Kuala lumpur: Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah graced the Piala Seri-Ibu Kraf 2026 Prize Giving Ceremony held at the KLGCC Mall here today. Upon arrival at about 3 pm, Tunku Azizah was welcomed by Sime Darby Property Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Azmir Merican.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Piala Seri-Ibu Kraf 2026 featured five main award categories: the Textile Award, Non-Metal Award, Metal Award, Innovation Award, and the Seri-Ibu Special Honour Award. Winners received RM5,000 in cash along with a trophy and certificate. The prize-giving ceremony marked the culmination of the Piala Seri-Ibu Kraf 2026 exhibition, which has been held at KLGCC Mall since February 4 in conjunction with the Seri-Ibu Kraf Week.
Commenting on the award, Azmir said it was more than a form of recognition, serving as a platform that elevates heritage-based crafts to remain relevant across generations while creating more sustainable economic opportunities for local artisans. He noted that the platform provides artisans with access to a more structured and equitable market, while it encourages the younger generation to view craft not merely as heritage, but as a dignified and viable career path.
He added that the initiative also helps preserve traditional skills such as weaving, metalwork, and ceramics. It enables local crafts to evolve through innovation and sustainability, supported by strategic collaboration between Sime Darby Property and CIMB Group.
The Non-Metal Award was won by Kelab Kebudayaan Mah Meri from Pulau Carey, Selangor, for its work E'et Ka'oi Nadik Hok Tohok. The Metal Award went to Kaiyi Wong, 32, from Pahang for What Holds the Glow, while the Textile Award was clinched by Wan Nadhiha Shahirah Wan Manang, 24, from Manang Songket, Terengganu, through Kain Tenun Limar Bersongket.
The Innovation Award was won by Koong Wei Lien, 40, from Klang, Selangor, for Mothur, while the Seri-Ibu Special Honour Award was awarded to Norita Abas, 43, from Yayasan Tuanku Nur Zahirah, Terengganu, for Songket Kilauan Warisan. Meanwhile, voting for the People's Choice Award, which allows members of the public to select their favourite works on display, remains open until March 1.