Lantern Parade Lights Up Night 6 of the Festival
Batu Kawa, Sarawak – As the moon glows brighter and the festive spirit fills the air, the Batu Kawa Old Bazaar Mooncake and Light Festival continues to captivate hearts with its vibrant displays and communal charm. Running from 13 to 22 September 2024, this year’s festival has proven to be an extraordinary celebration of Sarawakian unity, diversity, and entrepreneurship. The festival, which has entered its sixth night, was graced by Deputy Premier Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Kapitan Tan Kun Gee, and Teck Wan Kho, who joined the joyous crowd to embrace the Lantern Parade.
The festival draws Sarawakians of all backgrounds together, demonstrating the unique spirit of racial harmony, mutual respect, and solidarity that Sarawak is renowned for. The presence of families, children, and entrepreneurs from all walks of life added to the event’s lively atmosphere, reaffirming Sarawak’s strong commitment to unity.
A Night of Lanterns, Laughter, and Racial Harmony
The Lantern Parade was undoubtedly the highlight of the night, as children gleefully carried their colourful lanterns, illuminating the streets of Batu Kawa with a warm and festive glow. What made the night even more special was witnessing children from various ethnic backgrounds—Malay, Chinese, Dayak—coming together, appreciating each other’s lanterns, and bonding over shared experiences.
“This is Sarawak,” said Deputy Premier Dr. Sim Kui Hian, emphasizing the festival’s theme of racial harmony and mutual respect. “From a young age, Sarawakians are taught to appreciate diversity, and events like this showcase how unity and solidarity begin early.” The festival exemplifies Sarawak’s motto of unity in diversity, where people of all races and ages come together to celebrate under one roof.
Showcasing Sarawak’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
Aside from its cultural richness, the festival is also a hub for local entrepreneurs and enterprising individuals. With over 140 food stalls, visitors are treated to a wide variety of traditional and modern delicacies, creating a melting pot of flavours that represents the very essence of Sarawak.
As Dr. Sim Kui Hian and his entourage toured the bazaar, they took the opportunity to visit every stall, making it a point to know more about the people behind the booths and their unique stories. “It’s important to share experiences and learn from one another,” Dr. Sim remarked. “This is what makes these events so special.”
A particularly inspiring sight was the number of stalls run by university students, many of whom had teamed up with their peers to try their hand at entrepreneurship for the first time. “This is the best practical entrepreneurship lesson,” Dr. Sim commented, congratulating the students for their courage and initiative. “Events like this give them the exposure they need to test their ideas, take risks, and grow as future business leaders.”
Young Entrepreneurs and the New Breed of Event-Based Businesses
Several stalls at the Mooncake and Light Festival are operated by young entrepreneurs who have already established themselves in brick-and-mortar businesses. For them, events like these offer a unique opportunity to gain further exposure and reach new customers. Dr. Sim acknowledged their hard work and commended their efforts in adapting to the ever-changing business landscape.
Notably, a number of stalls had travelled from Sibu, demonstrating the growing trend of event-based businesses in Sarawak. These new entrepreneurs operate exclusively through events like the Mooncake Festival, using these platforms as a way to connect with customers and build their brand. “These events are similar to the online marketplace, offering entrepreneurs a stage to showcase their products and ideas,” Dr. Sim said.
A Festival of Togetherness: Old and New Traditions Collide
The Mooncake Festival isn’t just about the food or the business opportunities—it’s about community bonding. As Dr. Sim Kui Hian walked through the bazaar, he noted how different ethnic groups, from Malay stallholders selling traditional foods to Dayak families running craft booths, worked side by side. “This is Sarawak,” he said proudly. “You see the Malay, the Dayak, the Chinese; people from Kampung, from the city, and from towns like Sibu—laughing, helping, and bonding together. These festivals are a symbol of our Sarawakian spirit.”
Four More Nights to Go – Don’t Miss Out!
As the festival enters its final stretch, with only four more nights to go, the excitement is building. Visitors who haven’t had the chance to experience the festival are encouraged to visit Batu Kawa Old Bazaar to enjoy the delicious food, the vibrant atmosphere, and the heartwarming sense of unity. Whether you’re here to savour local delicacies, witness the beautiful Lantern Parade, or support young and seasoned entrepreneurs, the Mooncake and Light Festival offers something for everyone.