By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 14: The World Eco-Fiber and Textile (WEFT) Forum 2025, which welcomed delegates from 20 countries in a modest yet vibrant gathering this year, will be elevated into a much grander international showcase in future editions.
Giving this assurance, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said efforts will be strengthened to ensure better coordination and communication, enabling Sarawak to host a larger, more spectacular celebration of global eco-fiber and textile heritage in the years ahead.
“We look forward to better coordination and communication to bring a larger event and extend a grand welcome for attendees. We will not take the shine out of you, and the ministry is there to back you,” he said when officiating the forum at Dewan Sri Mahligai today.
He commended Society Atelier Sarawak for its unwavering commitment to promoting Sarawak crafts internationally, calling it “remarkable” that the organisation has sustained the WEFT Forum for 24 years, making it one of the State’s oldest home-grown cultural events.
Abdul Karim highlighted the positive impact following the passing of the Sarawak Craft Council Ordinance last year, noting renewed interest and revival across various craft traditions.
These include Penan basketry collaborations with agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the resurgence and innovative weaving of Malay kain songket and keringkam, and the growing popularity of Orang Ulu beadwork as a contemporary fashion statement.
He also applauded Society Atelier Sarawak’s newly inked memorandum of understanding with the Wickerwork Association of Linshu, China, describing it as an important step towards deeper international collaboration in fiber craft knowledge, design exchange, and market linkages.
“I am happy to note the participation of the ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA) and the Asia-Pacific Craft Alliance (APCA) at WEFT 2025. I am sure that there will be more joint ventures and collaborations resulting from this forum,” he said, reaffirming the ministry’s readiness to support the sector’s diverse initiatives.
Quoting AHPADA’s slogan “The Future is Hand-Made”, Abdul Karim emphasised the importance of creativity and innovation in preserving and elevating Sarawak’s artistic heritage.
He celebrated the achievements of local artisans, noting that many Sarawak crafts have earned the UNESCO-AHPADA Seal of Excellence since 2001 and that master craftsmen such as Bangie Embol, Mathew Ngau Jau, and Michael Lim have been honoured as Asian Craft Masters.
He revealed that Sarawak crafts were showcased at the prestigious Revelations Biennale in Paris earlier this year, and expressed hope for an invitation to Revelations Shanghai next year.
He also announced plans to build a multi-storey Sarawak Crafts Centre in central Kuching, targeted for completion within two years.
“Hopefully, in two years’ time, we can welcome you to the 13th WEFT Biennial in this new building,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng and Society Atelier Sarawak president Melinda Omar were among the distinguished guests present.
This year’s 12th Biennial WEFT Forum, themed “Textiles and Natural Fibres,” runs from Nov 14 to 16 and is co-organised by the Sarawak Craft Council and Society Atelier Sarawak.
The event brings together scholars, designers, artisans, and industry professionals from 20 countries including Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Myanmar, India, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, the United States, Canada, China, Thailand, Taiwan, Laos, Britain, Spain, France, Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia.
The programme features a curated lineup of forums, workshops, exhibitions, and immersive cultural experiences.
A major highlight will be the Gala Dinner and International Fashion Show on Sunday, showcasing handwoven and handcrafted fashion creations by 12 international designers, including Myra Widiono (Indonesia), Maheen Khan (Bangladesh), Kashmir Lom (India), Yntyish Yntymak (Kyrgyzstan), Phaengmai Gallery’s Kongthong (Laos), NARDA’S (Philippines), Yuan Guo Xiang (China), Rahul Vinayak Salvi (India), Pua Borneo (Malaysia), Melinda Omar (Malaysia), and Edric Ong (Malaysia). — DayakDaily
