Sleepover in the City

Wilderness and camping enthusiasts united for a unique experience at the inaugural Youth Urban Glamping Festival in Kuching, Sarawak. Held at the rooftop of the Aeon Mall Kuching Central in Jalan Datuk Patinggi Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, festival-goers were able to pitch their tents overnight as well as enjoy the variety of activities over the two-day event which included an outdoor camping and gears exhibition, skateboard performances by the Black Brigade Skateboard Academy, a Best Tent contest, and a K9 Unit demonstration. Visitors also had the chance to participate in a coffee chat dialogue with Sarawak’s Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development, YB Dr. Ripin Lamat. Glamping is a portmanteau of ‘glamourous camping’ and the term was coined to describe more extravagant camping experiences and accommodations. The event attracted campers across Kuching, and as far as Sarikei, Sibu and Miri, with over hundreds of people attending the event.

•• www.borneoglamping.com

Youthful energy was on Sarawakian Muhammad Johan ‘Jojo’ Ghazali Zulfikar’s side as the 16-year-old Muay Thai fighter not only made his One Championship debut in Bangkok, Thailand, earlier this year, but won by unconditional knockout approximately 16 seconds into the match. Competing in the flyweight category, Johan defeated his opponent (18-year-old Thai national Padetsuk Fairtex) with a strong combination of punches that stunned the crowd and himself, as the referee declared Johan victorious. “Right after I realised I’d won, the feeling of euphoria came to me. It was amazing. I felt like all my sacrifices and hard work had paid off and I was able to make my supporters and family proud,” he said. Johan trained extensively with his dedicated coach Addy Singpayak eight hours a day for a month and half, to be ready and feels like his journey has just begun – with his sights on the One Championship belt. Johan, who represents the Rentap Muay Thai gym in Kuching, Sarawak, added that he’s “extra motivated” by his family who are currently or have been Muay Thai fighters. “They know what I'm going through during training and during a fight so they are always ready to help. I feel very grateful for the opportunities I've been given and want to continue to prove that Malaysians and Borneans can keep up with other world class athletes as well.”

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IG: @onechampionship @johanghazali