Models parade in attire from Helmi Batik’s collection.
KUCHING (May 3): The Nuansa Seni programme stays true to its vision of elevating the heritage arts and products of the Sarawak Malay community, from cultural legacy into a sustainable and globally-relevant industry.
This was the highlight of its seventh edition, themed ‘Golden Threads of Borneo – From Ancestral Hands to Global Eyes’.
Staged at The Waterfront Hotel here on Friday evening, this year’s event featured the traditional crafts of ‘songket’ (traditional Malay woven fabric), ‘keringkam’ (intricately-embroidered square scarf, used to be worn only by Sarawak Malay women of aristocracy), hand-drawn batik and embroideries.
These items were presented both in their simplest forms, and also as contemporary fashion meant to position them within a broader narrative of innovation, economic empowerment, and international visibility.
According to the programme’s founder and director Dr Sharifah Suzana Wan Shukran – or more known as ‘Dr Anna Sue’ – Nuansa Seni is not merely a cultural showcase.
A showcase of the ‘Kalas’ collection, a collaboration between by D’Keringkam by Danny Zulkifli and Maskota by Seri Gedong Songket.
“It’s more than a fashion show; it is a strategic platform that brings together artisans, designers, industry players, policymakers, and the wider community to strengthen the ecosystem of our heritage arts.
“Through curated programmes, masterclasses, exhibitions and collaborations, this initiative aims to preserve authenticity while enabling growth, market access, and long-term sustainability for the local practitioners.
“Nuansa Seni also provides them with a stage to showcase their artworks, which can lead to awareness and commercialisation,” she said in her opening remarks for the event, which hosted State Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan and his wife Datin Melinda Claudia Bucking as the guests-of-honour.
Models parade in attire from Helmi Batik’s collection.
Also present were permanent secretary to the ministry Morshidi Fredrick, its special administrative officer Datu Dr Rashidah Bolhassan, Old Kuching Smart Heritage advisor Datu Dr Sabariah Putit, as well as Consul General of Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Dr Abdullah Zulkifli and his wife Gusti Nirmala.
Adding on, Anna Sue stressed that at its core, Nuansa Seni had always championed the belief that heritage must evolve to remain relevant.
“By bridging tradition with contemporary appreciation and global opportunities, the platform aspires to ensure that Sarawak Malay arts are not only preserved, but continue to thrive as a source of identity, pride, and economic value.
“Moreover, Nuansa Seni 2026 also reflects a collective commitment – one that calls for continued support from all sectors to safeguard and advance this invaluable cultural legacy.
“With the right investment, recognition and collaboration, these golden threads of heritage can extend far beyond borders, carrying the story of Borneo to the world.”
Models looking resplendent in these traditional wedding ensembles by Brunei’s Little Ummi.
On the seventh edition of Nuansa Seni, Anna Sue said it brought a new direction in the form of a ‘Keringkam Masterclass’.
“For this workshop, we also invited international artisans from Indonesia and Brunei to signify Nuansa Seni’s aim of going beyond the nation’s borders,” she added.
For Nuansa Seni 2026, the featured artisan-designers were D’Keringkam by Danny Zulkifli; Maskota by Seri Gedong Songket; Helmi Batik; Ben Afiq; Atma Nusa; HERA by Nurul Supardi; Raja Inai Sarawak; Jejak Warisan Mensia, curated by Anna Sue; Melati Burlian (Indonesia), and Little Ummi (Brunei).
Male models present the contemporary village-themed style of Raja Inai Sarawak.
