LEIA emerges champion at JCI Damai’s ‘Be A Star’ K-Pop Dance Competition 2025 - officiated by Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang
A group photo of winners and participants.
KUCHING: LEIA from Kuching clinched the championship title in the Open Category at the JCI Damai ‘Be A Star’ K-Pop Concert and Dance Competition 2025.
The event brought together top youth dance talents from Sarawak and abroad in a celebration of skill, creativity and cultural exchange.
In the same category, 8dios from Sibu secured first runner-up, while District Gang from Indonesia finished as second runner-up and also won Best Costume. The Popular Award went to Obsidian from Miri.
Meanwhile, Voon Woo Wee emerged champion in the Solo Category, followed by Barry Ting Hung Sheng (Fubuki) as first runner-up and Jeff Juliano Mok Khin Chiat as second runner-up.
The Best Costume award in the solo category was won by Tiong Xiao Qian.
The large-scale youth arts event, organised by JCI Damai with Star Studio as co-organiser, aimed to empower young talents while promoting regional cultural exchange through K-Pop dance.
The event was officiated by Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang who was impressed by the high level of discipline, passion and professionalism displayed by the participants.
“Events like this provide a positive platform that builds confidence, teamwork and healthy artistic expression among youths,” he said. Meanwhile, JCI Damai Local President Sean Wong said the strong turnout, including participants from various parts of Sarawak and overseas, reflected the growing appeal of K-Pop dance as a unifying art form.
“Be A Star is more than a competition — it brings young people together through shared passion, effort and aspirations,” he said.
Co-organiser Star Studio, represented by Kelby Then, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of the local and regional dance community.
The “Be A Star” K-Pop Concert and Dance Competition 2025 highlighted the technical excellence and stage confidence of young performers, with organisers congratulating all winners and participants, and thanking partners and supporters for making the event a success.
Datuk Lo went on the ground to visit the participants of the mass circumcision programme.
KUCHING: Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) in Sarawak should organise mass circumcision programmes more frequently during school holidays as such programmes offer many benefits beyond their organisation.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang said the programmes were not only important for hygiene and health purposes but also brought various other benefits that were often overlooked.
He said mass circumcision programmes not only helped to ease the financial burden on parents but also served as a platform to strengthen unity and foster closer ties among the Muslim community in the state.
According to him, many are unaware that such programmes help strengthen the relationship between the JKKK and village residents, especially those who need assistance to have their sons circumcised.
“If every JKKK in each state constituency (DUN) area in Sarawak were to regularly organise mass circumcision programmes, there would surely be no eligible boys missing out on being circumcised.
“Therefore, every JKKK should make the Mass Circumcision Programme a fixed activity during the school holiday season,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the School Holiday Mass Circumcision Programme 2025, organised by JKKK Block C, Kampung Haji Baki, at the Haji Baki Community Hall last Saturday (Dec20).
Also present were Block C headman (KK) Rosli Ahmad Darus, Block A headman Harzmi Abd Rani and chairman of the Sarawak Javanese Community Association (PMJS), Kampung Haji Baki Branch.
A total of 20 participants took part in the programme, which was organised for the fifth time by the committee.
SUPP Remains Strong After 66 Years, Continues Fight For Sarawak’s Rights – Dato Lo
KUCHING: The enduring spirit and resilience of the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), now marking its 66th anniversary, remain firmly rooted in the state's political landscape, said Batu Kitang Assemblyman, Dato Lo Khere Chiang.
He remarked that the party’s anniversary not only recalls the founding history of Sarawak’s oldest political party but also symbolises unity and a clearer direction for a stronger future for the state.
“That is why we gather here today — to demonstrate our solidarity, to honour our past struggles, and to build our future together as one team within Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS),” he said when met after the flag-raising ceremony in conjunction with SUPP’s 66th anniversary held at the party’s headquarters on Jalan Tan Sri Ong Kee Hui, on Wednesday.
As SUPP’s Deputy Secretary-General, Dato Lo stressed that historical values must not be overlooked, as they reflect the party’s — and Sarawak’s — long and meaningful journey.
“SUPP is the oldest political party in Sarawak, and when we speak of the oldest, we’re speaking of a party rich in culture and history.
“From the very beginning, we fought for Sarawak’s independence. SUPP leaders championed that cause, and even today, the matter remains relevant. We want to protect Sarawak. We want to safeguard our resources,” he emphasised.
Dato Lo, who is also the SUPP Batu Kitang Branch Chairman, expressed confidence in the leadership of both the state and the party, led by SUPP President, Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, whom he described as the right leader to uphold the aspirations of the Sarawakian people.
“We can see that the state is moving in the right direction — prioritising education and encouraging our youth to pursue knowledge because it is crucial for our future.
“Under Datuk Amar Dr Sim’s leadership, SUPP is moving forward in unison to ensure that Sarawak remains strong and continues to grow even stronger day by day,” he said.
He also expressed pride in the increasing participation of young people in SUPP, calling it a positive development in ensuring the party’s legacy continues.
“We need to educate the younger generation about the importance of SUPP and GPS in defending Sarawak’s rights. This is not merely about politics — it is about the future of our state,” he added. -UKASnews
Youth Urged To Join SUPP In Safeguarding State’s Rights | Sarawak Tribune
Lo speaking to reporters after the 66th anniversary flag-raising ceremony at SUPP headquarters yesterday (June 4).
KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) deputy secretary-general Datuk Lo Khere Chiang is urging the youth to take up the mantle and be part of a movement that has fought for the state’s rights and future for over six decades.
Speaking after the 66th anniversary flag-raising ceremony at SUPP headquarters yesterday (June 4), he said the increasing participation of young people in the party is an encouraging sign.
“We must continue to instill the fighting spirit among the youth so they understand how important SUPP and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) are in safeguarding Sarawak’s rights,” he said.
Lo, who is also the Batu Kitang assemblyman, described SUPP as more than just a political party as it represented the people’s long-standing fight dating back before independence.
“SUPP was originally founded to fight for Sarawak’s independence. That legacy still drives us today in our efforts to protect the state’s natural resources — a dream shared by our founding leaders,” he said.
He said young people have a vital part to play in carrying on that legacy, especially in today’s increasingly complex political and social climate.
“We need young people to rise, understand history, and build the future with us.
“With leaders like our president and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian steering SUPP and Sarawak in the right direction, now is the best time for youth to get involved,” he added.
Lo stated that the state government’s focus is on education as it is a key foundation for the progress of the younger generation.
He pointed out that Sarawak aspire children to gain the knowledge and opportunities they need to succeed, hence it requires strong leadership and support from the people, especially the youth.