This June, The Artisans Havens gathered 17 artisans from Sarawak and Sabah, as well as those inspired by the beauty of Borneo at its latest artisans fair to showcase products that reflect East Malaysian culture and heritage. The month-long event, called Malaysian Artisans Celebrate Borneo, is being held at The Intermark Mall KL, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Borneo’s unique handicrafts.
“Borneo flora and fauna are diverse and an inspiration to many artisans. Olfac3 has a fragrance called Borneo and DonningDonna scarfs depict the blooms of Borneo. Many of its delights are hidden gems and we are proud to share Borneo’s unique offerings with locals & visitors at this Borneo Fair,” says Jade Lee, Co-Founder of The Artisans Haven.
Being the third-largest island in the world and the largest in Asia, Borneo is not only known for its beaches and ancient, bio-diverse rainforest but is also home to wildlife including orangutans and clouded leopards. Hailing from different parts of Borneo, the artisans participating in Malaysian Artisans Celebrate Borneo aim to share products that are from and/or inspired by this island.
Featuring bespoke perfume and one-of-a-kind resin artwork to Penan bags and stainless steel tiffins embellished with decoupage, the businesses at the bazaar include Jadi Batek, Olfac3,
The Asli Co, Idang Bulan, Puhus Pepper Plantation, Pouring My Art Out, Raben Beads,
Mosongon, The Orkids, Sanyi Orchids, DonningDonna, Ment Eyna, Caropaya, Helping Hands Penan, Gocheeks, Tiffin Made With Luv, and Binasinar Summer.
“My years as a banker has taught me the importance and power of product awareness and
distribution channels. Many aspiring businesses are unable to grow because they are not able to scale up marketing. Our collective goal at The Artisans Haven is to help these MSMEs improve their distribution capabilities so that they become sustainable. It is only with sustainable enterprises that they improve their household incomes and contribute to our community and nation, in line with the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030,” says Jade.
A virtual marketplace that showcases the local artisanal scene and their authentic handicrafts, The Artisans Haven is a platform that supports artisans by equipping them with sufficient digital resources and abilities, greater networking capabilities, and exposure to allow their businesses to thrive and remain competitive. Staying true to its name, the brand believes that it is important to support local artisans and allow them to grow steadily. This will ultimately result in sustainable, long-term growth.
Photo Caption) From Left to Right: Founder of Puhus Pepper, Zita Bolingkong; Founder of OLFAC3,
Aien Mokhtar; A Penan native weaving the handcrafts from Helping Hands Penan
