By Amanda L
KUCHING, Nov 16: Sarawak showcased its leadership in sustainable fashion and cultural craftsmanship at the 12th Biennial World Eco-Fibre Textile (WEFT) Forum 2025, which concluded with a gala dinner and international fashion show featuring hand-woven and hand-crafted creations from 12 renowned designers.
Melinda Omar, president of Society Atelier Sarawak, said the forum highlighted Sarawak’s ongoing contribution to arts and crafts while promoting cultural exchange on a global stage.
“WEFT Forum 2025 demonstrates how Sarawak continues to inspire the world through arts and crafts while promoting sustainability and cultural collaboration,” she said during her opening remarks at the gala dinner held at a hotel here on Sunday (Nov 16).
The fashion show featured internationally acclaimed designers, including Myra Widiono (Indonesia), Maheen Khan (Bangladesh), Kashmir Loom (India), Yntyish Yntymak (Kyrgyzstan), Kongthong of Phaencmat Gallery (Laos), Narda’s (Philippines), Yuan Guo Xiang (China), Rahul Vinayak Salvi (India), FTCDC (Thailand), Pua Borneo by J Zaini (Malaysia), Melinda Omar (Malaysia), and Edric Ong (Malaysia).
Their collections blended traditional natural fibres with contemporary designs, offering a showcase of global eco-fibre innovation.
“These designers bring unique perspectives and techniques, blending traditional natural fibres with modern design, which reinforces Sarawak as a hub for eco-fibre innovation,” she added.
This year also marked the 40th anniversary of Society Atelier Sarawak, founded in 1985 to preserve and expand knowledge of Sarawak’s traditional arts, promote cross-cultural exchanges, and support research into the history and evolution of the State’s crafts.
Over the decades, the society has built strong international ties with UNESCO, the ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association, the Asia-Pacific Craft Alliance, museums, galleries, and foreign embassies.
Following the gala, 20 delegates embarked on a post-forum tour to Rumah Gare Longhouse and Sungai Kain in Ulu Kapit, where they witnessed Iban pua kumbu ikat textile weaving and the traditional ‘ngar’ or ‘medanting’ ceremony, a testament to Sarawak’s living heritage.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan and his wife Datin Melinda Claudia Bucking Lawan; CEO of Sarawak Craft Council Suriya Charles Boas and his wife Jenny Charles; past Executive Committee Member of Society Atelier Sarawak Heriah Abdul Karim; Chairperson of the ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association Surapee Rojanavongse; and Deputy Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Craft Alliance and Advisor to Society Atelier Sarawak Edric Ong. — DayakDaily
