Inspirasi Media Online

Borneo, a land rich with arts and cultural diversity, contributed by more than 50 ethnics and sub-ethnics groups on the 743,330 square km island.

While not everyone has the opportunity to visit Borneo and experience the arts and culture, therefore Suria KLCC in collaboration with the Association of Sabah & Sarawak Heritage of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor brings the Borneo to you.

This is the 3rd year Suria KLCC collaborating with the association through the International Borneo Fest 2019.

“We are honoured to be part of this event that promotes harmony in the diversity of ethnicity, tradition, arts and culture in Borneo, specifically Sabah and Sarawak, Some of us may not have the opportunity to visit Sabah and Sarawak hence the International Borneo Fest 2019 are here to give them the chance to explore the two states,” said Suria KLCC Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Brien.

Th e International Borneo Fest was officiated by Federal Territory Minister, Yang Berhormat Tuan Haji Khalid Abdul Samad. Also present was Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd Chairman, Datuk Hashim Wahir, Dr Lawrence John- Chairman and Advisor of the Association of Sabah & Sarawak Heritage of Kuala Lumpur & Selangor, Suria KLCC Chief Operating Officer, Francis Tan and Suria KLCC General Manager, Ben Chong.

The main highlights of the International Borneo Fest 2019 are Borneo Designers Award and Miss & Mister Ambassador 2019. This year, 12 Sabah and Sarawak-based designers  showcased their exclusive collections and they are:

1. Hardi Roman
2. Marcel Gatisi
3. Amythen Chiew Phin
4. Recheal Binti Paul
5. Joanna Jane
6. Dexter Dylen Dunstan
7. Ahmad Fikri Gompul
8. Lo Teck Hua
9. Melanie Dewok/Bidayuh
10. Dorothy Anak James
11. Deasy Divinne Juanis
12. Ahzwansyah Ahmad

Meanwhile, Dr Lawrence said the International Borneo Fest is a good platform for these young designers to showcase their collections. The best THREE designers will be given the opportunity to feature their collections at the final leg of the International Borneo Fest to be held in London by end of this year.

“I hope the experience in London will help build their confidence to further venture into the international market. The association goals is not limited to promote Borneo arts and culture, but also to develop talent that will brought up not only Borneo but our country name,” said Dr Lawrence.

Apart from designer’s award and beauty pageant, shoppers and visitors participated in “Sago worm” eating challenge and this is the first time its being organised. “Sago worm” or “Butod” among the locals is considered a delicacy and a major source of income for many households in the rural communities. The high-protein, high-fat grub can be dried, smoked, grilled or stir-fried. For the real connoisseur, you can try to eat it while it is still alive. The taste of the live ones is described as creamy like soft melted toffee without any of the foulness that one might associate with eating larva.

Other activities includes basket weaving demo from Penan tribe. Learned the art of weaving basket using pine straw, willow, pandan leaves, pandanus odoratisssimus and rattan from scratch.

Shoppers and visitor also tasted the authentic Sabah and Sarawak food and drinks such as layered cakes, black pepper cookies, traditional herbs, laksa Sarawak paste, rice wine and Sabah’s fragrant organic rice ” Beras Wangi Keladi”-planted ony at Kampung Tambutuon in Kota Belud. There are also bags and accessories made from beads, gem stones and wood.