KUCHING: Sarawak’s traditional textiles are emerging as both cultural ambassadors and economic drivers as the state strengthens its presence in the global fashion scene.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak’s cultural capital continues to unlock new income opportunities for local artisans.
“By leveraging our cultural capital, every pua kumbu or keringkam sold abroad becomes both a cultural export and an economic gain.
“With digital connectivity and logistics support, rural weavers can now reach boutiques in Milan or Paris, bypassing middlemen and maximising their income,” he said in his speech during the launch of Borneo International Textile Fashion 2025 (BiTF 2025) at a hotel here on Sunday (Dec 7).
The event was graced by Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah who was accompanied by her daughter, Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Jihan Athiyatullah.
Abdul Karim also highlighted the importance of innovation in preserving and expanding the relevance of Sarawak’s textile heritage.
“Looking ahead, our challenge is to embrace regenerative fashion.
“We must transform faded songket and torn pua kumbu into modern accessories, appealing to youth and ensuring our heritage lives on the streets of London and Tokyo.
“The future belongs to young Sarawakian designers who merge tradition with technology — the loom with the laptop,” he added.
He said the journey from the 2022 Borneo Textile Symposium to today’s international festival reflects a remarkable transformation, with textiles evolving from academic or niche interest into living expressions of ethnic identity, driven by a renewed rhythm of innovation, sustainability and global relevance.
Abdul Karim added that BiTF 2025 will continue its momentum with Tengku Ampuan Pahang’s keynote address on Monday (Dec 8), complemented by seminars, masterclasses, craft expositions and weaving demonstrations.
“These platforms will foster knowledge exchange, collaboration and innovation across the Borneo archipelago and beyond, reaffirming the profound connection between textiles, culture and civilisation,” he said.
In highlighting Sarawak’s tourism performance, Abdul Karim reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to position the state as a premier travel destination.
Sarawak recorded 4.01 million visitor arrivals from January to October this year — a slight increase of 0.7 per cent compared to the same period in 2024 despite geopolitical challenges.
He said the increase in arrivals generated significant economic spin-offs, with Sarawak recording RM10.22 billion in tourism receipts during the same period, averaging RM1 billion per month.
Looking ahead to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, he said visitor arrivals to Sarawak are expected to rise with broader marketing strategies, targeted international promotions, creative tour products, diversified tourism offerings, improved air connectivity and aggressive digital outreach.
