International Borneo Fest @ Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur
Suria KLCC
241, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre
50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel : 603-2382 2828
FB : Suria KLCC
Business Hours :
Mon – Sun 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
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Thanks for the wonderful invitation, I recently went to Suria KLCC for the launching event of International Borneo Fest 2019, which happened from 12 to 14 June 2019 at the Centre Court.
Borneo is a land rich with arts and cultural diversity, contributed by more than 50 ethnic and sub-ethnic groups living harmoniously on the 743,330 square kilometres island. While not everyone has the opportunity to visit Borneo and experience the arts and culture of this unique island, Suria KLCC in collaboration with the Association of Sabah & Sarawak Heritage of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor brings the Borneo to you at Suria KLCC.
The International Borneo Fest was officiated by Federal Territory Minister, Yang Berhormat Tuan Haji Khalid Abdul Samad. Also presented was Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd chairman – Datuk Hashim Wahir, Dr Lawrence John – chairman and advisor of the Association of Sabah & Sarawak Heritage of Kuala Lumpur & Selangor, Suria KLCC chief operating officer, Francis Tan and Suria KLCC general manager, Ben Chong.
“We are honoured to be part of this event that promotes harmony in the diversity of ethnicity, tradition, arts and culture in Borneo, specifically in Sabah and Sarawak. Some of us may not have the opportunity to visit Sabah and Sarawak, hence the International Borneo Fest 2019 are here to give them the chance to explore the two states,” said Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd Chairman, Datuk Hashim Wahir at the launch of the International Borneo Fest.
The main highlights of the International Borneo Fest were Borneo Designers Award and Miss & Mister Ambassador 2019. This year, 12 Sabah and Sarawak-based designers showcased their exclusive collections. They were Hardi Roman, Marcel Gatisi, Amythen Chiew Phin, Recheal Binti Paul, Joanna Jane, Dexter Dylen Dunstan, Ahmad Fikri Gompul, Lo Teck Hua, Melanie Dewok or Bidayuh, Dorothy Anak James, Deasy Divinne Juanis and Ahzwansyah Ahmad.
The International Borneo Fest is a good platform for these young designers to showcase their collections. The best 3 designers will be given the opportunity to feature their collections at the final leg of the International Borneo Fest to be held in London by end of this year.
Other activities during the event included basket weaving demonstration from Penan tribe. Shoppers can learn the art of weaving basket from the Penans using pine straw, willow, pandan leaves, pandanus odoratissimus (mengkuang) and rattan from scratch. If you want to experience living like the Penans, visit Sarawak Tourism booth for more information on the Penan’s homestay. The Penan tribe have only recently begun taking in visitors.
If you are brave enough, why not participate in the “Sago worm” eating challenge that is first time being organised. “Sago worm” or “Butod” among the locals in Borneo is considered a delicacy and a major source of income for many households in the rural communities. This high-protein, high-fat grub can be dried, smoked, grilled or stir-fried. For the real connoisseur, you can try to eat while it is still alive. The taste of the live ones is described as creamy like soft melted toffee without any of the foulness that one might associate with eating larva.
Shoppers can also find authentic Sabah and Sarawak food and drinks such as layered cakes, black pepper cookies, traditional herbs, laksa Sarawak paste, rice wine and Sabah’s fragrant organic rice “Beras Wangi Keladi” – planted only at Kampung Tambutuon in Kota Belud. There were also bags and accessories made from beads, gem stones and wood.
For more information and performances schedule, please visit www.suriaklcc.com.my.
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More photos at FOOD Malaysia facebook page, a Malaysian food and lifestyle blogger since 2010
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