The artist-edition cans celebrate Sabah and Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage in conjunction with the Kaamatan and Gawai festivities.
CARLSBERG Malaysia is paying tribute to the cultural richness of Sabah and Sarawak through a new series of artist-designed packaging that blends Bornean heritage with intricate rice art.
The limited-edition designs, released in conjunction with the upcoming Gawai and Kaamatan harvest festivals, feature symbolic elements unique to each state – from Mount Kinabalu and hornbills to orang utan and the sounds of the sape (a traditional lute).
The brewery’s Smooth Draught will showcase the exclusive design on cans and bottles throughout the year, while designs on its Danish Pilsner will be available in April and May.
This marks the fifth consecutive year of Carlsberg’s artist-edition series, with this year’s designs created by Sabahan Nelson Lip and Sarawakian T. Bagak.
“Our new packaging celebrates the unity, gratitude and joy that define Kaamatan and Gawai,” said Carlsberg Malaysia marketing director Olga Pulyaeva.
“We are proud to collaborate with local artists to truly Raikan Kebanggaan (celebrate the pride of) Sabah and Sarawak,” she added.
The Sabah-themed designs for Smooth Draught highlight the majesty of Mount Kinabalu, while Sarawak’s features the hornbill above a longhouse.
For the Danish Pilsner range, the visuals showcase the orang utan and the rare Rafflesia flowering plant in Sabah, while Sarawak’s edition evokes the rhythm of the sape and the communal warmth of longhouse culture.
To celebrate, the brewery will organise its “Carls Harvest Pesta” event at Farley Kuching from May 15 to 18, where modern and traditional festivities come together.
Highlights include live performances, dance and music, mixology workshops, rice art activities and complimentary tuak bombs served every two hours.
Early attendees will receive a free can of Carlsberg, while promotional campaigns in stores will offer collectible Sabah and Sarawak-themed items.
Participants also stand a chance to win prizes including an Apple iPhone 16 Pro, iPad Air 11-inch and Apple Watch Series 10.
