Asean craft forum gets new president

AHPADA’s activities include organising seminars and workshops on issues such as product development, financing of craft enterprises and market promotion. — filepic

KUCHING: Society Atelier Sarawak president Edric Ong has taken over the presidency of the Asean Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (Ahpada) from Indonesia’s Thamrin Bustami.

The handover ceremony took place during an AHPADA board meeting on the final day of the World Ikat Textiles Symposium here earlier this month, witnessed by World Crafts Council Asia- Pacific president Dr Ghada Hijjawi Qaddumi, Ahpada honorary chairman Surapee Rojanavongse, Ahpada adviser Raja Fuziah Raja Tun Uda, past president Dr Supanee Chayaputra and members from the Philippines, Thailand, Laos, Indonesia and Malaysia.

In his address to the meeting following his election, Ong outlined plans to revitalise the association’s membership, particularly in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.

He also announced that Kuching would host an Ahpada general assembly in October next year with a forum on the culture and identity of Asean hats and headdresses.

In a congratulatory note, Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said he was happy to note that Society Atelier Sarawak was taking over the presidency of Ahpada.

“It is an honour for Society Atelier Sarawak to represent Sarawak and Malaysia in this capacity and we shall be giving you our full support,” he said in a speech read by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah during the launch of the World Ikat Textiles Symposium.

Ahpada was set up in 1981 as a result of an “International Workshop on Handicraft for Export” held in Bangkok, Thailand. Its founding member states were Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. Singapore and Brunei joined a little later while Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam joined in 1999.

Ahpada acts as a regional forum for Asean member states to address issues on revitalisation, promotion and development of crafts. It has links with international agencies and NGOs to create awareness of Asean craft products.

Ahpada’s activities include organising seminars and workshops on issues such as product development, financing of craft enterprises and market promotion.

Its objectives include taking a common approach to export development and promotion of handicrafts and operating as the focal point for promoting handicrafts, product development and conservation of raw material resources.

It also organises and participates in trade fairs and exhibitions to promote handicrafts, stimulates the creation of employment opportunities, especially in rural areas, and encourages the preservation of craft skills.