Hasanah Gold Threads Awards: Celebrating Malaysia's textile heritage, artistry

KUCHING – The Hasanah Gold Threads Awards is gearing up to celebrate its rich textile heritage and the artists who are keeping it alive with the aim to recognise the importance of this tradition in the nation’s cultural identity.

Yayasan Hasanah managing director and board of trustees member Datuk Shahira Bazari said heritage was an integral aspect of the country’s identity by combining the personal history with the social state of time where it emphasised the deep-rooted connection between Malaysia's history and its textile artistry.

“The techniques used in crafting traditional dresses were showcased as having a profound narrative, demonstrating wisdom accumulated over the years.

“Recent times have witnessed various materials being transformed into works of art and the Hasanah Gold Threads Awards aimed to celebrate and perpetuate this tradition.

"We aim not only to set a new standard in the production of textiles in Malaysia but also to show our appreciation for the government's commitment to improving social conditions through wisdom and symbolism," Shahira said in her speech at the Borneo Cultures Museum, here, today.

She said the textile heritage was not confined to museums; it was a living expression of the culture itself.

She added that the awards were presented to art creators who captured the heart and soul of Malaysia through their skills and craftsmanship while not only recognising artistic talent but also highlighting the marketing ability of the recipients.

“This year saw a record number of 168 submissions across six different categories, which are supplementary weft (songket, dastar, sungkit, anyam); ikat (pua kumbu, limar), drawing and stamping (batik tulis, batik cap, telepuk); embroidery and embellishment (tekat, keringkam, kelingkan, sulam, kerawang); plaiting (basketry techniques in various fibres); and beadwork (loom beading, stringing).

“The quality and innovation displayed in these submissions were astounding, reflecting the industry's rich skills and imagination.

“The Hasanah Gold Threads Awards aimed to provide a platform for practitioners to grow and thrive. We hope that the Hasanah Gold Threads will provide a healthy and growing floor for our practitioners," she said.

These awards, she said were not just a one-time event, but they represent a vision for the future.

"We assume that the Hasanah Gold Threads Awards will evolve into an annual tradition, a growing celebration that nurtures our skills, inspires our children and showcases Malaysia's rich heritage to the world," she said.

Also present at the event were Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Tanoti co-founder and awards producer for Hasanah Gold Threads Awards Jacqueline Fong, a lecturer in art trivium at the College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Irma Murni Ismail and AHPADA secretary-general and Hasanah Gold Threads Awards co-producer Elaine Chan.