The Tuyang Initiative
The Tuyang Initiative is a cultural & creative agency based in Miri, Sarawak (Borneo – Malaysia) dedicated to championing the empowerment of Borneo’s Indigenous cultural custodians by integrating them meaningfully into the Creative and Cultural Industries.
Through innovation, strategic partnerships, capacity-building, and on-the-job experiences, the initiative helps Indigenous communities lead their own cultural continuity efforts—while building sustainable livelihoods rooted in identity and tradition.
The Tuyang Initiative worked with festivals, global institutions, and brands — always keeping community voices and needs front and centre.
From master sape’ players on international stages, to elders sharing ancient stories through digital media, to young artisans reimagining traditional crafts — every project honours respectful, reciprocal partnerships.
The 3 Pillars
The Tuyang Initiative is built on 3 interconnected pillars: Cultural Content, Creative Development, and Community Empowerment. The organisation co-creates live performances, exhibitions, residencies, digital media, and storytelling, always with deep respect for cultural protocols and in close collaboration with artists. Through training, mentorship, business skills, and opportunities for both local and international collaboration, The Tuyang Initiative supports the growth of Indigenous creatives.
Central to its mission is the advocacy for Indigenous leadership, fair benefit-sharing, and policies that prioritise community needs—while nurturing intergenerational learning to keep cultural legacies alive and evolving.
