(Kuching, 11th) The Iban Women Charity Trust (IWCT) has, for the first time, expanded its biennial Iban Handicraft Competition to cover the whole of Sarawak, attracting 111 participants from across the state, who submitted 122 pieces of work.
The winning works will be showcased and awards presented at a ceremony on August 15, to be officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
IWCT Chairwoman Tan Sri Empiang Jabu stated that this competition, organized by IWCT since 2013, has grown from a small district-level event into a platform encompassing all divisions of Sarawak, with participants coming from as far as Limbang and Lawas.
She said the strong response indicates that traditional Iban handicrafts remain vibrant, with artisans continuing to pass down skills from generation to generation.
“This competition aims to showcase the creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage of the Iban community, while providing artisans — especially those from rural areas — with a platform to display their talents, talents which may otherwise not be widely known,” she told reporters after chairing the eighth committee meeting here on Monday (August 10).
The competition, titled “Pekit Pengelandik Jari IWCT 2025/2026”, attracted 71 female and 19 male participants aged between 19 and 81, with the highest number of participants from Kapit division.
A significant new feature this year is the first-time opening up to male participants, and the addition of traditional blacksmithing (known as “Ngambuh”) as one of the competition categories.
This craft involves making the traditional Iban “Duku Pengayau” (a type of traditional blade), which reflects the historical and cultural significance of weapon-making in Iban society.
There are a total of nine categories in the competition, including ‘bang bang’ mat weaving, bead necklaces (Marik Empang or tangu), Baju Kuas (traditional Iban upper garment), Pua Kumbu (traditional Iban woven fabric), Kain Kebat, Kain Karap, as well as various forms of traditional Iban weaving.
Empiang said the competition also aims to ensure that traditional handicrafts remain vibrant and continue to be passed on to future generations.
“Iban handicrafts are not just decorative items. They carry our cultural knowledge, identity, stories, and traditional skills. If these crafts are no longer passed on and eventually disappear, a part of our identity will be lost with them.”
She added that traditional handicrafts can also contribute to rural livelihoods by providing artisans with extra income, greater exposure, and market access through tourism, cultural activities, and the creative economy.
The competition is particularly important for rural communities, as many artisans there possess outstanding skills but lack platforms to showcase their work.
“This is an opportunity for our brothers and sisters in rural areas who have excellent skills, but perhaps nowhere to display them. We want to provide a platform for them while also encouraging the younger generation to learn these skills, ensuring the continuity of tradition.”
Each category will award first, second, and third prizes; five consolation prizes are also set for each category.
The winning entries will be exhibited at the awards ceremony on August 15, giving the public and invited guests a chance to appreciate the artistry, craftsmanship, and diversity of traditional Iban handicrafts.
She noted that the continual increase in the number of participants and the quality of entries over the years is an encouraging sign for the future of Iban handicrafts.
She also called on young people to use digital platforms and modern skills to help traditional handicrafts reach wider audiences and remain vibrant in a changing world.
“We hope young people will use their digital platforms and knowledge to breathe new life into our crafts, keeping these traditions alive and appreciated by future generations.”
IWCT was established in 2009 under the Charity Ordinance, implementing initiatives aimed at empowering women and communities, including handicraft development, small business initiatives, and grassroots leadership programs.
Although there are currently no plans to upgrade the competition to national or international level, Empiang said IWCT’s current priority is to reach more skilled artisans across Sarawak and to add more categories in future competitions.
With competition entries now open statewide, this event has become an important platform to promote Iban handicrafts, preserve cultural identity, and create new opportunities for artisans.
IWCT Chairwoman Tan Sri Empiang Jabu stated that this competition, organized by IWCT since 2013, has grown from a small district-level event into a platform encompassing all divisions of Sarawak, with participants coming from as far as Limbang and Lawas.
She said the strong response indicates that traditional Iban handicrafts remain vibrant, with artisans continuing to pass down skills from generation to generation.
“This competition aims to showcase the creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage of the Iban community, while providing artisans — especially those from rural areas — with a platform to display their talents, talents which may otherwise not be widely known,” she told reporters after chairing the eighth committee meeting here on Monday (August 10).
The competition, titled “Pekit Pengelandik Jari IWCT 2025/2026”, attracted 71 female and 19 male participants aged between 19 and 81, with the highest number of participants from Kapit division.
A significant new feature this year is the first-time opening up to male participants, and the addition of traditional blacksmithing (known as “Ngambuh”) as one of the competition categories.
This craft involves making the traditional Iban “Duku Pengayau” (a type of traditional blade), which reflects the historical and cultural significance of weapon-making in Iban society.
There are a total of nine categories in the competition, including ‘bang bang’ mat weaving, bead necklaces (Marik Empang or tangu), Baju Kuas (traditional Iban upper garment), Pua Kumbu (traditional Iban woven fabric), Kain Kebat, Kain Karap, as well as various forms of traditional Iban weaving.
Empiang said the competition also aims to ensure that traditional handicrafts remain vibrant and continue to be passed on to future generations.
“Iban handicrafts are not just decorative items. They carry our cultural knowledge, identity, stories, and traditional skills. If these crafts are no longer passed on and eventually disappear, a part of our identity will be lost with them.”
She added that traditional handicrafts can also contribute to rural livelihoods by providing artisans with extra income, greater exposure, and market access through tourism, cultural activities, and the creative economy.
The competition is particularly important for rural communities, as many artisans there possess outstanding skills but lack platforms to showcase their work.
“This is an opportunity for our brothers and sisters in rural areas who have excellent skills, but perhaps nowhere to display them. We want to provide a platform for them while also encouraging the younger generation to learn these skills, ensuring the continuity of tradition.”
Each category will award first, second, and third prizes; five consolation prizes are also set for each category.
The winning entries will be exhibited at the awards ceremony on August 15, giving the public and invited guests a chance to appreciate the artistry, craftsmanship, and diversity of traditional Iban handicrafts.
She noted that the continual increase in the number of participants and the quality of entries over the years is an encouraging sign for the future of Iban handicrafts.
She also called on young people to use digital platforms and modern skills to help traditional handicrafts reach wider audiences and remain vibrant in a changing world.
“We hope young people will use their digital platforms and knowledge to breathe new life into our crafts, keeping these traditions alive and appreciated by future generations.”
IWCT was established in 2009 under the Charity Ordinance, implementing initiatives aimed at empowering women and communities, including handicraft development, small business initiatives, and grassroots leadership programs.
Although there are currently no plans to upgrade the competition to national or international level, Empiang said IWCT’s current priority is to reach more skilled artisans across Sarawak and to add more categories in future competitions.
With competition entries now open statewide, this event has become an important platform to promote Iban handicrafts, preserve cultural identity, and create new opportunities for artisans.
