PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is set to showcase its rich handicraft heritage at next year’s Asean Summit, with all gifts and souvenirs sourced from local artisans, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced.
The Prime Minister stated that this initiative aims to bolster the local handicraft industry, ensuring the uniqueness and authenticity of Malaysian craftsmanship reaches international leaders and attendees.
He mentioned that Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean 2025 presents a crucial opportunity to guide the region with resilience and creativity.
Anwar highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs, particularly those in logistics, hospitality, tourism, and the handicraft sectors.
"Every ministry and department involved in organising the Asean meetings and activities must procure handicrafts from local artisans, showcasing the fine work of our people," Anwar said while tabling Budget 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday (Oct 18).
As an example, the prime minister referred to the woven songket document bag he used during the Budget tabling, created by local designer Adiguru Rasiah Yusoff from Kampung Tikat Penambang, Kelantan.
He stressed that focusing on local craftsmanship not only celebrates Malaysia’s cultural heritage but also provides economic opportunities for businesses during the over 270 meetings and activities planned across the nation for Malaysia’s Asean 2025 chairmanship.
In his speech, Anwar acknowledged challenges faced by Asean, such as major power rivalries, the South China Sea disputes, the Myanmar crisis, food security, and climate change.
However, he expressed confidence in Malaysia’s leadership role, highlighting the upcoming inaugural Asean-GCC + China Summit as a key platform to strengthen regional economic cooperation.
