Curtin Malaysia and global team unite to preserve Kayan oral traditions

Miri, Sarawak – 16 June 2025 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), in collaboration with international scholars and artists, has launched ‘Lung Lebui: A Kayan Folktale Collection’ – a vibrant new publication that safeguards linguistic heritage while celebrating Sarawak’s indigenous storytelling traditions.

The 28-page illustrated anthology is the result of a cross-cultural collaboration between Curtin Malaysia researcher Dr. Roselind Wan, Japanese linguist Dr. Yasuka Fukaya of Kyushu University, Ghibli-affiliated illustrator Yuhki Takeuchi, and Kayan storyteller Usun Anyi. It brings to life traditional bedtime stories once passed down orally across generations, offering both linguistic preservation and artistic celebration.

Supported by the Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia and Africa (ILCAA) as part of its Core Research Project, the initiative bridges the worlds of academia, art, and grassroots community engagement in a race against time to save one of Borneo’s fading indigenous languages.

“For my generation, these tales were what Netflix is to kids today,” said guest-of-honour Telang Usan Assemblyman and Sarawak Kayan Association (PKS) President Dato Dennis Ngau, who related how he grew up immersed in oral storytelling in his family’s remote farmhouse during harvest season. “This book is more than stories, it is the heartbeat of our heritage.”

The Lung Lebui launch, held on 11 June at the Federation of Orang Ulu Association (FORUM) Cultural Centre in Miri, drew a diverse crowd of dignitaries, educators, cultural leaders, and school students.

Dato Dennis underscored the urgency of the initiative, saying, “Lung Lebui isn’t just a book, it is a lifeline between our ancestors and future generations. We must document more while the stories still live.”

Professor Vincent Lee, Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, praised the initiative as a milestone in both research and cultural stewardship.
In remarks delivered by Professor Tang Fu Ee, Acting Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Learning and Teaching, Professor Lee described the work as “a conduit linking oral traditions to written permanence, affirming indigenous knowledge as essential to humanity’s shared narrative.”

He added, “As a leader in Borneo Studies, Curtin Malaysia is proud to champion projects that safeguard the region’s rich cultural diversity while deepening academic inquiry and public engagement.”

Notable attendees at the launch included Councillor Sean Huang representing Miri Mayor Adam Yii; Curtin Malaysia Chief Operating Officer Sharon Chong, Future Students and External Engagement Senior Director Debora Caroline, Corporate Affairs Manager Nicholas Leong; Lilian Baun Pulo, Head of Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Miri; and Kayan community leaders Temenggong Elizabeth Deng and Former Temenggong Pahang Deng, along with representatives from local schools.

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(Seated, L-R) Pahang Deng, Temenggong Elizabeth Deng, Councillor Huang, Dato Dennis, Professor Tang, Dr. Roselind, Chong (standing) and school representatives.

Takeuchi (2nd left) presenting illustration from Lung Lebui to Dato Dennis, with Dr. Roselind (left), Councillor Huang (2nd right), and Professor Tang observing.

Dr. Roselind (4th left) presenting copy of Lung Lebui to a school representative, with Dato Dennis and other guests witnessing