For Des Marcus, Malaysia Day is about bringing communities together

For Sarawakian singer Des Marcus, making a difference does not necessarily require money or grand gestures. Sometimes, simply offering your time and being present can matter just as much.

As the country celebrates Malaysia Day, the 36-year-old Bidayuh from Serian, Sarawak, believes that spirit of looking out for one another is an important part of what brings Malaysians together.

“I know what it feels like to go through difficult times and to have limited resources,” Des told FMT Lifestyle. “So, as I became more stable and capable of giving back, I felt that it was the right time for me to do something meaningful for others and for the community.”

He has put that belief into practice through two very different projects this year.

Born Desmond Anak Markus, Des is a corporate communication manager who also performs as a singer, model and host. Known for songs such as “Cinta Aku”, he was also first runner-up in Mr Native Borneo 2025.

The youngest of four siblings, he grew up in a family where finances were often tight. His mother worked in a factory, while his father was a lorry driver who passed away while Des was studying at university.

Those experiences have stayed with him and continue to shape the way he sees people facing hardship.

His first initiative took place during Chinese New Year this year, when he helped organise an inclusive festive gathering for members of the visually impaired community.

The event was carried out with the support of an events company and the Mr & Miss Native Borneo organisation, with Des serving as organising chairman.

He said spending time with members of the visually impaired community reminded him that people experience life in different ways. It also broadened his understanding of what it means to support others.

“It’s not always about providing something material; sometimes being present, listening, spending time together and making someone feel included can be just as meaningful,” he said.

A few months later, he organised a beach-cleaning programme at Kampung Santubong with Sarawak Skills, focusing on environmental responsibility and encouraging people to care for the places around them.

Working alongside volunteers showed him the value of collective action and how seemingly small individual efforts can add up.

“Individually, picking up one piece of rubbish may seem like a very small action, but when many people do it together, the impact becomes visible,” he said.

Although one project focused on people and the other on the environment, Des sees both as rooted in the same values.

“For me, giving back is about sharing love, care and positive energy. I may have started with small initiatives, but I hope they can grow into something bigger.”

His outlook, he believes, is partly rooted in his Bidayuh upbringing. Growing up, Des was surrounded by values such as togetherness, cooperation and respect – lessons he now tries to carry beyond his own community.

He also hopes Malaysians will become more curious about the Bidayuh and discover the richness of their culture, language and traditions.

Music, he believes, is one of the most powerful and enjoyable ways to introduce that culture to a wider audience, and he hopes to do so through his upcoming projects.

This Malaysia Day, Des hopes more people will recognise that, despite differences in culture, background and experience, everyone has a part to play in building a stronger society.

“The beauty of Malaysia is that we do not all have to be the same in order to stand together. Our diversity is our identity, and our unity is our strength.

“At the end of the day, despite our differences, we all share the same home.”

Follow Des Marcus on Instagram.

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