Malaysians are facing the risk of losing their tangible and intangible heritage, as well as a part of their identity, due to aging arts, cultural, and heritage practitioners, according to Datuk Shahira Ahmed Bazari, Yayasan Hasanah trustee and managing director. She pointed out that many textile traditions, with their heritage motifs and legacy weaving techniques, are on the verge of being forgotten. In an effort to address this issue, Yayasan Hasanah has collaborated with partners in various Malaysian states over the years to revive these textiles and restore them to their former glory.
During the Hasanah Gold Threads Awards presentation ceremony held in Kuching, Shahira explained that the awards not only aim to preserve and sustain Malaysia’s diverse textile-making traditions, but also to enhance appreciation for these crafts among the general public. The inaugural awards, presented in collaboration with Tanoti and the Asean Handicraft Promotion and Development Association, combine preservation with innovation. Shahira emphasized that culture is not just a static artifact displayed in museums, but it is a living expression of a nation’s identity. She further explained that the awards provide a platform for artisans to showcase their skills and inspire the creation of artwork that embodies the heart and soul of Malaysia.
Through this prestigious platform, the aim is to drive recognition and marketability for the artisans’ work. The Finance Ministry and Yayasan Hasanah are proud to present the Hasanah Gold Threads Awards, which align with their mission to support the preservation and sustainability of cultural heritage. Yayasan Hasanah is a foundation established in 2015 under Khazanah Nasional Berhad.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
