The university supports the local arts scene through a rich programme of public performances. This includes more than 30 performances per year, featuring its choirs, theatre troupes, orchestras, and other creative ensembles as part of an ongoing, structured arts programme. UNIMAS, through its cultural body Badan Budaya UNIMAS (BAYU), makes a significant contribution to the local arts and heritage scene by showcasing traditional and contemporary Sarawakian culture. BAYU is active in a wide variety of performing arts including dance, gamelan, choir, nasyid, theatre, and more and has won recognition at national and international levels (e.g., Festival de Confolens in France). Its achievements include winning top awards such as the Gong Kencana MAKUM for overall cultural excellence. Through BAYU, UNIMAS not only preserves and promotes Sarawak’s diverse cultural traditions but also provides students with opportunities to develop skills in leadership, teamwork, and cultural entrepreneurship.

The Department of National Culture and Arts under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), organized the first installment of the 2024 Cultural Arts Icon Talk Series titled “Digital Art Revolution” on 25 June 2024 at the Experimental Theatre, Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts (FACA) UNIMAS. The talk-show style program highlighted the achievements, experiences, insights, and expertise of prominent industry figures, offering students and the public valuable opportunities to engage directly with these icons. The invited panelists—technology entrepreneur and educator Ts. Adil Hidayat Rosli, veteran Malaysian actor and director Dato’ Ahmad Tamimi Siregar, and young singer-influencer Tuah Adzmi—inspired participants with their stories of challenges, dedication, and success in advancing national arts and culture in the digital age. The event received highly positive feedback and strengthened cultural collaboration between JKKN and UNIMAS, with hopes for continued partnership in the future.