National Craft Day 2020: A showcase of Malaysia’s greatest craftsmen

Also known as Hari Kraf Kebangsaan (HKK), the event will focus on the socio-economic empowerment of the people this year.

Karyaneka, a souvenir shop within Kompleks Kraf, was recently revamped in conjunction with National Craf Day 2020 (All photos: Kong Wai Yeng/The Edge)

Now in its 18th edition, the National Craft Day returns with a new objective to improve the visibility of homegrown artisans. Held in conjunction with the Shared Prosperity Vision, the event promotes craft products as an opportunity to generate additional income for households.

Held until March 9 at Kompleks Kraf on Jalan Conlay, the annual event also reinforces the Kraf Komuniti Ku (KKK) initiative to develop local communities as well as their unique products and heritage under the One District One Industry (SDSI) programme. Currently, Kraftangan Malaysia has 5,775 craft entrepreneurs in various fields and 20,000 KKK members.

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The event showcases more than 680 vendors this year

More than 680 craft entrepeneurs will be displaying their wares, including artisans from rural areas and the Orang Asli community. You may be familiar with the Penan community, thanks to their popular handwoven baskets, but the National Craft Day helps the uninitiated to be acquainted with other cultures from East Malaysia too. For example, Melanau-based Lamin Dana turns sago waste into fabric dye, colouring fabrics and silks in attractive hues.

Twelve exhibitions will be held during HKK 2020, including the Malaysian Craft Digital Hub, “Pameran Karya Ulung Kraf Ukiran Kayu”, “Pameran Produk Inspirasi Tokoh”, “Pameran Evolusi Kraf Ukiran Kayu” and “Pameran 40 tahun Kraftangan Malaysia”.

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For the interior design lover, find Kedai Bikin's famous woven chairs and Bendang Studio's diningware at Karyaneka

After the official event ends at Kompleks Kraf, vendors will continue to showcase their products in hotels, Pusat Tumpuan Pelancong and shopping malls across the city until March 31.

If you’re feeling inspired to make-over your home, stop by handicraft centre Karyaneka on Level 1, which underwent a revamp lately. Curated by Imaya Wong of Bendang Studio fame, the refreshed space mimics the inviting vibe of furniture store displays, bringing the point home that your living room can look just as stylish when decked out with local products such as Kedai Bikin’s woven chairs or sustainable homeware and kitchenware by Dapo.

 

National Craft Day is held until Mar 9, 10am-10pm at Kompleks Kraf KL, Jalan Conlay. For more information, see here.

 

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