Malaysian Textile Heritage at Hasanah Gold Threads Awards 2023
Imagine the scene: the air is pregnant with anticipation, crackling with an electric energy that ignites your curiosity. Here, the stage is set for the extraordinary - a feast for the senses, a celebration of talent, and a nod towards preserving Malaysia's cultural heritage.
The Hasanah Gold Threads Awards, presented by the prestigious Yayasan Hasanah and the Ministry of Finance (MOF), in collaboration with the brilliant minds at Tanoti and ASEAN Handicraft Promotion & Development Association (AHPADA), is poised to take our breath away.
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Table of Content
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| Preserving Malaysian Textile Heritage at Hasanah Gold Threads Awards 2023 |
Malaysian Textile Heritage at Hasanah Gold Threads Awards 2023
Background
Embarking on this quest, the Hasanah Gold Threads Awards aim to recognise and honour the crème de la crème of Malaysian textile artisans who have poured their hearts, souls, and endless creativity into their craft. This isn't just about pretty fabrics and beautiful designs; it's about weaving stories, connecting generations, and keeping the spirit of tradition alive. These awards serve as a powerful reminder that the past should never be forgotten, and the future holds the promise of endless possibilities.
As we gather in this historic moment, let us salute the exceptional talents and remarkable craftsmanship that exist within the heart and soul of Malaysia. The Hasanah Gold Threads Awards stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication of these artisans, who have fearlessly pushed the boundaries and unlocked new realms of creativity in the world of textiles. From the intricately embroidered fabrics to the awe-inspiring beadwork and the mesmerising ikat creations, every masterpiece tells a story, whispers a legacy, and honours the rich tapestry of Malaysian culture.
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| Hasanah Gold Threads Awards celebrates Malaysian artisans, who have fearlessly pushed the boundaries and unlocked new realms of creativity in the world of textiles |
Preservation of Traditional Textiles in Malaysia
The Hasanah Gold Threads Awards stands as a beacon of recognition for excellence in textiles and craftsmanship. It is an initiative driven by the shared vision of preserving and sustaining the crafts handed down through generations. This award not only acknowledges outstanding artisans but also celebrates the resilience and cultural contributions of communities across Malaysia.
Dato’ Shahira Ahmed Bazari, Trustee and Managing Director of Yayasan Hasanah, highlighted the urgent need to preserve Malaysia's textile traditions. Many of these traditions have faded into history, with precious heritage motifs lost and weaving techniques forgotten.
Yayasan Hasanah, in collaboration with expert textile partners, has been working tirelessly to preserve these traditions. They have undertaken initiatives such as digital documentation and intellectual property protection of Malaysian motifs, capacity development training for youth in heritage textile arts, and the development of an experiential centre of heritage textiles.
The recent brainchild of Yayasan Hasanah, the Hasanah Gold Threads Awards, empowers local textile producers to innovate and push the boundaries of their craft. By using alternative materials and enhancing production capabilities, these artisans can preserve and elevate their precious arts, heritage, and culture while contributing to the local creative economy.
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| Opening performance at the Hasanah Gold Threads Awards 2023 |
Award Categories
The awards recognised excellence in six unique categories: Beadwork, Drawing and Stamping, Embroidery and Embellishment, Ikat, Plaiting, and Supplementary Weft. After much deliberation, 18 exceptional textile artisans emerged as the custodians of excellence and showcased their extraordinary craftsmanship.
The winning submissions, along with the Special Mentions art pieces, will be displayed at the Mezzanine Floor of the Borneo Cultures Museum Shop from 15th to 17th September 2023. Additionally, a Discovery Exhibition will be hosted in the Function Room at Borneo Cultures Museum, open to the public from 12th to 20th September 2023.
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| Organisers, judges and winners of the Hasanah Gold Threads Awards 2023 |
Winners & Cash Prize of RM25,000
The Hasanah Gold Threads Awards 2023 had us all on edge with its enchanting allure for the best in traditional and innovative talent. The event revealed not just one, but two outstanding awardees for each category.
Our hearts were pounding as names were unveiled, the Best Traditional and Best Innovative champions were declared, and they were rewarded with a generous cash prize of RM25,000 each! The buzz in the air was electric, with unanimous acknowledgement for the prowess of these exceptional individuals.
In the realm of the discerning organizers, no ounce of brilliance goes unnoticed, even for those whose path to victory remained just beyond reach. Their tireless dedication and innovative spirits have left an indelible mark. Thus, their remarkable contributions were celebrated with Special Mention Awards in each category, accompanied by an admirable cash prize of RM10,000. This tangible expression of appreciation signifies our utmost admiration for their distinct artistry and resolute commitment.
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| Winner of the supplementary weft award is Seri Gedong with this incredible patterned piece |
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| Special mention of the beadwork award is won by Juliana Embrose |
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| Best Innovative Award is won by Davis Mering |
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| Best Traditional award won by Danny Zulkilfi |
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| Winner of the Best Innovative Ikat is Shah Nor Ramin |
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| Ikat - Best Traditional award is awarded to Bangie Embol |
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| Special Mention Award for the plaiting category is won by Mandona Jusly |
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| Plaiting - Best Traditional Award was won by Ngot Binti Bi, a seasoned 91-year old artisan from Sarawak |
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| Drawing & Stamping - Special Mention Award bagged by Batik Linut to recognise the eco-friendly alternative use of sago flour instead of paraffin wax in its process of batik-making |
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| Pua Kumbu - Special Mention Award awarded to Nancy Anak Ngali |
Panel of Judges
The awards ceremony brought together the participating artisans and a distinguished panel of judges. The panel consisted of experts with keen discernment who evaluated an impressive total of 168 submissions from textile artisans across the country.
The esteemed panel included Mr. Edric Ong, Honorary President of AHPADA, YM Raja Datin Paduka Fuziah Raja Sri Tun Uda, Advisor of AHPADA, Puan Irma Murni Ismail, Senior Lecturer at UiTM, Mr. Noorizal bin Ramly, Head of the Kraftangan Malaysia Craft Excellence Center, and Dato’ Shahira Ahmed Bazari, Trustee, and Managing Director of Yayasan Hasanah.
Patron of Malaysia's Heritage Textiles
The highlight of the evening was the prestigious Hasanah Gold Award "Patron of Malaysia's Heritage Textiles," presented to Her Majesty Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Almarhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj.
Her Royal Majesty was honoured for her significant contributions, dedication, and unwavering influence in the realm of Malaysian textiles. Her Majesty has encouraged and opened opportunities for the youth to learn Pahang Weaving, which has given birth to hundreds of weavers for the craft.
Furthermore, Her Majesty has ideated the proposal to develop Perkampungan Al-Sultan Abdullah in Pekan, Pahang, as a centre to accommodate trained Pahang weavers, including inmates who have been or will be released. Her Majesty is also the Patron of the Yayasan Tenun Pahang Diraja, which creates unique designs to be woven by selected weavers. Her numerous contributions include the preservation and elevation of Tenun Pahang as a national cultural heritage craft, showcased in London Craft Week in 2022.
Guest of Honour
The esteemed Guest of Honour, Yang Amat Berbahagia Puan Sri Dato Hajjah Fatimah Binti Haji Mohd Iskandar, graced the Hasanah Gold Threads Awards Ceremony and added a touch of prestige to the celebration of cultural wealth. Also present were Datu Dr. Rashidah Bt Hj Bolhassan, Special Administrative Officer of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak, and Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Hajah Nancy Haji Shukri, Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development Malaysia.
Don't miss the opportunity to witness the remarkable skills and creativity of Malaysia's textile artisans. The Hasanah Gold Threads Awards is an extraordinary platform that bridges the gap between tradition and innovation, preserving Malaysia's textile heritage for generations to come.
Hasanah Gold Threads Awards
The Hasanah Gold Threads Awards is an initiative presented by Yayasan Hasanah and the Ministry of Finance (MOF), in partnership with Tanoti and ASEAN Handicraft Promotion & Development Association (AHPADA). This prestigious award aims to conserve and revitalize Malaysia's rich cultural heritage in textiles.
By recognising and encouraging exceptional craftsmanship and creativity in the textile industry, the Hasanah Gold Threads Awards promote wider awareness and appreciation of Malaysia's diverse cultural legacy. This platform supports and showcases Malaysia's heritage textiles while fostering innovation and sustainable development in the sector.
About Yayasan Hasanah
Yayasan Hasanah ("Hasanah") is the impact-based foundation of Khazanah Nasional Berhad ("Khazanah"), Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund. Established as an independent entity on 1st July 2015, Hasanah builds on nine years of Corporate Responsibility (CR) efforts previously driven by Khazanah.
As a grant-giving organization, Hasanah goes beyond monetary contributions to facilitate a transformational ecosystem. Working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, Hasanah advocates for change and builds capacity in five key focus areas: Education, Community Development, Environment, Arts and Public Spaces, and Knowledge. Collectively, Hasanah aims to advance Malaysia's social and community reform.
Contact Information
To delve deeper into the vibrant world of the Hasanah Gold Threads Awards and celebrate the heart and soul of Malaysia's rich cultural heritage, visit their website at www.hasanahgoldthreads.com or follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of cultures and share your awe-inspiring experiences with us on Instagram! Don't forget to tag @rollinggrace or use the hashtag #RollingGrace to ensure we don't miss a single moment of your cultural exploration.
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