KUCHING: The Iban Women Charitable Trust (IWCT) is calling for participation in the second edition of the state-level ‘Pekit Pengelandik Jari’ (Handicraft Competition), which offers a total prize pool of RM75,000.
Competition chairperson, Dr Anna Durin, said the competition, which is open to all Iban men and women, will run from August 18, 2025, until April 30, 2026.
“Through the competition, we want to encourage the Iban community to preserve their cultural heritage through handicrafts while sustaining traditional handicraft skills,” she said.
She said this in a press conference held at IWCT office, Gala City, here today.
Dr Anna further said the competition would also serve as a platform to realise the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which calls for indigenous peoples to continue preserving their cultural heritage.
“At the same time, the competition also provides an opportunity to showcase the economic potential of handicrafts in improving the socioeconomic status of the Dayak community,” she said.
She added that the competition is organised together with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), the Tun Jugah Foundation and several traditional craft experts.
“There will be nine categories to be contested, with each category offering cash prizes for the top three winners along with consolation prizes. Participation for the competition will be free, and each participant may join more than one category,” she said.
Meanwhile, the nine categories are:
- Pekit Nganyam (Tikai Bemban Anyam Bebuah)
- Pekit Nenun Pua Kumbu
- Pekit Nenun Kain Kebat Kena Orang Indu Besai Tuai
- Pekit Nenun Kain Karap Kena Orang Indu Besai Tuai
- Pekit Nusuk Marik (Marik Empang Tradisional/Tangu)
- Pekit Baju Asal Kuas Iban
- Pekit Ngaga Duku Pengayau: Nyabur Indu
- Pekit Ngaga Duku Pengayau: Nyabur Lelaki
- Pekit Ngaga Duku Pengayau: Langgai Tingang
Entry forms can be obtained at the IWCT Headquarters, and completed forms must be submitted to its headquarters at Queen’s Court, Block E-4-1 Lot 9937, Jalan Wan Alwi, or online via Google Form (https://forms.gle/yKLmuL821mSz52SJ7).
The closing date for submission is October 18, 2025.
Competition items must be then submitted to the IWCT Headquarters by April 30, 2026, and must be accompanied by at least four photographs showing the production stages.
For further enquiries, the public may contact Cecilia Entering at 082-578335 / 019-8572899 or email ceciliaentering@gmail.com.
Among those present were IWCT Secretary, Linda Nanang, and IWCT Treasurer, Datin Seri Angelina Ujang.
