LAHAD DATU: The Sabah Idahan Ethnic Association (Peis) achieved a proud milestone after clinching four major accolades at the 2026 Borneo Festival of Ideas (BFOI), held at Tun Mustapha Hall, here, recently.
The achievement qualifies Peis to represent Lahad Datu at the state-level competition, scheduled to be held at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) on Oct 14 and 15.
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Peis received the Permata Kearifan (Jewel of Wisdom) Special Award for its innovation, Tukong Likot: Kayu Pettau, Ambung and Gegulug, as well as a Gold Award in the same category.
The association also won the Ilham Tradisi (Traditional Inspiration) Special Award and a Gold Award for its innovation, Serempang: One of the Creative Patterns or Crafts, which showcases the unique heritage of the Idahan community.
Peis President Abdul Karim Dakog said the achievement demonstrated that the cultural heritage of the Idahan people holds significant value and can be preserved, strengthened and promoted through innovative approaches.
He added that Peis also recorded another success by winning the Food Innovation Award with its Cendol Salag product, made using genuine edible bird’s nest and coconut milk.
“We will compete at the state-level competition, which will be held at UMS on Oct 14 and 15, 2026. The winner will go on to represent Sabah at the Borneo Island-level competition, bringing together participants from Sabah, Sarawak, Kalimantan and Brunei Darussalam,” he said.
BFOI is organised by the Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) (IDS) and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), in collaboration with the Lahad Datu District Office.
The programme aims to showcase creative ideas and innovations rooted in heritage, culture, art, crafts and community development, while strengthening efforts to preserve local cultural treasures.
Peis’ achievement also reflects the Idahan community’s ongoing commitment to ensuring its cultural heritage continues to be preserved, promoted and appreciated by the present generation while being introduced to a wider audience.
