MAS Noraina Roselan, 35, was born and raised in Kuching – a city known for its rich blend of Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu and Malay cultures.

Growing up in such a heterogenous cultural environment inspired the civil engineer to explore the different aspects of local heritage, and one that caught her interest was ngajat, the traditional dance of the Iban community.

“Since I was a child, I have watched people perform ngajat at events. I have always been drawn to it because it’s very graceful. Every movement tells a story, and it’s a beautiful way to connect with the culture and values of the Iban community,” says Mas Noraina during a Zoom interview from Kuching recently.

She began learning ngajat in primary school and continued during her university years.

Her interest in the Iban culture was further spurred at university when she visited her friend’s longhouse in Sekuau, Sibu, during Gawai, the Sarawak Dayak harvest festival.

“It was the whole experience – seeing how Gawai is celebrated, the rituals, the food and the community spirit. Ngajat is always performed during Gawai. It captivated me... from the sounds of gongs and drums that accompany it to the beautiful ngepan costume.”

Two years ago, she signed up for ngajat lessons at the Ngajat Asal Iban Association (Ngasi) – a non-governmental organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Iban dance and culture.

“It was initially a bit difficult to understand the different types of ‘bunga’ in ngajat – movements like hand flicks and subtle body gestures that highlight the elegance of this traditional dance. But with regular practice at Ngasi, I’ve finally gotten the hang of it,” says Mas Noraina, who attends classes every Tuesday and Thursday night.

In just two years, her dedication and skills have seen her perform in 10 events across Sarawak, including the recent Borderland Music Festival in Kuching (Sept 5–6).

She also made a national appearance in PETRONAS’ 2025 Gawai film, Tanda Pengerindu Tanda Kasih (A Sign Of Longing, A Sign Of Love), where she performed ngajat alongside other Ngasi members.

“I feel really honoured to perform this beautiful traditional dance at public events,” she says.

“I was thrilled to be chosen for the PETRONAS film. As a Malay, I am proud to embrace and learn the Iban culture through ngajat.”

Learning ngajat has allowed Mas Noraina to broaden her appreciation for Malaysia’s diverse heritage. — RK Sound

Cultural appreciation

Mas Noraina is among a growing number of Malaysians from different racial backgrounds who are embracing cultures beyond their own through traditional dance.

The list includes legendary classical bharatanatyam dancer Datuk Ramli Ibrahim and his protege, Tan Mei Mei; Lim Shao Xi, a Chinese youth from Johor who studied bharatanatyam under Dr Ajith Bhaskar at Suvarna Fine Arts; and Fatin Nadhirah Rahmat, an Aswara (National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage) graduate who made headlines in 2023 after her bharatanatyam arangetram (graduation) ceremony.

For Mas Noraina, ngajat has allowed her not only to connect with a new culture but also to grow as a dancer. Her parents have been supportive of her decision to learn ngajat.

“Malaysia is rich in cultural diversity, and we have the privilege of learning new things without leaving our own country,” she says.

“We are truly blessed to be able to experience a wide variety of traditional dances – from zapin (Malay) and the fan dance (Chinese) to bharatanatyam (Indian), sumazau (Kadazan) and even branyo (Melaka Portuguese).”

She has also been teaching ngajat at a dance studio in Kuching, aiming to pass on what she has learned to others.

“I want more Malaysians, especially the younger generation, to know that ngajat isn’t just a dance – it is a reflection of the Iban identity, its history and values,” says Mas Noraina, who has three siblings.

Rooted in tradition

Ngasi president Bartholomew Sirow Chan says Ngasi was set up in 2015 by a group of ngajat enthusiasts who wanted to form a cultural and arts association to preserve their culture.

“We started out with 32 members and now, we have 120 members from all walks of life and different age groups. Our youngest student is 10 and our oldest is 71. We offer ngajat classes lasting two months (basic and advanced) for men and women,” says Chan, who is of Iban and Chinese parentage.

He says Ngasi also offers lessons for those interested in learning the betaboh musical instruments.

It comprises engkerumung (similar to a gamelan), bedup (drum), tawak (large gong) and bebendai (small gong).

These instruments create a rhythmic backdrop that energises dances like the Ngajat and enhances the celebratory spirit of the occasion.

Betaboh is usually played during traditional ceremonies or festive celebrations such as Gawai, weddings and other community gatherings.

“It is our hope that we can help and guide people of all ages who wish to learn ngajat and betaboh,” says Chan.

He adds Ngasi members have performed at cultural events in South Korea, Indonesia and Singapore.

In 2021, Ngasi members were featured in a YouTube documentary, Nyerungkai Sejarah Main Asal Iban: Ngajat (Unraveling The History Of The Original Iban Dance: Ngajat).

Despite many efforts to promote Sarawak’s traditional culture, Chan admits that preserving it remains an uphill battle.

Many art forms today incorporate modern influences, causing them to lose their authentic roots amid rapid technological advancement.

“To engage the younger generations, we continue to organise ngajat and betaboh classes where young people learn the original Iban dance techniques and music rhythm,” says Chan.

He adds that initiatives like Iban language classes, seminars and workshops are vital in keeping the culture alive for future generations.

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