Kuala lumpur: The Tengku Puteri Jihan Cup will be introduced as a new category specifically for students in the Royal Pahang Weaving Competition, providing a platform for them to showcase their creativity and skills in the art of weaving. Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah announced this initiative, which aims to recognize the participation of students from the National Craft Institute (IKN) and Royal Pahang Weaving Skills Institute (IKTPD).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tunku Azizah expressed that it would be unfair to have students compete against more experienced weavers, as they are still learning. The announcement was made during a press conference on the Pahang Heritage Festival 2026 at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), located within the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Royal Museum Complex.
The trophy is named after Tengku Puteri Jihan Azizah 'Athiyatullah to acknowledge her talent and contributions, while also encouraging young people to take an interest in the country's arts and heritage. The first-place winner will receive RM10,000, with RM7,500 for second place and RM5,000 for third place, along with two consolation prizes of RM1,500 each.
Regarding the Tunku Azizah Trophy for the Royal Pahang Weaving Competition, the prize-presentation ceremony is scheduled for Sept 5 at 8 pm, with total cash prizes of RM151,000, including trophies and certificates for the winners. The main competition offers RM30,000 for first place, RM20,000 for second, and RM10,000 for third, plus consolation prizes and awards.
The Pahang Heritage Festival 2026 will run from Aug 29 to Sept 7, featuring a range of programs at MOCA, the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Royal Museum Complex, and the Kuantan City Council (MBK) 1 Field. The festival aims to raise public awareness about preserving the state's heritage and introducing local culture to younger generations.
Tunku Azizah highlighted that the festival would include craft exhibitions, workshops, and demonstrations, featuring traditional and heritage cuisine from all 11 districts of the state. Participants from Africa and Japan will also join to showcase their crafts and heritage.
Workshops by Malaysian craft entrepreneurs will cover disciplines such as wood carving, weaving, batik, metalwork, ceramics, rattan weaving, telepuk, and mengkuang weaving. The Malaysian Prison Department will participate by selling products made by inmates, including frozen food, Tenun Pahang Diraja, songket, and batik.
In addition to craft demonstrations and cooking sessions, Tunku Azizah will prepare traditional and royal recipes for visitors. The festival will also feature the 'Pasar Sera' market, open-air movie screenings, and other activities. The highlight will be the announcement of the Tunku Azizah Cup winners on Sept 5.