An IKN student demonstrating the traditional art of fabric weaving.
National Craft Institute (IKN) is aiming to attract more students from Johor to promote its rich cultural heritage.
IKN senior director Shamsul Azizi Samsudin said Johor’s distinctive legacy, particularly the traditional stringed musical instrument gambus, deserved wider recognition and promotion.
“The state’s culture and heritage can only be preserved if more young Johoreans recognise their value and enrol at IKN to develop their skills,” he told StarMetro.
“It has been a challenge to attract students from Johor, but there are signs of progress,” Shamsul Azizi said adding that this year, the institute received 126 applications.
He said IKN was actively promoting programmes to increase awareness of its courses, including participating in events organised by Perbadanan Kemajuan Kraftangan Malaysia, government agencies, corporate bodies and schools.
“Among recent activities were the IKN Corporate Exhibition held during the Johor Craft Festival by Kraftangan Malaysia, as well as the Star Education Fair 2025.
“The institute is also running the ‘Jom Masuk IKN’ campaign at various career and education fairs in schools across Johor.”
Shamsul Azizi added that 209 graduates from Johor had entered the workforce, with some starting their own craft businesses and others joining the public and private sectors.
“We have a graduate who now produces songket pieces featuring motifs inspired by Johor’s royal heritage,” he said.
“This shows that the craft industry has wide career opportunities while contributing to sustainable socio-economic development.”
State education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin described enrolment at IKN as a “golden opportunity” for young talents to hone their skills and preserve traditional arts.
“This is not just about academics.
“Here, students gain technical expertise and skills that are both marketable and worth passing down to the next generation,” he said when contacted.
He said while IKN had been active in promotions, outreach must be better structured to reach students and parents directly.
Aznan praised the institute for engaging four schools with 1,270 students under the campaign, which aimed to reach 55 schools statewide.
“The state will continue supporting initiatives that promote crafts as a viable education and career pathway,” he said.
Aznan also called for a shift in perception that crafts were a “second option,” emphasising that the industry builds skills, strengthens cultural identity while contributing to the economy.
“Johor has the potential to nurture more skilled craftsmen capable of showcasing local creations on the global stage,” he said.
“It’s time to empower Johor’s youth to preserve our crafts,” he added.
