The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, officially launched the inaugural Sarawak Design Week this morning, thus kick-starting a four-day fair showcasing all things design, from furniture and home décor to fashion and handicrafts.
The launching event took place on a specially designed 360-degree stage in the middle of the SayD’Signers Pavilion, with giant overhead screens above it displaying the launching video after the Premier placed his palm on the screen behind him to symbolically officiate the expo.
Speaking at the launch event, the Premier of Sarawak congratulated Sarawak Design Centre (Saradec), who, in a collaborative effort with Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) of Indonesia, had successfully put together this homegrown design expo within a short time span.
The Sarawak Design Week 2023 opening ceremony featured special performances by Indonesia’s Sam Bimbo and the SayD’Signers, as well as a special presentation by keynote speaker YBhg Datuk Prof Ian Davies @ Iskandar Abdullah on the topic “Design for Tomorrow: Driving the Economic Transformation of Sarawak by Design” and a sharing by Yenni Ayu Rosita on her experience as a trainee in the SayD’SignersSarawak program.
A significant part of today’s proceedings was the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between Saradec and the Korean Furniture Association (KOFA), Sarawak Timber Association (STA), Sarawak Furniture Industry Association (SFIA), University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), and Kolej Komuniti Miri. The MOU with KOFA creates a market opportunity in Korea for furniture design by Sarawak’s young designers, while the MOUs with UTS and Kolej Komuniti Miri give graduates in design from both institutions a chance to take up the SayD’SignersSarawak programme.
After the launching ceremony, the Premier was taken on a tour of the expo, beginning with the SayD’Signers Pavilion and continuing all the way to the trade booths on Level 1, where he was also treated to a welcome dance at the Indonesian Pavilion.
Held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, now through February 16, Sarawak Design Week brings together both industry professionals and design enthusiasts alike. It is aimed at creating awareness about the importance of design, attracting potential buyers and collaborations, creating a Sarawak brand image, and establishing a design hub in Sarawak.
The theme of the expo is “Design for Tomorrow,” represented by the centerpiece at the main entrance of BCCK.
“There is a story behind this centerpiece. The chairs at the bottom are rather plain-looking and are most likely available in many other places. But as we move up, we see that the designs of the chairs become more creative. Right on top, we see one of the most unique pieces designed by our SayD’Signers. It is both creative and future-forward. And that piece on top aptly represents the theme “Design for Tomorrow,” shared Saradec’s CEO, Dayang Nena Abang Bruce. She added that Sarawak Design Week gave the opportunity for all the designers in Sarawak (not just furniture designers) to showcase their creativity.
“If this expo turns out to be a success and we are able to organise it every year, we will expand the perspective to include designers of all other disciplines also, because I believe that there are so many talented designers here in Sarawak,” she added.
Sarawak Design Week 2023 is endorsed by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED), Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), and supported by STIDC.
There will also be fun activities for everyone, such as art sessions at the Kids Corner, a daily lucky draw with exciting prizes to be won, and an Art Wall at BorneoTalk’s booth where visitors can get creative and win goodies, including Lee Fah Mee’s new snack flavours (available only at BorneoTalk’s booth throughout the expo).
Check out the official website and Sarawak Design Centre’s Facebook page and Instagram account for more updates.
