Sarawak artisans encouraged to embrace AI in craft making

KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has urged artisans in Sarawak to explore the possibilities of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into craft making, citing the potential convenience and assistance it could provide to the arts and crafts industry.

“AI is evolving very fast and becoming more powerful and capable. We cannot get rid of AI but we have to learn to live with it. 

“Thus, artisans must make use and take advantage of AI to improve their work and create new ideas,” he said during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and China’s Linshu City; Society Atelier Sarawak and Aspara Fashion Week; and Asean Handicraft Promotion and Development Association and Society Atelier Sarawak at the Old Court House here on Friday (Dec 1).

Dr Sim also encouraged more younger generations to learn the art of making Sarawak handicrafts, particularly traditional crafts. 

“The survival of the arts and crafts depends on our next generation. When we (the older generation) are no longer around, who will continue the traditional skills and preserve these traditional crafts?” 

On the MoU between MBKS and Linshu City, Dr Sim said it is for mutual benefit and collaboration in developing the craft industries. 

“Linshu is the world’s largest exporter of wickerwork. With their extensive network and highly organised system of hand-crafted basketry, there is much that Kuching and Sarawak can learn from them.

“In exchange, we also have bountiful supplies of natural fibers such as rattan, ‘bemban’ and bamboo that Linshu may be interested to buy or joint venture with us.”

He added that MBKS also plans to sign a MoU with Yogyakarta, Indonesia and Taraz City, Kazakstan. 

“We look forward to having some fruitful discussions with our other Indonesian counterparts such as Association of Exporters and Producers of Indonesian Handicraft (ASEPHI), International Handicraft Trade Fair (INACRAFT) on collaboration on craft marketing, and also on the possibility of joint venture in setting up a batik workshop in Kuching to train our youths.”

Later, at the ceremony, the MoU signing ceremony between Society Atelier Sarawak and Aspara Fashion Week; and Asean Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA) and Society Atelier Sarawak for the hosting of the Sarawak International Eco Fashion Week 2024. 

The MoU between Society Atelier Sarawak with the AHPADA; and Society Atelier Sarawak and Aspara Fashion Week based in Central Asia, will forge the links and networks between these organisations with similar objectives and purposes to promote fashion especially in the genre of eco-fashion. 

Earlier during the MoU signing ceremony, MBKS was represented by mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng and Linshu City was represented by Sun Yueqi. 

Society Atelier Sarawak was represented by Melinda Omar and Aspara Fashion Week by World Crafts Council Asia Pacific president Aziz Murtazaev and AHPADA Malaysia by its president Edric Ong.