{"id":14813,"date":"2026-05-24T04:17:28","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T20:17:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/?p=14813"},"modified":"2026-05-24T04:24:54","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T20:24:54","slug":"pepsi-celebrates-happy-gawai-kaamatan-through-pepsi-fm-across-sabah-and-sarawak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/?p=14813","title":{"rendered":"Pepsi Celebrates \u201cHappy Gawai Kaamatan\u201d Through PEPSI FM Across Sabah and Sarawak"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Building on its Harvest celebrations across East Malaysia, Pepsi brings together music, storytelling, radio and community experiences through PEPSI FM \u2014 a unified cultural platform celebrating the shared spirit of Kaamatan and Gawai.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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KUALA LUMPUR, 22nd May 2026<\/strong> \u2013  This Harvest season, Pepsi Malaysia<\/strong> brings Kaamatan<\/strong> and Gawai<\/strong> to life through PEPSI FM,<\/strong> a first ever unified broadcast experience across four<\/strong> Borneo radio stations<\/strong> connecting listeners in Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. Presented by Etika, ERA Sabah & ERA Sarawak<\/strong>,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cats FM<\/strong> and Kupi-Kupi FM<\/strong>, listeners across Sabah and Sarawa<\/strong>k tuned into PEPSI FM <\/strong>for a shared festive broadcast under the theme \u201cDari Frekuensi ke Hati, Happy Gawai Kaamatan\u201d (From Frequency to your Hearts).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For one day, participating Sabah and Sarawak radio stations came together as PEPSI FM <\/strong>\u2014 a shared festive broadcast where DJs, stories, music and conversations flowed across regions as one collective celebration. Through multilingual segments, cultural storytelling and local perspectives, the broadcast highlighted the richness and diversity of East Malaysian identities while connecting listeners through a shared Harvest spirit. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Announcers recording their first session in the Harvest Decorated Studio for Gawai Kaamatan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The experience brought together beloved local hits, East Malaysian favourites and traditional-inspired Kaamatan and Gawai songs, alongside heartfelt dedications, cultural conversations and community shoutouts that captured the spirit of the Harvest season in one continuous celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The marathon broadcast celebrated the cultural richness of Sabah<\/strong> and Sarawak<\/strong> through specially curated segments that explored the symbolism behind traditional harvest attire. Listeners were given insight into the identity and heritage embedded within Kaamatan<\/strong> and Gawai traditions<\/strong>, alongside key cultural touchpoints such as Unduk Ngadau and Kumang Gawai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A series of live interviews added depth to the broadcast, featuring cultural artist<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alena Murang<\/strong>, who shared her work in preserving Bornean heritage through music in endangered Kenyah and Kelabit languages<\/strong>, as well as her efforts to bring indigenous culture to international stages. Pepsi anthem stars Mary Grace , Rezza Shah, Ramless Walter and Dabra Sia<\/strong> also joined the programme, offering behind-the-scenes perspectives on the making of Pepsi\u2019s festive anthem and its accompanying music video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Across participating stations, the broadcast came alive through listener contributions and shared storytelling, as audiences reflected on hometown memories and personal harvest celebrations. Interwoven with language segments spotlighting Sabahan and Sarawakian dialects, the programming created a unified on-air experience that connected communities across East Malaysia through culture, music and shared heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cAt Pepsi, we are proud to celebrate the richness of East Malaysia\u2019s cultural heritage,\u201d said Amy Gan, Vice President of Marketing at Etika Sdn Bhd.<\/strong> \u201cThe Pepsi Harvest celebrations have become more than just a festive campaign \u2014 they are a platform to celebrate identity, connection and the stories that make Sabah and Sarawak so unique.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She added, \u201dThis year, we introduced PEPSI FM<\/strong>, an initiative that brings together radio stations across Sabah and Sarawak to share music, conversations and cultural stories simultaneously, allowing more Malaysians to experience the spirit of Kaamatan and Gawai in a contemporary and accessible way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are also continuing our annual limited-edition Harvest Festival cans, available exclusively in Malaysia during the festive season. What makes them especially meaningful is that the designs are created by East Malaysians, for East Malaysians, because we believe the people closest to the culture understand it best,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding to this collaboration, Priya Dharshini, Director of Astro Audio <\/strong>said:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis marks the first time ERA Sabah & ERA Sarawak collaborated with Cats FM and Kupi-Kupi FM in celebrating the Gawai Dayak and Kaamatan Festival celebrations, and it is truly a proud opportunity for us. Prior to this, we had also collaborated with other radio stations, which paved the way for even more bigger partnerships in the future. Beyond bringing together four radio stations on one special platform, this initiative also creates an opportunity to strengthen the bond between the announcers and listeners, especially the communities in Borneo.\u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe would also like to express our highest appreciation to Pepsi as the main sponsor for making this special collaboration possible. Pepsi\u2019s support has played a major role in the success of PEPSI FM, especially as a brand that is so closely connected to the people and often chosen to be celebrated together with family and guests during festive seasons such as Gawai Dayak and the Kaamatan Festival. We hope PEPSI FM will continue as a platform that unites communities and celebrates Bornean culture in the future,\u201d she added<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch<\/a> <\/a>\u201cDua<\/a> <\/a>Budaya<\/a> <\/a>Satu<\/a> <\/a>Nadi\u201d<\/a> <\/a>now!<\/a> <\/a> <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Complementing the airwaves, Pepsi launched a 3-episode short-form mini-drama series titled “<\/a>Dua<\/a> <\/a>Budaya,<\/a> <\/a>Satu<\/a> <\/a>Nad<\/a>i” (Two Cultures, One Pulse). Premiering on TV Sabah\u2019s official digital platforms from 14 May 2026 onwards, the series follows the journey of Sunduan from Sabah and Dayu from Sarawak, whose paths cross during Kaamatan, sparking a journey shaped by culture, tradition and shared experiences across distance and time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The story explores how two different cultural identities can come together through connection, understanding and shared celebration, reflecting the wider spirit of the Harvest season. The series brings Harvest traditions into a modern storytelling format while staying rooted in the values and heritage of Kaamatan and Gawai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To further commemorate the season, Pepsi has unveiled its limited-edition<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Harvest Festival can, co-created with local artists Mohamad Faizullah Ermi bin<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Herman<\/strong> and Shirly Wong<\/strong>, alongside cultural storytellers Charles Mawan<\/strong> and Daphne Siaw<\/strong>. Inspired by traditional Dayak<\/strong> and Murut motifs<\/strong>, the design transforms a familiar can into a cultural keepsake that reflects unity, heritage and the spirit of \u201chome\u201d across Borneo<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe wanted to create something that represents our home and shows how our cultures can come together as one,\u201d shared Shirly Wong<\/strong>. Reimagined with a contemporary touch, the can transforms a familiar beverage into a cultural keepsake\u2014reflecting the spirit of \u201chome\u201d and celebrating East Malaysia\u2019s traditions on a wider stage. These limited edition 2026 Pepsi Harvest cans are now available in local supermarkets & convenient stores in Sabah & Sarawak. As well as nationwide via <\/a>Etika<\/a> <\/a>online<\/a> <\/a>stores<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s celebration also extends into the brand\u2019s PR kits<\/strong>, which were specially handcrafted in collaboration with local communities <\/strong>from Sabah and Sarawak. In Sabah, Pepsi partnered with Propok View Handicraft<\/strong>, while in Sarawak, artisans from the Betong longhouse community<\/strong> contributed traditional handcrafted elements inspired by local cultural heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are deeply thankful to Pepsi for entrusting artisans from Betong with this year\u2019s PR kits. Opportunities like this empower local communities, celebrate Sarawak\u2019s cultural traditions, and give our handcraft makers a platform to share their skills with a wider audience. We hope to see more collaborations that champion local heritage and craftsmanship.\u201d Datin Rosemarie Wong-Jabu, President, Sarawak Heritage Society.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carrying the celebration from airwaves and screens into physical spaces, Pepsi continues its celebration of East Malaysia\u2019s cultural heritage through a series of on-ground Harvest activations across the country. Throughout the season, the brand will be present at key community celebrations with interactive booths and limited-edition merchandise, including Limited Edition Pepsi Harvest Canvas Bags, Harvest non-woven bags, Pepsi Hand Fans<\/strong> and the Pepsi Zero Sugar LTO cans. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beginning in Sabah for the Jelajah Kaamatan Roadshow<\/strong>, the festivities continue to travel across Papar, Lahad Datu, Sandakan, Pitas and Tambunan, culminating in the state-level finale at KDCA Penampang on 30\u201331 May<\/strong>. In Peninsular Malaysia, the festivities continue with the Borneo Native Festival<\/strong> at Central Market, Kuala Lumpur<\/strong>, from 22\u201324 May<\/strong>. Finally, the journey moves to Sarawak with Gawai celebrations in Kampung Ta\u2019ee on 1 June<\/strong>, followed by festivities in Betong and Kuching throughout the month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In collaboration with The Chicken Rice Shop, Domino’s Pizza, Uncle Bob, and Jollibee, customers will be eligible to obtain free limited Edition Pepsi merch with any purchase of a participating set meal accompanied by a Pepsi drink. This exclusive promotional offer is available at participating outlets nationwide for a limited time throughout the harvest festive period, serving as a special thank-you to consumers while stocks last. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Members of the public are invited to attend the listed activations throughout the campaign period across Malaysia.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Building on its Harvest celebrations across East Malaysia, Pepsi brings together music, storytelling, radio and community experiences through PEPSI FM \u2014 a unified cultural platform celebrating the shared spirit of Kaamatan and Gawai. KUALA LUMPUR, 22nd May 2026 \u2013  This Harvest season, Pepsi Malaysia brings Kaamatan and Gawai to life through PEPSI FM, a first […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14814,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,4551,4549],"tags":[4550,64],"class_list":["post-14813","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-art-culture","category-gawai-kaamayan","category-pepsi","tag-happy-gawai-kaamatan","tag-pepsi"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-39.jpeg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14813","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14813"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14813\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14825,"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14813\/revisions\/14825"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14814"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14813"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14813"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14813"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}