KUALA LUMPUR, 5 SEP: The highly anticipated Hasanah Gold Threads Awards (HGTA) 2024 reached its zenith with a dinner honouring the exceptional talent within the Malaysian heritage textile industry, held at the historic Rumah Tangsi in Kuala Lumpur on September 5th.
Presented by Yayasan Hasanah, HGTA aligns with its overarching goal of invigorating national identity by mainstreaming Malaysian arts, heritage and culture. By making these art forms accessible to all, galvanising recognition and support for the rich textile traditions of Malaysia, especially amongst the younger generations, Yayasan Hasanah has, in fact, re-introduced heritage textiles to the everyday rakyat beyond the textile scene.
The event was graced with the presence of Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof, Chairman of Yayasan Hasanah. Also present were trustees of Yayasan Hasanah.
“The second edition of the HGTA reaffirms our dedication to preserving and promoting Malaysia’s cultural heritage, especially our diverse textile traditions. In addition to the 18 awards presented last year, this year has unveiled 2 new supplementary awards – Youth Achievement and Sustainability Gold Awards, celebrating excellence in craftsmanship while promoting a national identity that underscores the role of our youth and sustainable practices. The lifetime achievement award, the Hasanah Gold Award, returned this year, continuing to honour those who have made significant contributions to our textile heritage,” said Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki, Trustee and Managing Director of Yayasan Hasanah.
This year, the Hasanah Gold Award was awarded to Adiguru Ngot binti Bi. A double award winner of the HGTA 23/24 for her exquisite plaitings, this 92-year-old is recognised as an Adiguru Kraf Negara by Kraftangan Malaysia and accredited as a Sarawak Living Legend by the Sarawak State Government.
“Additionally, while the initial boost from prize philanthropy is valuable in garnering participation, what really makes a difference are the lasting connections made between artisans and key industry players. This celebration of our artisans strengthens our cultural fabric and supports the growth of our creative economy.”
Jointly produced by Tanoti and ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA), HGTA 2024 was launched in April, where the nationwide rollout of HGTA2024 activations has seen a 4-month exhibition, workshops and residencies from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi, in a vibrant showcase of winners from the inaugural 2023 awards. These programmes have successfully captured the interest of the heritage textile community from across the nation; as seen from the 158 submissions this year over the 6 categories: supplementary weft, ikat, drawing and stamping, embroidery and embellishment, plaiting and beadwork.
In the 2 years since its inception, the HGTA has proven to be a key segment of the agenda towards not only sustainable conservation, but equally importantly, viability in the creative economic sector. HGTA 2023 winners have secured residencies and fellowships, proving that award recognition can translate into cross-industry collaborations with designers, AHC agencies and material producers, enabling winners to further develop skills and capacity.
No less is forecast for the 20 winning submissions this year. An outstanding exhibition of this year’s winning submissions, entitled Bebenang Masa (Threads of Time), will be open to all from September 5th – 8th at Rumah Tangsi.
Jackie Fong, Founder of Tanoti and co-producer of the HGTA believes, “the cocktail of activities that this second year encompassed were all designed to bring heritage textiles closer to the rakyat. We are pleased to arrive at the apex of our programme – the awards ceremony – where we celebrate exceptional craftsmanship and honour our artisans who have become precious custodians of our country’s culture, history and heritage.”
Our proud Malaysian legacy is woven into the very essence of our heritage textiles. The HGTA 2024 aspires to keep championing traditional and sustainable practices, and the inspiration brought by young talent. This much surely be what leads the charge into the future, as we become a Nation that creates, dedicated to Advancing Malaysia. Heritage textiles form the bridge that merges the past with our future, allowing us to carry forward the rich history of our ancestors.
To know about the HGTA you may visit our website at https://www.hasanahgoldthreads.com