In today’s world, we are more connected than ever before.

With a smartphone in hand, we can communicate instantly with people across the globe, attend virtual meetings, share photos in seconds, and keep up with events happening thousands of kilometres away.

Yet, despite all these technological advances, many people still feel disconnected.

The irony is hard to ignore. We have more ways to communicate, but meaningful interaction can sometimes be harder to find.

Perhaps that is why community gatherings such as Gawai celebrations, village festivals, religious events, and neighbourhood activities continue to hold such importance.

They remind us that while technology may connect devices, it is human interaction that connects hearts.

This thought came to my mind as I joined thousands of participants and spectators during the 4th Edition of the Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu 2026, held on 2 June in Kampung Segu Bunuk.

As colourful contingents made their way through the village, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of traditional gongs and the cheerful greetings of friends and relatives, it became clear that the event was about much more than a cultural parade or festive gathering. It was a celebration of community.

For a few hours, people from different villages, backgrounds, and age groups walked side by side, shared meals, exchanged stories, and celebrated a shared heritage.

There were elders proudly dressed in traditional attire, young people enthusiastically taking part in cultural activities, and children experiencing customs that have been passed down from one generation to another.

Such scenes are a powerful reminder that culture and identity do not survive by chance. They continue because communities make a conscious effort to preserve them.

The success of this year’s event did not happen overnight.

It was the result of months of planning and cooperation by the organising committee led by Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (PSBP), together with the support of many individuals, organisations, and community members who shared a common vision.

On behalf of PSBP, I would like to record our sincere appreciation to Transport Deputy Minister and Mambong assemblyman Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, and Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament Datuk Willie Mongin, for their strong support of the event.

Their commitment to community-based and cultural programmes has helped ensure that initiatives like this continue to grow and flourish.

Our heartfelt thanks also go to all participating contingents whose enthusiasm and commitment greatly contributed to the vibrant atmosphere throughout the celebration. Equally deserving of recognition are the residents of Kampung Segu Bunuk, who once again showed the true meaning of community spirit through their warmth, hospitality, and willingness to work together to ensure the event’s success.

The strong response this year is a sign not only of the event’s popularity but also of the lasting strength of community cooperation.

What makes this even more remarkable is how far the event has come. From a small gathering involving only a few contingents a few years ago, it has grown into a major annual cultural celebration attracting participants and visitors from various parts of Sarawak and beyond.

Its growth shows what can happen when people work together towards a shared goal.

No single person could have achieved this alone.

Behind every successful event are volunteers, community leaders, committee members, sponsors, and supporters who give their time and energy without expecting recognition.

They organise meetings, coordinate logistics, prepare venues, manage registrations, and handle many responsibilities behind the scenes.

Their contributions may not always make headlines, but they form the backbone of every successful community effort.

Through my involvement in various organisations over the years, I have come to appreciate that strong communities do not happen by accident. They are built through trust, cooperation, and a shared sense of responsibility.

Community is not simply about living in the same village, town, or neighbourhood. It is about caring enough to take part. It is about showing up when help is needed. It is about celebrating together in good times and supporting one another in difficult moments.

These values may sound simple, but they are increasingly important in a fast-changing world.

Today, many people spend more time interacting online than with their neighbours. While technology brings many benefits, it should never replace the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a real community.

Human beings are social by nature. We need companionship, connection, and belonging. Strong social networks contribute positively to our emotional well-being and help build resilient, caring societies.

This is especially important for younger generations.

Community activities provide opportunities to develop leadership skills, teamwork, responsibility, and respect for others. They also create spaces for cultural knowledge and traditions to be passed from one generation to the next.

Without such opportunities, valuable customs, stories, and experiences risk being lost over time.

As Sarawak continues to modernise and pursue ambitious development goals, we must ensure that community values are not left behind.

Economic growth is important. Infrastructure development is necessary. Technological progress is essential.

But progress should never come at the cost of social cohesion.

A modern society still needs strong communities. In fact, one could argue that the more advanced a society becomes, the more important community becomes.

This is because development is not only about roads, buildings, and economic indicators. True development is also about people — creating environments where individuals feel connected, valued, and supported.

Sarawak has long been admired for its spirit of unity in diversity. People of different ethnicities, cultures, and religions have generally lived side by side in harmony.

This did not happen by chance. It has been nurtured through generations of interaction, mutual respect, and shared experiences.

Community events, cultural festivals, and social gatherings continue to play an important role in strengthening these bonds. They provide opportunities for people to meet, understand one another, and build friendships that go beyond differences.

As the final notes of the traditional gongs faded and the crowds slowly dispersed from Kampung Segu Bunuk, one lesson remained clear: community still matters because people still matter.

And as long as we continue to value unity, cooperation, and mutual respect, the spirit that brought thousands together during Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu will continue to inspire future generations.

In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, perhaps the greatest reminder from Gawai is that real human connection remains one of life’s most valuable treasures.

Sarawak Tribune

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