SIDMA College Sabah through its Kadazandusun Language Club, organised a SIDMA College Kadazandusun Language Day on 25 October 2018, as a platform for staff and students, especially those from the Kadazandusun community to immerse in the language throughout the day.
Mr Albert Bingkasan, who represented Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau during the officiating of the Semi Final Secondary School Students Kadazandusun Language Speech contest, known as “Pialaan Roisol Doid Boros Kadazandusun” at SIDMA College congratulated Dr Morni Hj Kambrie, Founder and Chairman of SIDMA College, for his undivided commitment to strive for the survival and continuity of the language in this modern era. Datuk Seri Panglima Welfred, through his representative, Mr Albert, also expressed his delights by noting the strong linkage and collaboration in existence between the Sabah Education Department and SIDMA College Sabah. He hoped that other colleges and higher learning institutions in this state will follow the way forward set by SIDMA College to complement various efforts taken by the Sabah Government to preserve one of the indigenous languages in the state.
The semi-final witnessed fifteen secondary school students from various districts of Sabah whom were accompanied by their respective teachers and District Education Officers to compete in range of topics, tackling crucial current issues such as language endangerment factors and needed preservation approaches, with relations to the Kadazandusun language.
Only five contestants with the highest marks were selected to contest in the Grand Final, which will be held on 30 November 2018 as a part of the closing ceremony Gala Night Dinner for Kadazandusun Language Day, or known as “Sodop Pisompuruan” at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa. The finalists are:
- Asliana Kaling @ Jainis (SMK Tun Fuad Stephens, Kiulu) - Teacher Pinus
- Jessy Ginus (SMK Datuk Peter Mojuntin, Penampang) - Teacher Caroline
- Da Resty Gundang (SMK Narinang, Kota Belud) - Teacher Kisun Tampuling
- Rudolf Yuson (SMK Limbanak, Penampang) - Teacher Anita & Jimoty
- Abbylaylena Sitibon (SMK Kemburongoh, Ranau) - Teacher Kamaidah
Earlier Dr Morni in his welcoming address thanked and congratulated Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau for his dedicated supports to SIDMA College Sabah, especially towards SIDMA Kadazandusun Language Club, to continue striving for the future of the language.
He also thanked Y. Bhg. Datuk Hajah Maimunah Hj Suhaibul, Sabah Education Director and respective District Education Officers, Secondary School Principals, Kadazandusun teachers, judges who were specially invited for the event; namely Mr David Tiongin Lumbok, Chairman of SIDMA College’s Board of Governance, Madam Noumi @ Mazlinda Binti Jali, Inspectorate, from The Inspectorate and Quality Assurance of Ministry of Education Malaysia and Mr Victor Baga, a language teacher from Institute of Teacher Education Kent Campus; for the continuous support and all who have contributed in one way or another to support the implementation of the event. In addition, he too conveyed his appreciation to the co-chairperson of the Kadazandusun Language Speech Contest, Madam. Salumah Nain, and Madam Sitiamah Sahat, Kadazandusun Language Officer from Sabah Education Department; and was assisted by the programme coordinator, Ms Brenda Alexius Liaw.
Another activity held at SIDMA College Campus during the SIDMA Kadazandusun Language day was a Mini Funfair. The main aim was to expose to visitors the usage of the language in various settings, particularly while participating any of the activities held. The procedure, rules and regulations of each of the fun activities held was in the Kadazandusun language. In addition, lucky draws, Kadazandusun language songs request and dedication were among the various other activities held throughout the day.
To learn more about the upcoming activities and reserve your spot for the Gala Night Dinner, you may contact the SIDMA College Kadazandusun Language Club at 088 732 000.
By Teo Eng Seng and Zain Azrai Bin Mohd Noor,
SIDMA College Sabah,
88300 KOTA KINABALU
