These Msian crafts almost went extinct but here’s how you can see them this weekend!

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When we talk about “heritage”, most of us think of dusty museum displays, or something our nenek used to wear once a year during Raya. But heritage isn’t dead… at least not yet. Some of Malaysia’s rarest crafts are still alive, and this weekend you can actually watch them happen in real time.

From 26–28 September 2025, Yayasan Hasanah is bringing endangered heritage crafts to CIMB Artober at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur. And the best part? Admission is totally free!

If you already missed the first two times Yayasan Hasanah took part in Artober, then this third time will be your charm.

This is your chance to touch, try, and take home LIVING HERITAGE

Yayasan Hasanah has been part of Artober for three years now, but this time they are making heritage properly hands-on. Instead of looking at exhibits from far far with a big sign saying “Do Not Touch” that you ignore and then the pak cik guard yells at you “WOI TAK RETI BACA KE?”, this time, you’ll ACTUALLY get to watch master artisans at work, join interactive workshops, and even bring home modern lifestyle products made from traditional techniques.

Here’s what you can expect when you step into the booth:

Live demos by master artisans
Hands-on workshops in embroidery, weaving, and gilding
Lifestyle products reimagined from heritage textiles

If ugaiz visit, you can ask master artisan Mohd Azwarin of Kuala Terengganu to show you how they apply gold leaf to the kain.

The whole point is simple. Heritage is not just something we inherit. It is something we can still touch, feel, and be proud of today.

Check out the OG Royal Bling you never knew Malaysia had

One of the highlights of the showcase is Keringkam, Sarawak’s golden-thread embroidery. Once upon a time, this was worn by noblewomen and even popularised by Ranee Margaret of Sarawak, but today many Malaysians do not even know it exists. Sitting right beside it is Kelingkan, a Kelantanese craft that uses flattened gold or silver threads to create delicate patterns on fabric. Both look different, but share the same elegance and painstaking detail that makes you wonder how these skills almost faded away.

To bring these traditions back into the spotlight, Yayasan Hasanah has invited two artisans to demonstrate their craft live, Puan Ros Salleh for Keringkam and Nik Marhamah for Kelingkan. And if you are curious enough to try it for yourself, they will be running workshops at:

Fri, 26 Sep – 3PM & 5PM
Sun, 28 Sep – 2PM & 5PM

These crafts were once reserved for the elite, but at Artober you can finally experience them up close and see why they deserve a place in Malaysia’s future, not just its past.

See modern takes on a kampung weave that was once at risk of dying

From Sabah comes the Kain Dastar of the Iranun tribe in Kota Belud. This handwoven cloth is more than just fabric. It represents identity and artistry, and for years it was at risk of being forgotten. Now, younger generations and brands like Cipela are reviving it, turning the cloth into shoes and accessories that fit right into today’s fashion.

For the guys who forgot to get their partners a gift for their birthdays or anniversaries this year… you’re welcome.

At Artober, you can:

Join workshops on Sat, 27 Sep (3:30PM & 5:30PM)
Catch the Project Sumandak launch at 2:15PM on the same day

The showcase reminds us that heritage is not frozen in time, but can adapt, survive, and thrive in new ways.

Don’t say we never jio you because WE’RE gonna be at Artober this weekend

So if you’ve never seen a master weaver or gold-thread artisan in action, this is FINALLY your chance to do so at:

📍 Hall 1, Booth D9 @ MITEC, KL
📅 26–28 September 2025
⏰ 12PM–8PM daily
💸 Free admission

Worst case, you learn something new. Best case, you walk away with a deeper appreciation (and maybe even a souvenir) of Malaysia’s living heritage. So watchu waiting for?? Make sure we see you there!