Nuansa Seni 2026 Empowers Sarawak Malay Heritage Onto Global Stage
KUCHING: The Nuansa Seni 2026 programme has returned with a clearer and more focused vision to elevate Sarawak Malay heritage arts into a sustainable industry that is both competitive and relevant at a global level.
Organised under the theme “Golden Threads of Borneo: From Ancestral Hands to Global Eyes,” this seventh edition serves as more than just a performance platform, it acts as a catalyst for developing a heritage ecosystem that encompasses the preservation of authenticity, the empowerment of artists, and the expansion of markets internationally.
The event was graced by the presence of the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, accompanied by his wife, and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Morshidi Fredrick.
Programme Director Dr Sharifah Suzana Wan Shukran stated that Nuansa Seni was born from the belief that heritage should not merely be preserved passively but must be highlighted, dignified, and expanded to remain relevant amidst globalisation.
“Nuansa Seni is not just a fashion show; we are building an ecosystem that connects tradition with innovation, culture with the global market, and heritage with the new generation,” she said during her speech at the event held at The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching, on Friday.
According to her, the programme also emphasises the development of new talent by providing platforms, learning opportunities, and exposure to the commercialisation of heritage art products.
Key highlights included an opening performance, a symbolic launch ceremony, and a fashion show featuring eight designers: D Keringkan x Maskota, Ben Affiq, Melati Burlian from Indonesia, Helmi Batik, Ben Nazry, Little Ummi from Brunei Darussalam, Atma Nusa, and HERA by Nurul Supardi.
This edition also introduced a new approach through the organisation of the Keringkam Masterclass, alongside the involvement of international artisans from Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, aligning with aspirations to expand cross-border networks.
Through the implementation of structured programmes such as exhibitions, workshops, collaborations, and masterclasses, Nuansa Seni functions as a strategic platform gathering artisans, designers, industry players, policymakers, and the community in an effort to strengthen the heritage industry.
The initiative also stresses the importance of ensuring that artists not only inherit traditional skills but also enjoy sustainable and fair economic returns.
Nuansa Seni 2026 reflects the continuous commitment of various parties to preserve and empower Sarawak Malay artistic heritage, ensuring it continues to flourish as a source of identity, pride, and economic value, while bringing the story of Borneo to the world stage.
-UKASnews
