IWCT Handicraft Competition 2025/2026 Prize-giving Ceremony

The prize-giving ceremony for the Iban Women Charitable Trust (IWCT) Handicraft Competition 2025/2026 took place at a hotel in Kuching, Sarawak. Officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, the event celebrated the skill of Iban artisans while emphasizing the need to modernize traditional crafts for international competition. A total of RM100,000 in funding was announced to support the trust's initiatives in empowering rural communities and women through the creative industry.

The ceremony introduced the 'Ruai to the World' vision, which aims to place indigenous handicrafts into premium lifestyle brands, luxury hotels, and global fashion houses. Discussions during the event focused on overcoming challenges such as production costs, quality control, and the sourcing of natural materials. Officials encouraged the integration of digital marketing and e-commerce to expand the reach of traditional motifs like Pua Kumbu and beadwork.

Leadership from the IWCT underscored the importance of intergenerational responsibility, urging younger Sarawakians to master traditional weaving and design skills. By combining inherited knowledge with modern branding and professional training, the trust seeks to ensure that Iban handicrafts remain a vibrant and economically viable part of Sarawak’s cultural identity.