LABUAN — Parhakow X Tukang emerged as the Titanium winner of the Borneo Creative Dance Competition (Harta Pusaka) at the 13th Borneo Arts Festival (BAF) 2026, taking home RM18,000, with its winning result announced at 12.19 am today.
Earlier, Angkuikui Taka won the Platinum award (RM9,000), while Tetarigas Dance Art Club took the Gold award (RM5,000). Labuan Youth Dansa received the Silver award (RM3,000).
In the Tingkah Geruh Battle, Arts Talent Production from Kuala Lumpur won the Titanium award (RM8,000), followed by Angkuikui Taka of Sabah with the Platinum award (RM4,000), and Tetarigas Dance Arts Club of Sabah with the Gold award (RM2,500). While, Cilik Arts Talent Production received the Silver award (RM1,500).
In the Malaysia Creative Costume Fashion Design Competition, Affendy Ariffin of Sabah secured both the first and second places, receiving RM6,000 and RM4,000 respectively, while Reni Loman, also from Sabah, placed third with RM3,000.
The winners were announced at the closing ceremony of BAF 2026 at the Financial Park Convention Hall here.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Lo Su Fui said the three-day festival attracted more than 30,000 visitors and featured hundreds of artists from seven regions and neighbouring countries, including Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines.
“BAF 2026 is not merely an annual entertainment event but forms part of the Federal Territories Department’s strategy to strengthen Labuan as an Events and Cultural Tourism Hub in the region,” he said in his speech at the closing ceremony.
He further said that more than 10 major programmes and over 100 hours of performances and creative works showcased Borneo’s rich arts and cultural heritage while generating economic benefits for hotel and homestay operators, taxi and e-hailing drivers, small traders, handicraft businesses and local food vendors.
“The economic impact reflected the contribution of the creative, or ‘Orange Economy’, which continues to receive government attention and support.
“BAF also provides young people, content creators and artists with a platform to experiment, build networks and present traditional arts in contemporary forms,” he said.
Lo urged young artists to continue creating and sharing Borneo’s cultural heritage with wider audiences, particularly through social media, adding that the friendships and artistic spirit fostered by the event would continue beyond its conclusion.
He also congratulated Labuan Corporation, the Federal Territories Department, the organising committee, media partners, judges and participating artists for their contributions, saying the performances, fashion showcases and musical presentations demonstrated the value of Borneo’s creative works.
Also present were Federal Territories Department director-general Datuk Muhammad Azmi Mohd Zain, Labuan Corporation chief executive officer Rithuan Mohd Ismail, as well as heads of government agencies, private-sector organisations and non-governmental organisations.
