Miri Craft Festival 2025 showcases Sarawak’s heritage on global stage

MIRI (Dec 10): The Miri Craft Festival 2025 opened today with a strong call to elevate Sarawak’s craft heritage to global prominence, as the state continues to position creativity, culture and artisan skills as key components of its growing creative economy.

State Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the festival serves as an important platform to strengthen Sarawak’s craft industry while nurturing pride in the state’s cultural legacy.

“Sarawak is rich with traditional arts and crafts passed down through generations.

“From rattan and bemban weaving to keringkam, beads and pua kumbu, each piece reflects our unique identity.

“Alongside these traditions, we are also seeing a vibrant rise in contemporary craft, ethnic-inspired fashion, digital arts and modern creative products.

“This blend of heritage and innovation makes Sarawak’s creative landscape truly distinctive,” he said in a speech delivered by his deputy minister Dato Sebastian Ting.

Jointly organised by the Sarawak Craft Council and The Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Sarawak Malaysia (Forum), the festival is held at the Forum Cultural Centre from Dec 10 to 14.

It features craft exhibitions, artisan showcases, creative entrepreneur booths and cultural activities highlighting Sarawak’s diverse artistic traditions.

Abdul Karim emphasised that events like the Miri Craft Festival align with the state government’s aspirations to develop the creative industry into a competitive and sustainable economic sector.

“This festival provides opportunities for artisans and creative entrepreneurs to share ideas, expand their market and build stronger networks.

“We hope it will widen the reach of Sarawak craft products not only domestically, but also internationally,” he added.

Abdul Karim said Miri’s strategic location near Brunei Darussalam presents strong potential for attracting cross-border visitors, buyers and craft enthusiasts, further boosting the industry.

In his address, Abdul Karim also expressed his appreciation to local artisans, noting that every handcrafted work carries stories and identity that connect communities across Sarawak.

“Each creation is not just a product, but the soul and heritage of our people,” he said.

Abdul Karim also congratulated the organisers, participants and organising partners for their dedication in bringing colour and vibrancy to the festival, expressing hope that it would continue to grow as a signature annual event for the northern region.

The five-day festival draws strong participation from local artisans, creative entrepreneurs, cultural associations and visitors.

Also present at the opening ceremony were Miri Resident Galong Luang and Sarawak Craft Council (SCC) manager Suriya Charles Buas.