Who we are

At The Tuyang Initiative, we believe that Indigenous peoples are the custodians of some of the world’s richest, most diverse cultural treasures — and that these treasures deserve not just to be preserved, but to be celebrated, shared, and to flourish in contemporary society.

Founded in Sarawak, Borneo, Tuyang — which means ‘friend’ or ‘companion’ in the Kenyah language — is a cultural agency rooted in genuine partnership with Indigenous master weavers, musicians, storytellers, performers, and communities across the region. We were born from a simple yet urgent realisation: that while the world has an appetite for Indigenous stories, products, and performances, our Indigenous communities often lack the access, support, and fair opportunities to tell these stories on their own terms.

Our mission is to create meaningful, sustainable pathways for Indigenous cultural practitioners to share their art, knowledge, and heritage with the world — while ensuring that they benefit equitably and maintain ownership over their narratives. We do this by working directly with cultural custodians, bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern platforms, and nurturing a creative ecosystem where Indigenous talent is respected, celebrated, and fairly rewarded.

Our work spans three key pillars: Cultural Content, Creative Development, and Community Empowerment.