In a world that’s moving faster every day, it’s easy for the quiet art of craftsmanship to fade into the background. But for a group of 10 Malaysian artisans, designers, and creative entrepreneurs, the rhythm of tradition still beats strong — and it’s taking them all the way to Türkiye.
As part of the Khazanah ACE² Heritage Textile Fellowship, these talented individuals will soon embark on a six-month journey that bridges two worlds: Malaysia’s rich textile heritage and Türkiye’s centuries-old legacy of craftsmanship. The fellowship, a collaboration between Yayasan Hasanah and Yayasan Khazanah, is designed to ensure that heritage isn’t just preserved — but reimagined for the future.
A Cultural Bridge Between Malaysia and Türkiye
Türkiye was chosen as the inaugural destination for this year’s fellowship — and for good reason. From the elegant silkwork of Bursa to the intricate embroidery of Istanbul, the country stands as a living example of how traditional art can evolve alongside modern design and technology.
Over the course of three immersive weeks, the fellows will explore Istanbul, Kayseri, and Bursa, engaging with artisans, cooperatives, and cultural institutions that embody both heritage and innovation.
Their programme includes workshops at the Sabancı Olgunlaşma Enstitüsü, where they’ll learn textile preservation and fine embroidery techniques, as well as visits to Kayseri’s artisanal weaving studios and Bursa’s textile cooperatives, famed for their silk and sustainable dyeing traditions.
But the journey doesn’t end there. Upon returning home, each fellow will continue with a five-month mentorship and product development phase — culminating in a Capsule Craft Collection that reflects their newfound skills, global exposure, and renewed sense of creative purpose.
Ten Threads, One Story
What makes this fellowship particularly inspiring is the diversity of its participants. From batik to bamboo, from keringkam to telepuk, each artisan carries a piece of Malaysia’s cultural fabric with them.
Among this year’s cohort are names like Haris Rashid, a mixed-media artist redefining batik through contemporary storytelling; Nor Azrina Lasa, founder of bATIKTEKTURA, who marries architecture and textile art; and Neng Kho Razali, a Sarawakian designer known for headpieces that celebrate local folklore.
Also joining them are Foo Hui Ping, who blends architectural principles with Tenun Pahang weaving; Norinda K. Su’ut, a master of Sarawak’s keringkam embroidery; and Mohd Azwarin bin Ahmed, one of the few remaining Telepuk artisans in Malaysia.
Completing the group are Charmaine Kamal, a fibre artist experimenting with sustainable materials; Emily Jeneble, a bamboo weaver from Sabah empowering her community through traditional crafts; Rosliza Muhammad, a batik artist celebrated for her organic floral motifs; and Norasilah Jamlun, who keeps Sabah’s Dastar embroidery alive for a new generation.
Each of them brings something different to the table — yet together, they represent a shared mission: to ensure that Malaysia’s textile traditions continue to evolve, inspire, and endure.
When Heritage Meets Innovation
For Yayasan Hasanah, the Fellowship is about more than just training. It’s about connection — to history, to community, and to a global network of makers who believe in the power of craft.
“Türkiye offers a fascinating example of how a nation can modernise without losing its soul,” shared a Hasanah representative. “Our fellows will learn not just new techniques, but new ways of thinking about sustainability, creativity, and cultural identity.”
Indeed, Türkiye’s textile industry has long been admired for balancing artistry with scalability — something many Malaysian artisans aspire to achieve. Through this exchange, fellows will gain insight into how traditional craftsmanship can thrive in modern economies without sacrificing authenticity.
Weaving the Future
When they return, the fellows won’t just bring home new skills — they’ll bring back stories, connections, and a renewed belief in what Malaysian craftsmanship can become. Their upcoming Capsule Craft Collection will stand as a testament to this — a creative fusion of Turkish inspiration and Malaysian heritage, shaped by six months of discovery and growth.
Beyond textiles, the Khazanah ACE² Heritage Textile Fellowship is a celebration of people — of artisans who refuse to let tradition fade quietly into the past, and of a new generation determined to keep Malaysia’s cultural threads alive and vibrant.
As they set off for Türkiye, these 10 fellows carry not just fabric and thread, but the heart of a nation’s artistic legacy. And as their journey unfolds, one thing becomes clear: the story of heritage is far from over — it’s only just being rewoven.
