Tibou set to be a highlight of this year’s Curtin Sarawak Open Day.
Miri – 25 August 2014 – Among the many attractions during the upcoming Curtin Sarawak Open Day 2014 at the campus of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) on 20 September 2014 will be a Melanau Tibou, which is being featured for the second year.
Tibou is a traditional sport featuring a death-defying 30-foot high swing. Youths dive from a high bamboo scaffolding and catch a swinging rope as it reaches the height of its arc. Up to eight men would hang in the clump from the giant swing as it soars above the ground.
Often described as a game of skill and courage, Tibou is one of the major attractions during Kaul, the Melanau community festival celebrated at Mukah around the end of April each year.
The showcasing of the Tibou at Curtin Sarawak is a collaborative effort between Curtin Sarawak’s Student Council and the Miri Melanau Association with sponsorship from the chair of the Curtin Sarawak Campus Council and former deputy chief minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr, George Chan Hong Nam.
Construction of the structure by the association’s members was completed in time for last year’s open day and it proved to be one of the most popular attractions during the day-long event. Following some maintenance and upgrading works recently, it is now ready for another round of ‘thrills and spills’, as described by Student Council President Mo Kamit.
“The Tibou, the first of its kind in Miri, is located near our Recreation & Event Centre and visitors to the event are welcome to give it a try under the guidance of Miri Melanau Association members,” said Mo, adding that Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan and the president of the Miri Melanau Association are expected to launch the showcase on the day.
According to the Curtin Sarawak Open Day organising chair, Nicholas Leong, showcasing the Tibou tradition is a good means of promoting local culture and adds an interesting cultural dimension to the event, which traditionally highlights various aspects of the university’s academic programmes, facilities and services, and community and environmental causes, as well as offer fun and entertainment for visitors.
He added that his committee and the student council are keen to have other community associations involved in the annual event in the future.
Full information on Curtin Sarawak Open Day 2014 can be obtained at www.curtin.edu.my/openday2014, by calling the event secretariat at +60 85 443806, or e-mailing [email protected].
For more information on Curtin Sarawak, visit its website at www.curtin.edu.my, its Facebook page at facebook.com/CurtinUniversitySarawakMalaysia, Twitter profile at twitter.com/curtinsarawak, YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/CurtinUniSarawak, or Instagram at instagram.com/curtinsarawak.
