S’wakian ‘pua kumbu’ weaver, batik artist honoured as Asia Pacific Craft Masters by council

Bangie (third right) and Lim (third left) with their certificates and awards pose with Wee (second left), Murtazaev (left), Ong (second right), and Melinda (right) at the Atelier-AHPADA Forum 2023 at the Old Court House Complex in Kuching on Dec 1, 2023.

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Dec 1: Two Sarawakians, a ‘pua kumbu’ weaver Bangie Embol, and fine art and batik artist Michael Lim Tiang Ek, were bestowed the honour of being recognised as Asia Pacific Craft Masters by the World Crafts Council Asia Pacific at the Ateliier-AHPADA (ASEAN Handicraft Promotion & Development Association) Forum 2023.

The awards were presented by the president of the World Crafts Council Asia Pacific, Aziz Murtazaev of Uzbekistan.

Meanwhile, Kuching City South Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng hopes craft industry players and experts could tackle the issue of the younger generation losing their craft skills and traditions, as well as learn new skills in marketing to elevate themselves towards the global market.

“It is my hope these issues will be discussed and addressed during the forum,” he said before launching the forum with the theme ‘Crafting the Next Generation’ at the Old Courthouse Complex today.

Wee also call for the Sarawak government to recognise Society Atelier Sarawak as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that has been a prime mover and promoter of Sarawak arts and crafts since its formation in 1985.

“I also hope that in future events, our national government could contribute and support more of Atelier and AHPADA’s programmes and activities,” he said.

At the launch, guests also witnessed the handing over (repatriation) of several Sarawak artefacts from a collector from Seattle, USA, Dr David McLanahan, to the Sarawak Museum.

AHPADA president Edric Ong, Society of Atelier Sarawak president Melinda Omar, and Sarawak Museum Department deputy director Dayang Morzanah were also present. — DayakDaily