven development anchored in collaboration and inclusion.
Aram Begempuru. Begulai kitai mansang.
By the community, for the community.