About Us
Objective
The Sabah Indigenous Society of Western Australia (SISWA) is a not-for-profit association aiming to preserve and share the knowledge, culture, language, and traditions of the native people of North Borneo while contributing respectfully to Western Australia’s diverse multicultural society.
Our Story
SISWA is a not-for-profit, entirely volunteer-run organisation based in Perth, Western Australia, led by Indigenous peoples of North Borneo. Founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, SISWA began when a small group of friends came together to recreate Kaamatan (the North Bornean Harvest Festival) in Perth amid a time of global isolation, unintentionally sparking a much larger cultural movement. Since then, SISWA has grown into a 20-member-strong organisation serving a community of hundreds.
The photo shows SISWA’s founding members (from left): Tiara Ayub (Kaamatan Perth 2021 Emcee), Henry Chin (Founding Treasurer II & Sponsorship), Mortigou Labunda (Founding Vice President), Milly Ingate (Founding Treasurer), Pritti Nadia (Founding Secretary), Rohana Ramlee (Founding President).
Our Mission
Moving overseas can feel isolating. SISWA exists to ensure that Sabahans in WA have a supportive community that celebrates identity, culture, and shared experiences. We organise North Borneon cultural workshops, community gatherings, and flagship events such as Kaamatan to continue to build bridges between generations and across cultures.
Our mission is to provide a space where members can connect, learn, and grow together, with a long-term vision or establishing a strong, connected community where Sabah Indigenous culture, language, and identity are proudly preserved and passed on to future generations in WA.
Committee Members 2025-2026
President - Edwinna Otigil
Advisor/Immediate Past President - Mortigou Labunda
Vice President - Acey Yong
Secretary - Rohana Ramlee
Treasurer - Aliska Johnny
Other Members - Henry Chin, Lydia Chua, Zulizrul Zulkifli, Rosni Manda, Adryana Lau, Molly Saneu, Andreva Phillip, Lerrey S J, Tiara Ayub, Richard Yong, Tracy Sin, Shafee Robert, Hett McCluskey, Florrie Kayn, Mary Mazen
Sabah is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and the warmth of its people. In bringing our traditions to Australia, we honour where we come from and share that beauty with the wider community — as a meaningful way of giving back while staying connected to our roots.