By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 19: Revered master craftsman (Adiguru Kraf) in weaving and a Sarawak living legend 92-year-old Ngot Bi, was among the Sarawakian artisans who excelled at the Hasanah Gold Threads Awards (HGTA) 2024 in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 5.
Sarawakian artisans clinched 14 out of 21 award categories at the prestigious event.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah highlighted Ngot’s achievements, noting that she received the Hasanah Gold Award (Lifetime Achievement Award) for her exceptional craftsmanship in plaiting.
“She was also a double award winner of the HGTA 23/24 for her exquisite plaiting, alongside a win under the Plaiting Traditional category,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech in the august House today.
Other Sarawakians artisans who shine include Helen Manjan Atong, 66, and Nor Haimah Mohammad, 22, who won the Sustainability Gold Award and Youth Achievement Award respectively; while Dr June Ngo, Ong Wan Fen, and Syamimi Razali secured the Supplementary Weft Traditional Award with Ong and Syamimi also receiving the Supplementary Weft Special Mention Award.
Ejah Jepon won the Ikat Traditional Award, while Micheal Lim Tiang Aik took home the Drawing and Stamping Innovative Award.
Adiguru Kraf Salbiah Muhi claimed the Embroidery and Embellishment Traditional Award, with Danny Mohamad Zulkifli winning the Embroidery and Embellishment Innovative Award.
The Ranee x Biro Wanita Kerapa Spak and The Ranee x Biro Wanita Rian Batang were recognised with the Plaiting Innovative and Plaiting Special Mention awards respectively.
In the beadwork category, Juliana Embrose was named Best Beadwork Traditional winner, and Ina Sendar took the Beadwork Special Mention Award.
In addition, Bangie Embol, renowned for her pua kumbu weaving, was honoured with the 2024 National Crafts Figure Award (Pua Weaving) and the Anugerah Karyawan Seni (Seni Kraf) during an event on Nov 14, 2024.
Abdul Karim emphasised that the Sarawak Craft Council (SCC) will organise the Borneocraft Global (BCG) Expo and Conference 2024 at Kuching Waterfront Square from Nov 27 to Dec 1, 2024.
“With its tagline ‘Globalising Local’, the expo aims to bridge the gap between local crafts and global markets, empowering artisans, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable development in the craft sector,” he said.
The event will feature 200 local and international crafts artisans, showcasing their unique creations to the public. Some 300 participants will also be attending educational workshops, seminars, and training sessions by global speakers at the Hilton Hotel on Nov 29. — DayakDaily
