KUCHING: The Sarawak indigenous Penan handicrafts are making their way into a national conference!
Specially designed Penan handwoven bags have been adopted as the official conference bags for the National Teochew Conference that will take place from 15 – 17 August, 2017 at Pullman Hotel here.
These colourful conference bags of unique Penan motifs in the state colours signify the warm Sarawakian hospitality to welcome more than 1,200 delegates who come from all over Malaysia. There are also special guests from China and Singapore attending the grand anniversary dinner.
The 78th National Delegates Conference cum 83rd Anniversary of the Federated Teochew Associations of Malaysia is hosted by the Kuching Teochew Association with the support of the other seven Teochew Associations from Sri Aman, Engkilili, Sibu, Mukah, Tatau, Bintulu and Miri.
The conference organiser’s initiative of using local handicrafts is supported by Sarawak Energy; it augurs well for Sarawak Energy’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) community investment initiatives on sustainable development for the Penan community and promoting indigenous culture and heritage.
The bags are produced by Penan artisans in the northern region of Sarawak who are supported and coordinated by the Ten Ringgit Club, a non-profit organisation that assists the artisans to sell their handicrafts to improve household incomes. Part of the sale proceeds also goes to an education fund to provide tuition and education aid for the Penan children.
The conference also augurs well with the state’s plan to promote tourism and business investment opportunities in Sarawak. This is the fifth time the event is being held in Kuching, it was last held here in 2005.
The event is also supported by the Sarawak Convention Bureau.
