KOTA KINABALU: Oct 17, 2026 – A total of 551 pupils from within and outside the country gathered at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Malawa for the Malawa–Kauluan Cultural Exchange Programme 2026, held on 29 and 30 September.
The international-scale programme, jointly organised by SK Malawa and SK Kauluan, aimed to provide a platform for the younger generation to recognise, appreciate and celebrate the diversity of cross-cultural heritage.
Sabah State Education Department (JPNS) Director Tuan Haji Abidin bin Haji Marjan, in his official speech, said the experiential learning approach applied in the programme was capable of building pupils’ confidence and communication skills directly.
“The organisation of this programme not only fosters unity and cross-cultural understanding but also provides meaningful exposure to pupils on the global perspective of a plural society,” he said.
He added that the active involvement indirectly boosted pupils’ achievements in the Physical, Sports and Co-Curricular Activity Assessment (PAJSK) at the international level.
With the theme “Celebrating Diversity, Connecting Cultures, Inspiring Future Generations”, the two-day event successfully attracted the participation of 47 domestic schools and nine foreign educational institutions.
Several key school locations, including Dewan Sri Malawa, the School Resource Centre, the Computer Laboratory and the exhibition site, were fully utilised to conduct various competitive activities.
Among the main events contested were the Creative Traditional Ethnic Dance Competition, the National Costume Competition, the Folklore Storytelling event and Public Speaking themed on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Besides academic and arts competitions, visitors were also treated to the uniqueness of heritage through exhibitions of traditional food and attire brought by the respective delegations.
The programme also received support from the Kota Kinabalu District Education Office (PPD), Tuaran PPD, strategic partners, the local community and a line-up of corporate sponsors.
