SIDMA College KadazanDusun Language Club (SCKLC) organised “Sodop Pisompuruan 2018 Dinner” as a Grand Finale for all the SCKLC 2018 activities and also as platform in the introduction to its 2019 activities. The dinner which was held at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort, (STAR) Kota Kinabalu on 30th November 2018; was one of its many initiatives with the main focus of raising fund to implement its ongoing and future initiatives and activities aiming at the preservation and upholding the dignity the KadazanDusun language in this modern era.

Honourable Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau, Deputy Sabah Chief Minister as well as the honourable patron to Sodop Pisompuruan 2018 Dinner, during his officiating address, sincerely congratulated SIDMA College for being the first college to have its own Kadazandusun Language Club and has conducted numerous initiatives to intervene and revive the KadazanDusun language to stronger footing. He praised the college for setting the way forward for other institutions of higher learning in Sabah to follow suit.  

He also praised the college for establishing strong linkage with Sabah Education Department and collectively initiated various programmes and activities; involving both the school students and Sabah youths to immerse in the usage of the KadazanDusun language; thus ensuring and maintaining the dignity and relevancy of the KadazanDusun language during the current dynamic borderless world.

Dr Morni Hj Kambrie, Chairman and Founder of SIDMA College during his welcoming address appreciated Honourable Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred for sacrificing his precious time to attend and launch the Sodop Pisompuruan Dinner, and subsequently launched the 2019 KadazanDusun Language Applications Invention Competition.

Dr Morni also conveyed his special “Thank You” note to Datuk Hajah Maimunah Hj Suhaibul (Sabah Education Director) and all related education officers, particularly Mr Abidin Marjan, Mdm. Sitiamah Sahat, and all who have worked very closely with SIDMA College to ensure that quality KadazanDusun Language programmes can be implemented to benefit the students and youths of the country.

He too dedicated his sincere thanks to all the District Education Officers, Secondary Principals, KadazanDusun Language Teachers and all individuals who have contributed their time and efforts during the District Level KadazanDusun Language Speech Contest “Pialaan Raisol Doid Boros KadazanDusun”. The first round of the contest was held in all participating schools in October 2018 whereas the second round was held at the respective District Education Department. Each respective District Education Department then sent two successful candidates to compete in the semi-final round which was held at SIDMA College on 25 October 2018. During the event, five finalists were selected to compete for the championship title at STAR on 30 November 2018.

Dr Morni’s intention to intervene and revive the seemingly rapidly declining in the popularity of the KadazanDusun language among the local ethnics of Sabah were started since the establishment of SIDMA College in 2002. With the formation of the KadazanDusun Language Club on 19 November 2014, SIDMA College collaborated with Sabah Education Department, and collaboratively conducted various initiatives to popularise the language. The major events being the KadazanDusun Language Storytelling Competition 2016 and “Piboi an Mananongon Boros Kadazandusun, Short Stories Writing Competition for secondary school students. These short stories were edited and compiled, and later published in a book entitled: “Inspirasi Anak-anak Sabah” in two versions: version I and II.  The initiative was to complement and supplement the shortage of reading materials in the KadazanDusun language among school children.

The Chairman also conveyed his appreciation to all SIDMA College staff for their full cooperation and collaboration extended to SCKLC, Madam Salumah Nain and her team, to ensure the successful implementation of all the SCKLC activities without compromising in continuing their core business (preparing and teaching their core papers) in class.

Sodop Pisompuruan Charity Dinner 2018 was keenly participated, among others by Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau as well as a host of local leaders and representatives, various levels of officers from both the federal and state government officers, from the private sectors as well as individuals; as an indication of their support towards the good deeds contributed by the college. Dr Morni was really honoured by their presence, congratulated and thanked them sincerely for their participation and contributions towards the success of the college and the club initiatives.

Among the highlights of the Sodop Pisompuruan Dinner was the selection of the winner for the 2018 “Pialaan Raisol Doid Boros KadazanDusun” from the five finalists selected during the semi-final competition. To determine the champion of the event, the following juries were appointed. They were headed by Mdm. Linah Nurlina Bagu from IPG Kent Campus, and assisted by Mr Henry Bating from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning and Mr Aslie bin Sahat Head of Quality Assurance Sector, State Education Department.

The champion of the competition received RM1, 000 in cash and trophy. First runner-up received RM800 in cash and trophy. The second runner-up received RM500 in cash and trophy. Contestant in the third and fourth placing received RM 100 each. On top of that, all the five contestants received their certificate of participation. Below are the details of the winner for the competition:
 

    Champion : Rudolf Yuson (SMK Limbanak, Penampang)

    First Runner-Up : Abbylaylena Sitibon (SMK Kemburongoh, Ranau)

    Second Runner-Up : Asliana Kaling (SMK Tun Fuad Stephens, Kiulu)

    Third Runner-Up : Da Resty Gundang (SMK Narinang, Kota Belud)

    Forth Runner-Up : Jessy Ginus (SMK Datuk Peter Mojuntin, Penampang)

SIDMA College’s Prima Dansa dance performances added to the colours and delight of the evening. Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) Choir Team that won SIDMA’s first ever KadazanDusun Language Choir Competition recently was given the honour to present their special performance during the event. Other than that, Sabah local artists and individuals also presented their best show amidst loud applauses from the floor. Various lucky draw with spectacular prizes; all of which have contributed to the relaxed atmosphere and enabling the guests of the evening to socialize unreservedly.

By Teo Eng Seng and Zain Azrai

SIDMA College Sabah,

KOTA KINABALU.