SIBU: A total of 20 Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) members embarked on an educational trip to Hanoi, Vietnam from Nov 26 to 30 to explore and study the country’s renowned weaving crafts.
The visit, organised by SIDS Sibu Branch, was led by SIDS president Datuk Alice Jawan Empaling and SIDS Sibu Branch chairperson Angelyn Uchi Maseng.
Alice said the visit aimed to gather new ideas that could be adapted to advance Sarawak’s craft industry, particularly in promoting traditional Dayak weaving.
“The visit was also intended to explore opportunities for collaboration and new markets to globally promote Sarawak’s local crafts.
“This is a valuable opportunity for us to gain a closer understanding of how other countries develop their craft industries.
“With the knowledge we acquire, we hope to enhance the quality of Dayak crafts and expand markets as well as export opportunities abroad,” she said on Tuesday (Dec 3).
She added that as an organisation committed to preserving and promoting Dayak cultural heritage, SIDS will continue to pave the way for the development of local crafts to gain greater recognition on the international stage, while also making a positive economic impact on local communities.
“SIDS hopes that this visit will be the first step in strengthening cultural and trade relations between Vietnam and Malaysia, while creating more opportunities for Sarawak’s craft artisans to introduce their products to global markets.”
The delegation also made a courtesy call on Malaysia’s Ambassador to Vietnam Datuk Tan Yang Thai at the Malaysian Embassy as part of efforts to strengthen ties and promote Dayak crafts from Sarawak on an international platform.
