IYCC Day 1: A Cultural Beginning

Wednesday, 28th November 2012

As the day began in Sarawak Cultural Village, so do the International Youth Cultural Conference (IYCC) program. Today is the official first day of the event. As early as 8am, the participants and officials make their way to Dewan Lagenda, SCV for the speeches and talks slotted in the morning session. Truth to be told, I’m not a real fan of speeches, talks and forums except motivational talks. However, in this case I’ll make an exception. LOL.

The first presentation was by Mr. Blair Daly, Adviser, Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange, Kuala Lumpur. He gave the presentation on Tolerance versus Understanding and Acceptance.

After the tea break session around 11am, the talk continued by Ms. Natasha Shokri, UNESCO Youth Peace Ambassador. She presents on the Role of Youth in Global Peace Making.

The half an hour talk then taken over by the next speaker, Ms. Lauren Prince. Board Member, Timber 107ist, Oregon, United States of America. She gave the presentation on Promoting Culture Unity and Harmony through Social Media. Now this is something interesting and more common among the current generation. Don’t you all agree with me?

The talks then continued after lunch by another speaker namely, Ms. Denise Ama Ghartey. Hamilton’s Bristol Fellowship, United State of America. She single handedly took 1 hour noon slot to present the Dialogue and Mutual Understanding and a cultural workshop.

Phew~…that’s a whole long stretch of talks for the day. After the talk sessions end around 4.00pm, the participants and officials were invited to have fun with the Cultural Games till late evening before the next program starts.

Lan Berambeh

The dinner program brings a lot of surprise and never ending fun with the theme Lan Berambeh (meaning lets go visiting in local Sarawak Malay language). The night starts with a simple greetings which turns gradually groovy and awesome with the opening games, “Finding Sarawak” followed by the performances from the Sarawak Cultural Village’s performance group.

Come, let me indulge you in the ‘unity’ environment…

Dining area at Dewan Lagenda

Participants having fun getting to know each other

We are ready & AWESOME!

Performance from the SCV’s performing group

Lets dance to the beat

After having fun with the performances by the in-house Sarawak Cultural Village’s performing group, the participants and audience were then mesmerized the the breathtaking Latin guitar play by Dr. Sanchez.

For the last 10 years Dr Sanchez has played professionally as a Latin Guitarist all over Europe and Australasia, from session work in recording studios in Sweden, street performances in Barcelona, Tapas Bars in Dublin and contracts with most of the large hotel chains such as Hilton, Versace, and Sheraton. Founding member of Gold Coast Latin Duo “Jose and Iguado” and band “Gitano”.

 

I remember that night as I was busy recording this video, I didn’t realize by the third play of Dr. Sanchez’s Latin tune the audience were dancing to the beat behind me. I can’t help it to tap my feet and move my body to the rhythm as well.

Someone please help me from grooving to the groovy~…

The night ended with the final performance by DJ Cliff de Saint. A young local DJ specially invited to add spice to the party. All and all, the program ended around 11pm. Sounds like the night is still young, but the fun has not ended yet. There are still 2 more days to go.

Don’t forget to check out the next day event. More workshops coming up.

Cheers~