Featuring a bustling outdoor expo and a focused conference at Hilton Kuching, the first BorneoCraft Global Expo and Conference 2024 brought together artisans, experts, and enthusiasts to promote Sarawak's crafts on a global scale
Event brief
The inaugural BorneoCraft Global Expo and Conference 2024 with the theme Globalising Local was aimed at elevating Sarawak’s craft industry on the global stage and boosting the state’s creative economy and cultural heritage.
The event, held from November 27 to December 1, 2024, was organised by the Sarawak Craft Council (SCC) and supported by various ministries, as well as the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau and Business Events Sarawak.
Place Borneo, the appointed event organiser, was tasked with orchestrating and executing a comprehensive programme to bring the vision of Globalising Local to fruition.
Event highlights
The craft expo component was held outdoors at the Kuching Waterfront area, while the one-day conference component was held at Hilton Kuching on November 29.
The keynote address was delivered by the World Craft Council Asia Pacific region president, Aziz Murtazaev.
Interactive workshops and masterclasses provided delegates with the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals and gain deeper insights into various aspects of arts and craft.
The expo attracted around 200 exhibitors, with about half of them hailing from Sarawak, showcasing the state’s vibrant artisanal scene and offering visitors a chance to appreciate and purchase unique, handmade items.
This inaugural event also made history by setting a Malaysia Book of Records achievement for the “largest participation in a bead craft making event, with 274 participants collaborating to create a stunning masterpiece.
Another key highlight was the inaugural MasterCraft Challenge 2024, held on November 30 at the Kuching Waterfront. This three-hour competition was open exclusively to Sarawakians, and it was aimed at uncovering local talent across various craft categories, including carpentry, pottery, beading and sculpting. During the competition, 10 artisans showcased their creativity and skills, where one individual walked away with the coveted title of MasterCrafter and a cash prize of RM5,000 (US$1,128).
Challenges
Place Borneo’s CEO, Mona Abdul Manap, shared: “The main challenge was building the brand of the event from scratch and convincing sponsors, governments, speakers, exhibitors, and participants that this would become an annual event, so they could plan how to be involved in future editions.”
As such, a press conference was held in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, before the event to raise awareness and build anticipation. International media were also flown in to experience the event first-hand and report on it, helping to build awareness of the event internationally.
Event BorneoCraft Global Expo and Conference 2024
Organiser Sarawak Craft Council
Venue Kuching Waterfront, Hilton Kuching
Date November 27 to December 1, 2024
Attendees 45,778 expo visitors and 552 conference delegates
