State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (right) and his deputy minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan announcing the inaugural BorneoCraft Global Expo and Conference on Tuesday (Aug 6). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak will showcase its diverse traditional crafts alongside other countries at the inaugural BorneoCraft Global Expo and Conference later this year.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said 250 local craftsmen would be joined by 150 artisans from South-East Asia and 100 more from around the world at the event at the Kuching Waterfront from Nov 27-Dec 1.
"Kuching has been acknowledged as a City of Craft by the World Craft Council.
"We want our crafts to be elevated ... to generate a good income for the community," he told a press conference here on Tuesday (Aug 6).
Abdul Karim said the expo would help Sarawak's craft industry move forward, allow local craftsmen to show their products, exchange knowledge, and build up their skills.
"There will be a hive of activity along the Waterfront during the event. There will also be a conference, workshops and masterclasses," he said.
One of the highlights will be an attempt at the largest gathering of beadmakers for the Malaysia Book of Records, with 1,000 participants expected.
Another highlight is the MasterCraft challenge, which will be open to all crafters.
"The participants will be given materials and two hours to create something," Abdul Karim said.
