By Amanda L
KUCHING, Dec 7: Tengku Ampuan of Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah today launched the Traditional Textile Exhibition in conjunction with Borneo International Textile Festival (BITF) 2025 at the Borneo Cultures Museum here, where Yayasan Tenun Pahang Diraja was featured as one of the main exhibitors.
The foundation, which she chairs, highlighted its work to expand Tenun Pahang Diraja and support the livelihoods of weavers.
She was accompanied by her daughter, Tengku Puteri Jihan Azizah ‘Athiyatullah, during the event.
Following the launch, the royal guests toured the exhibition, engaging with artisans, designers and cultural organisations from across the region.
One of the contemporary highlights was Cityscape of the Future by Jihan Abdullah, which fuses Malay architectural elements with unconventional materials such as monofilament, metal wire and fishing line to create experimental woven structures.
Representing Sarawak, the Persatuan Perintis Inovasi Songket dan Keringkam Kuching, established in 2024 to elevate songket and keringkam craftsmanship, participated alongside the Tun Jugah Foundation, which displayed pua kumbu, pua sungkit and other Iban textiles, continuing its mission since 1985 to sustain traditional weaving practices.
Other exhibitors included Kraftangan Malaysia, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Sarawak, Sarawak Craft Council, Tanoti House and Society Atelier Sarawak, each presenting works that promote textile traditions and preserve cultural heritage.
Also present were Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and wife Datin Seri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar, and Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) chief executive officer Syeed Mohd Hussien Wan Abdul Rahman. — DayakDaily
