Local artisans celebrate Borneo’s rich cultural heritage

Local artisans celebrate Borneo’s rich cultural heritage

The Artisans Haven gathers 17 artisans from Sarawak and Sabah to showcase their products in the ‘Malaysian Artisans Celebrate Borneo’ event.

(L-R) Founder of Puhus Pepper, Zita Bolingkong; Founder of OLFAC3, Aien Mokhtar; a Penan native weaving handcrafts from Helping Hands Penan.
PETALING JAYA:
This June, The Artisans Haven has gathered 17 artisans from Sarawak and Sabah, as well as those inspired by the beauty of Borneo at its latest artisans’ fair to showcase products that reflect East Malaysian culture and heritage.

The month-long event, called ‘Malaysian Artisans Celebrate Borneo’, is being held at The Intermark Mall KL, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Borneo’s unique handicrafts.

“Borneo flora and fauna are diverse and an inspiration to many artisans. Olfac3 has a fragrance called Borneo and DonningDonna scarfs depict the blooms of Borneo. Many of its delights are hidden gems and we are proud to share Borneo’s unique offerings with locals and visitors at this Borneo Fair,” said Jade Lee, Co-Founder of The Artisans Haven.

Being the third-largest island in the world and the largest in Asia, Borneo is not only known for its beaches and ancient, bio-diverse rainforest but is also home to wildlife including orangutans and clouded leopards.

Hailing from different parts of Borneo, the artisans participating in the event aim to share products that are from and/or inspired by this island.

Featuring bespoke perfume and one-of-a-kind resin artwork to Penan bags and stainless steel tiffins embellished with decoupage, the businesses at the bazaar include Jadi Batek, Olfac3, The Asli Co, Idang Bulan, Puhus Pepper Plantation, Pouring My Art Out, Raben Beads, Mosongon, The Orkids, Sanyi Orchids, DonningDonna, Ment Eyna, Caropaya, Helping Hands Penan, Gocheeks, Tiffin Made With Luv, and Binasinar Summer.

Lee said her many years as a banker had taught her the importance and power of product awareness and distribution channels as these were crucial for aspiring businesses.

“Our collective goal at The Artisans Haven is to help these MSMEs improve their distribution capabilities so that they become sustainable,” she said, adding that only with sustainable enterprises could they improve their household incomes and contribute to their community and the nation, in line with the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030.

A virtual marketplace that showcases the local artisanal scene and their authentic handicrafts, The Artisans Haven is a platform that supports artisans by equipping them with sufficient digital resources and abilities, greater networking capabilities, and exposure to allow their businesses to thrive and remain competitive.

Staying true to its name, the brand supports local artisans and allows them to grow steadily so they can achieve sustainable, long-term growth.

Find out more about The Artisans Haven from their website and on their virtual marketplace.

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