AACB 2025 Boosts Malaysia’s Craft Industry Global Reach
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Arts & Crafts Bazaar 2025 (AACB 2025), currently taking place at Kompleks Kraf here, is a significant initiative to strengthen efforts to internationalise Malaysia’s craft industry on the global stage.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said the programme serves as an important platform to showcase the uniqueness of Malaysian craftsmanship to international audiences while fostering unity through cultural exchange, particularly among ASEAN countries.
“AACB 2025 also provides opportunities for entrepreneurs and craft industry players to explore new markets, expand business networks and elevate the artistic value of their products to international standards,” he said in his speech at the Media Networking and Strategic Appreciation Ceremony held at Kompleks Kraf today.
Also present were Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia) chairman Mohd Al-Hafizi Ab. Bakar and director-general Datuk ‘Ainu Sham Ramli.
Held for the first time from Oct 10 to 20, AACB 2025 is organised in conjunction with the 34th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting and Related Meetings.
The programme features a variety of activities, including exhibitions of new craft products and items from Institut Kraf Negara, ASEAN craft displays, the ASEAN Miniature Gallery exhibition, a Special Royal Pahang Weaving exhibition, craft demonstrations, fashion showcases and craft explorations.
Among the highlights are international craft demonstrations featuring artisans from Brunei (songket), Cambodia (ikat silk weaving), Laos (weaving), Thailand (jewellery), Vietnam (forest products), Timor Leste (tais embroidery), China (bamboo weaving), Uzbekistan (ceramic carving) and Türkiye (traditional embroidery).
Shaharuddin said the event, held in conjunction with AACB 2025, also serves as a platform to recognise media support and strengthen collaborative ties among strategic partners, industry players and Kraftangan Malaysia.
“Strategic partners and industry players play a crucial role in empowering the national craft industry. Through their support, expertise and networks, they help expand market reach, strengthen the commercial value of the craft sector and introduce innovations that meet current demand.
“With continued collaboration, I am confident that opportunities for innovation, idea exchange and capacity building will continue to grow, propelling the craft industry to greater heights and competitiveness both domestically and globally,” he said.
He said that media support has also contributed to brand development, international recognition and the growth of the country’s creative economy, expressing hope that the media will continue to highlight success stories, product uniqueness and the cultural values embodied in Malaysia’s craft heritage.
At the event, prizes were also presented for the CIPTA Young Jewellery Craft Designers Competition, held on Feb 4 and 5.
-- BERNAMA
