KUCHING: The 12th Biennial World Eco-Fibre and Textile (WEFT) 2025 will be hosted here from Nov 14 to 16, positioning the city as an international centre for eco-fibre, textile heritage, and sustainable design in the Asia-Pacific region.
WEFT is a Sarawak-initiated international forum dedicated to celebrating the natural fibre and textile traditions of Sarawak, Asean and the wider Asia-Pacific.
The 2025 edition is co-organised by the Sarawak Craft Council and Society Atelier Sarawak, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak.
Over three days, Kuching will be transformed into a vibrant hub for sustainable design, creative industry development, and heritage diplomacy.
The forum will convene international scholars, designers, artisans, students, policymakers and cultural leaders from more than 20 countries for a curated programme of forums, workshops, exhibitions and cultural experiences.
Among the notable Asian speakers are internationally recognised star designers such as Korakot Aromdee of Thailand, who recently designed interiors for Christian Dior showrooms, and Rahul Vinayak Salvi of India, a master weaver from the generational double ikat patola weaving Salvi family of Patan, Gujarat.
Speakers and participants will also come from China, Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Indonesia, the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore and Malaysia.
The WEFT Forum will be officially launched at Dewan Sri Mahligai by Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who will also declare open the International Crafts Bazaar at the same venue.
The organising committee, chaired by Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, announced that one of the highlight events will be the Gala Dinner and Fashion Show on Nov 16.
The showcase will feature handwoven and handcrafted fashion collections from 12 international designers.
From Indonesia, the Gala will feature designs by Myra Widiono.
Representing Bangladesh is celebrated designer Maheen Khan, while India will be showcased through the works of Kashmir Lom and Rahul Vinayak Salvi, both known for their rich textile heritage.
From Kyrgyzstan, designer Yntyish Yntymak will present traditional inspirations, while Kongthong of Phaengmai Gallery will represent Laos with contemporary interpretations of classic weaves.
The Philippines’ textile artistry will be highlighted by NARDA’S, and Yuan Guo Xiang will bring a Chinese perspective to eco-fibre fashion.
Malaysia’s own creative talents will also take centre stage through Pua Borneo, Melinda Omar and Edric Ong, each known for their work in handwoven and handcrafted fashion rooted in local heritage.
Admission to the WEFT Forum, the Gala Dinner, and the Fashion Show is by registration, while the International Crafts Bazaar will be open to the public.
