Kuala lumpur: The ASEAN Arts and 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot stated that 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. He highlighted that AACB 2025 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.
Also present at the event 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 Trkiye (traditional embroidery).
Shaharuddin noted that 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, helping to expand market reach, strengthen the commercial value of the craft sector, and introduce innovations that meet current demand.
He further expressed that media support has contributed to brand development, international recognition, and the growth of the country’s creative economy. He hopes 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 February 4 and 5.