The Tuyang Initiative

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The Tuyang Initiative We are a community-led arts management company. We are a community-led creative and arts management company with a dream.

As a social business, we work with Dayak (Borneo indigenous) communities in areas of cultural heritage by upskilling practitioners for a chance at meaningful livelihood and cultural continuity. Since 2017, we want to ensure our cultural guardians get the opportunity to gain meaningful livelihood through the arts. We do this by upskilling and facilitating relationships with industry. This way, our culture and traditions continue well into the future – and thrive. As indigenous people ourselves, we feel a deep sense of responsibility and pride not only in with what we do, but also in ensuring fair and honest representation. Oh, by the way, Tuyang means buddy in the Kenyah language : )

“Nation building is not only about shaping the future. It is also about knowing what we carry forward. Every person has ...
28/09/2026

“Nation building is not only about shaping the future. It is also about knowing what we carry forward. Every person has a role to play in preserving the cultures, stories and traditions that make our nation who we are.”

This Monday, let’s remember that culture lives through people. What we learn, protect, share and pass on today becomes part of the heritage of tomorrow.

To be the face of a culture is more than wearing its patterns, carrying its traditions, or standing in front of a camera...
21/09/2026

To be the face of a culture is more than wearing its patterns, carrying its traditions, or standing in front of a camera.

It is about carrying stories, values, memories, and the people who came before us.

Culture lives through the people who share it, represent it, and bring it into the world in ways that feel authentic and meaningful. When we become its face, we also become part of its story.

Let’s represent our cultures with pride, respect, and a spirit of togetherness.

Malaysia is at its best when all our colours come together. 🇲🇾From the many Indigenous cultures of Sabah, Sarawak and th...
16/09/2026

Malaysia is at its best when all our colours come together. 🇲🇾

From the many Indigenous cultures of Sabah, Sarawak and the Peninsula, to the countless communities, languages, traditions and stories that make up our country, our differences are what make Malaysia uniquely ours.

We may come from different places and carry different traditions, but there is something beautiful about sharing this land, learning from one another and building a future together.

Not one culture above another, but many cultures standing side by side, as equal partners in the Malaysian story.

Here’s to the diversity, friendships and shared experiences that bring us together.
Selamat Hari Malaysia! ❤️

“When you stand at the peak, the view changes. What once felt distant becomes part of a bigger picture. Sometimes, we ne...
14/09/2026

“When you stand at the peak, the view changes. What once felt distant becomes part of a bigger picture. Sometimes, we need to rise above the noise, not to leave things behind, but to see where we have come from, where we stand, and where we are going.”

May this week begin with a wider perspective, a deeper appreciation of our journey, and the wisdom to see beyond what is immediately in front of us.

“Art gives us a new way of seeing the world; culture reminds us why every perspective matters. Together, they teach us t...
07/09/2026

“Art gives us a new way of seeing the world; culture reminds us why every perspective matters. Together, they teach us to look beyond ourselves and appreciate the stories we have yet to understand.”

Selamat Hari Kebangsaan, Malaysia! 🇲🇾Today, we celebrate the beautiful diversity that makes Malaysia home — our many peo...
31/08/2026

Selamat Hari Kebangsaan, Malaysia! 🇲🇾

Today, we celebrate the beautiful diversity that makes Malaysia home — our many peoples, cultures, languages, traditions and stories.

May our love for this country be reflected not only in our celebrations, but also in how we respect one another, protect our heritage, and ensure that every community has a place in Malaysia’s story.

A Malaysia that truly belongs to everyone is a Malaysia worth building together.

ACOUSTIC SHOWCASE: AMRY BUSKERSSpend your Saturday evening with Amry Buskers as he brings acoustic sounds and laid-back ...
25/08/2026

ACOUSTIC SHOWCASE: AMRY BUSKERS

Spend your Saturday evening with Amry Buskers as he brings acoustic sounds and laid-back vibes to alter/space Gallery & Studio, Miri.

Come by, unwind, and enjoy an intimate live acoustic performance in a relaxed gallery setting. Whether you’re looking for a slow evening, good music, or simply a place to hang out, everyone is welcome.

29 August 2026 (Saturday)
6.00 PM – 8.00 PM
alter/space Gallery & Studio, Miri
Free entry

Bring your friends and join us for an evening of live music, good company and easy-going vibes.

ART WORKSHOP: YAYOI KUSAMA ARTCalling all little artists, big artists, and everyone in between.In celebration of Merdeka...
25/08/2026

ART WORKSHOP: YAYOI KUSAMA ART

Calling all little artists, big artists, and everyone in between.

In celebration of Merdeka, join us for a fun and creative art workshop inspired by the iconic works of Yayoi Kusama. Using the colours of Malaysia, participants will explore patterns, colours and creativity while creating their own Kusama-inspired artwork.

This workshop is open to everyone — from kids to adults. Come with your family and friends, or simply come on your own and enjoy a morning of making art.

29 August 2026 (Saturday)
9.00 AM – 12.00 PM
alter/space Gallery & Studio, Miri
Free entry
Materials provided

Limited spots available. Registration is required, so scan the QR code to secure your place.

Let’s celebrate Merdeka through art, colour and creativity.

“This week, let’s choose to listen before we speak, learn before we assume, and work together to ensure Indigenous cultu...
24/08/2026

“This week, let’s choose to listen before we speak, learn before we assume, and work together to ensure Indigenous cultures are represented with truth and respect.”

Fair representation is something we can all help build—together.

✨ What Visibility MissesOur co-founder, Juvita Tatan Wan, recently took the stage at TEDxBukitBintang to challenge how w...
17/08/2026

✨ What Visibility Misses

Our co-founder, Juvita Tatan Wan, recently took the stage at TEDxBukitBintang to challenge how we view indigenous culture.

The theme was "ALL OF US: The Future Needs A Room," and Juvita’s message was clear: cultural visibility on a stage or in a marketing campaign is not enough if the communities behind them are still left in the dark.

True preservation goes beyond token representation. It requires:

🎨 Shifting from "hire-and-perform" tokenism to deep, long-term partnerships.
💼 Creating sustainable career pathways for cultural practitioners.
🤝 Treating indigenous heritage as living knowledge and creative labor—not static entertainment.

At Tuyang, we don't just want a seat at the table or a moment in the spotlight. We want systemic equity, fair compensation, and the power to co-create our own narratives.

Thank you to TEDxBukit Bintang for providing the room for this vital conversation. Let’s make sure the future includes all of us.

🗣️ Community check-in: How can industries better move from "using" culture to genuinely "investing" in the people who keep it alive? Let us know below! ↓

Address

Miri

Opening Hours

Monday 10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday 10:00 - 17:00
Friday 10:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+6085321511

Website

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