Curtin Malaysia launches digital lifeline for endangered Kayan language

Miri, Sarawak – 28 May 2026 – A powerful step toward safeguarding Sarawak’s indigenous heritage was marked at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) with the launch of the Kayan Ethnographic Online Dictionary, a groundbreaking digital initiative aimed at preserving the endangered Kayan language for future generations.

The launch ceremony, held on 22 May at Curtin Malaysia, brought together around 100 guests, including community leaders, members of the Kayan and Kenyah Councils of Elders, academics, and cultural advocates in a shared commitment to protecting one of Sarawak’s rich indigenous legacies. They included Curtin Malaysia Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu; Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, Dominic Nyurang Ajang; and Administrative Officer (Magistrate) of the Native Courts of Sarawak, Baweng Tajang.

More than just a dictionary, the platform documents language alongside cultural knowledge, oral traditions, and identity, transforming decades of lived heritage into an accessible digital resource for younger generations, researchers, educators, and the wider public.

The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Roselind Wan, Academic Skills Advisor at Curtin Malaysia, whose research-driven community collaboration demonstrates how universities can play a vital role in cultural preservation.

Supported by the Endangered Language Fund (ELF) in the United States through its Language Legacies Grant, the project team also included Dr. Marcelo Schellini of Universiti Brunei Darussalam and Foad Motalebi, Senior Lecturer in Curtin Malaysia’s Electrical & Computer Engineering Department.

The launch was officiated by Datuk Gerawat Gala, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) and State Assemblyman for Mulu.

In his address, Datuk Gerawat described the initiative as “far more than the launch of a digital platform,” calling it a celebration of identity, heritage, and cultural continuity.

“Preserving indigenous languages such as Kayan is not merely about protecting one community’s heritage. It is about safeguarding the cultural identity and diversity of Sarawak itself,” he said.

He warned that when a language disappears, unique worldviews, ancestral wisdom, and generations of cultural knowledge vanish with it. Amid rapid globalisation and the growing dominance of major world languages, he noted that many indigenous languages are increasingly at risk, particularly among younger speakers.

Datuk Gerawat praised the Kayan Ethnographic Online Dictionary, together with its accompanying YouTube channel and upcoming Kayan language website, as a timely and impactful effort to revitalise indigenous language learning and cultural pride.

He also commended Dr. Roselind and her team for creating a lasting legacy that could inspire similar preservation efforts across Sarawak and beyond.

Professor Vu, representing Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Professor Vincent Lee, said the launch marked a significant milestone not only for the university, but also for indigenous knowledge preservation in Sarawak.

“At Curtin Malaysia, we believe education and research should serve communities meaningfully,” he said. “This project exemplifies how academic research can strengthen cultural identity, empower communities, and inspire future generations to value and protect their heritage.”

Professor Vu added that the initiative also highlights the importance of partnerships between universities, indigenous communities, and institutions in ensuring endangered languages are not only preserved, but actively revitalised and celebrated.

The event also featured a deeply moving cultural performance by Kayan elders, who welcomed Datuk Gerawat with Tekna’, a traditional Kayan oral singing practice that reflects the community’s storytelling heritage and ancestral traditions.

The Kayan Ethnographic Online Dictionary stands as a reminder that every language carries irreplaceable histories, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world, and that preserving them is essential to preserving humanity’s shared cultural diversity.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Curtin Malaysia representatives and project researchers in a group photo with Datuk Gerawat Gala and invited guests.

Prof Tuong-Thuy Vu (2nd left) presenting a souvenir to Datuk Gerawat Gala, witnessed by project collaborators and university representatives.

Guests watching a video montage presentation showcasing the development of the Kayan Ethnographic Online Dictionary project.

Kayan elders performing the Kayan Tekna’ to welcome Datuk Gerawat Gala.