BEAUTIFUL BEADS: Abang Johari (centre) admiring the intricate beadworks at the Sabah Bureau’s booth in the beads bazaar. Heidi (blond hair) is standing right behind him.
KUCHING: Beadmakers in the state should conduct more research on bead design and production to boost the trade, said Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Beadmakers are encouraged to do lots of research and development (R&D) to produce attractive designs. Let R&D on beads become a culture of beadmakers here,” he said at the opening of the 3rd Borneo International Beads Conference (Bibco) here yesterday.
Also present were Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah and Tourism Assistant Minister Datuk Talib Zulpilip.
He said the conference is an apt platform for beadmakers, both local and foreign, to deliberate on the cottage industry, and how it can be taken to a higher level.
“This conference not only gives insight on the development of beads from around the world, but also provides a platform of knowledge and culture sharing among the participants.
“Beads have always been a part of Borneo’s heritage and culture. We hope beadmakers will continue
to create new and attractive designs using various materials such as glass and ceramic clay.”
Abang Johari said the state and federal governments were working together to ensure that beadmakers could produce products that could be marketed overseas as this is a very promising industry.
“We have decided to have Bibco every two years in Sarawak. We hope the conference will produce smart partnerships among beadmakers and position beads as an important product in the global market.”
Meanwhile, organising chairperson Heidi Munan said the three-day conference was aimed to bring indigenous designers to a wider global audience.
“The conference is organised to provide a networking platform for all beads artisans, scholars, researchers and producers.
“We hope the exposure will help them improve their skills and networking, while the foreign participants will be able to bring home fresh ideas on beads-making.”
Bibco has managed to attract delegates from across the country, India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, Germany, The Netherlands, USA and United Kingdom.
Among some of the activities to be held are workshops, demonstrations, beads bazaar and gala dinner. There are 25 stalls at the beads bazaar offering all kinds of beads, bead ornaments, jewellery and jewellery-making equipment.
To learn more about Bibco, visit http://www.crafthub.com.my.