PAPAR:1 May 2026 – Global beverage brand Pepsi continues to strengthen its commitment to supporting local cultural heritage through active participation in the Kaamatan Festival, including the introduction of limited edition can designs inspired by ethnic motifs from Borneo which is Sabah and Sarawak.
Vice President of Marketing at Etika Sdn. Bhd., Amy Gan, said that Pepsi’s involvement in Kaamatan is not merely a brand presence, but a tribute and appreciation to the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
She further added the Kaamatan Festival serves as an important platform for the brand to connect more meaningfully with local communities, while celebrating the diversity of cultures passed down through generations.
“As a global brand, we want to be present at important events like this with utmost respect, not just showcasing our logo, but truly becoming part of this tradition-filled celebration,” she said during an interview at the Launch Ceremony of the State-Level Kaamatan Festival 2026 at Dewan Masyarakat Papar.
What has become an annual celebration for Pepsi returns this year – limited-edition cans reimagined with fresh Borneo-inspired artistry. The designs feature ethnic elements from Sabah and Sarawak, including Murut motifs such as Nahulalan, as well as Sarawak-inspired flora like the Bunga Terung and Pohon Budi.
The designs were created by local designers Charles Mawan from Sabah and Daphne Siaw from Sarawak, as an effort to highlight local creativity and artistic identity to a wider audience.
Pepsi Celebrates Kaamatan & Gawai with Annual Borneo–Inspired Limited-Edition and Short Film: ‘Dua Budaya, Satu Nadi’
“These designs are only available for a limited time in Sabah and Sarawak. It offers the community an opportunity to see, experience, and appreciate their cultural heritage from a different perspective,” she explained.
Pepsi also expressed excitement over its collaboration with TV Sabah in producing a special Kaamatan Gawai short film titled ‘Dua Budaya, Satu Nadi, in line with this year’s Kaamatan theme, “Kaamatan: Harvesting Unity, Celebrating Harmony”. The film is scheduled to be released in May and will be available on Pepsi’s official digital platforms and TV Sabah.
She also emphasized that collaborations with organizers such as KDCA and TV Sabah will continue, with a focus on expanding partnerships with local talents.
“This is not our first year, and certainly not our last. We are committed to continuously supporting Kaamatan and strengthening our connection with the community through more creative initiatives in the future,” she said.
Amy concluded with the greeting, “Kotobian Tadau Tagazo Do Kaamatan,” expressing hope that the celebration will continue to symbolize unity and joy among the community.
About Pepsi:
Pepsi is a global beverage brand under PepsiCo, known for its innovation and commitment to engaging with communities worldwide. In Malaysia, Pepsi continues to play an active role in supporting cultural and community events through various creative initiatives and strategic collaborations.
For more info:
Facebook: @PepsiMalaysia
Instagram: @pepsimy
TikTok: @pepsimalaysia
