By Abang Farid Abang Taha & Nur Shazreena Ali
KUCHING: The Borneo Bengkel is among the various exhibition booth available at the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) this year, where a group of youth from Borneo Island incorporate the arts of traditional crafts with a modern twist.
It aims to introduce the idea on creativity among the youth through interdisciplinary, dialogue and knowledge exchange. The group consist on people from Sabah, Indonesia and Sarawak.
During a visit to RWMF, reporters from New Sarawak Tribune interviewed Borneo Bengkel, design lead, Sonia Luhong Wan, 30, about the fusion concept of traditional crafts into the things of today.
“The RWMF is a good platform for the youth of Borneo as there’s exposure to both the local and international crowd.
“It’s a place where culture and tradition exchange from one another. This initiative is a way to preserve our traditional culture and crafts.
“The group also inspired young artist talents and educate our people about the importance in preserving our roots in our daily life,” she said.
Sonia also said that the traditional crafting has withered down as the new generations are focusing more towards modernisation, traditions are forgotten.
