LOCAL craft practitioners took centre stage as their skill, dedication and creativity were honoured at a special ceremony.
The Piala Seri-Ibu Kraf prize-giving ceremony, hosted by Sime Darby Property Bhd, was held as part of Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB 2026 at KLGCC Mall in Kuala Lumpur.
Recognised by the royal patronage of Tengku Ampuan of Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, the Piala Seri-Ibu Kraf acknowledges outstanding craftsmanship across both traditional and contemporary expressions.
The initiative reflected a shared commitment to preserving Malaysia’s cultural heritage while supporting the continued relevance of craft practices in today’s context.
The programme was a collaborative effort between Sime Darby and CIMB, bringing together arts, culture and commerce within a curated public setting.
The initiative provides a platform for local craft practitioners to showcase their work, engage wider audiences and explore sustainable economic opportunities.
Sime Darby Property group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Azmir Merican said, “Our role goes beyond creating physical spaces. We see value in shaping environments that bring together people, culture and communities.
“Piala Seri-Ibu Kraf reflects this approach by providing a platform where Malaysian craftsmanship can be appreciated, supported and sustained.”
Azmir added that they were pleased to collaborate with CIMB on the initiative, and were honoured by the presence of Tunku Azizah.
He said collective support was vital to ensure Malaysia’s craft heritage continued to be valued.
The Piala Seri-Ibu Kraf honours mastery across categories including textile, non metal, metalsmith, and innovation.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Seri-Ibu Special Honour Award personally selected by Tunku Azizah to recognise individuals for their exceptional commitment and lifelong contribution to the preservation of Malaysian cultural identity.
A total of five awards were given out, with each participant receiving a cash prize of RM5,000, a trophy and certificate.
This year’s competition aimed to empower over 500 artisans, with some 150 original submissions received from students, hobbyists and professional makers nationwide.
All works were required to incorporate Malaysian craft techniques, heritage or motifs.
A distinguished two-tier judging panel led by Tunku Azizah and representatives from Sime Darby, CIMB, Yayasan Sime Darby and Kraftangan Malaysia evaluated submissions to select the winners across all categories.
The panel also included local fashion designer Datuk Radzwan Radziwil, UPM associate professor Datuk Dr Lim Swee Tin, who is also National Advisor on Heritage and Culture.
Works by the winners and finalists are currently exhibited for sale throughout the Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB, until March 1.
The programme brings together a diverse ecosystem of collaborators, including fashion schools from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), LimKokWing University and Taylor’s University as well as cultural agencies such as the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) and Kraftangan Malaysia.
Sime Darby and CIMB have committed to an initial three-year partnership to establish Piala Seri-Ibu Kraf with the annual prize-giving ceremony and festival to be hosted at KLGCC Mall.
Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB 2026 is a curated cultural and craft platform celebrating the fusion of Malaysia’s traditional heritage with contemporary craftsmanship.
The programme features vendor showcases ranging from high-end to mass-market products, cultural performances, fashion, and hands-on workshops.
It is designed to engage urban shoppers, artisans, small and medium enterprises, corporates, and cultural institutions.
Members of the public are invited to experience the winning and shortlisted works, throughout the Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB 2026.
The public is also invited to participate through the People’s Choice Award by voting for their favourite works exhibited at KLGCC Mall.
Voting for the People’s Choice Award closes on March 1.
For more information, visit https://simedarbyproperty.com/malls/klgcc-mall/piala-seri-ibu-kraf/.
