03/02/2025

MONDAY | FEB 3, 2025

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Custodian of vintage art keeps craft alive

o Certified sole male hand-embroidery tailor in Malaysia keen to impart skills to next generation

done entirely by hand, ensuring every curve and floral motif follows the original sketch perfectly. The end result is more refined, comfortable to wear and uniquely personal,” Wan Azwade added. Using a special tool called a ram to keep the fabric taut, he can complete five to six sleeves with biku (scalloped edges) in a day, Bernama reported. More intricate floral motifs or customised patterns could take up to two days, with prices ranging from RM150 to several thousand ringgit, depending on the complexity of the design. His work is not limited to traditional clothing as his embroidery can also be found on doll outfits, shoes, handkerchiefs and even framed artwork for collectors. His clientele is as diverse as his craft, spanning Malays, Chinese, and Indians who appreciate the timeless elegance of his designs. Despite his passion, Wan Azwade knows the survival of sulam goyang depends on passing it down to the next generation. He dreams of mentoring apprentices, particularly single mothers and rehabilitation centre trainees, empowering them with a skill that can provide financial independence. “Right now, I have only one student from Ipoh, Perak, who is eager to learn. I’m willing to provide support, including sewing machines and equipment, as long as they have the dedication and determination to master the craft,” he said.

International kite festival set to be soaring success Introduced in 1995, previous editions of the festival have drawn a huge following among local and international kite enthusiasts. – PIC FROM WEEKEND GO WHERE SINGAPORE FB PAGE

BUKIT MERTAJAM: In today’s fast-paced world, embroidery has largely become the work of machines. The delicate art of hand-stitched lace and intricate patterns is fading, replaced by faster, automated methods that prioritise speed and convenience. Yet, amid this shift, one man remains devoted to a time honoured craft. Wan Azwade Ahmad, 47, is a rare gem – perhaps the only male tailor in Malaysia still practising sulam goyang , a traditional embroidery technique that demands extraordinary skill, patience and precision. For Wan Azwade, it is not just about stitching fabric but creating history, ensuring that this delicate art form does not vanish into obscurity. A native of Lunas in Kedah, his love for fashion began at the age of 19. Without formal training, he taught himself the basics of sewing, picking up techniques from village elders and refining his craft through trial and error. “I first came across sulam goyang on the internet, but learning it without a mentor was difficult. Even with a strong foundation in sewing, mastering the technique on my own was a struggle,” he said. His breakthrough came in 2021

when he was invited to attend a two-week course organised by the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation in Kepala Batas, Penang. There, he deepened his knowledge, honed his skills and received formal certification – earning recognition as the only male tailor in Malaysia with expertise in sulam goyang . “The art requires remarkable coordination, much like driving a car. Your hands must move in a rhythmic motion, your feet must operate the sewing machine pedal in sync, and your eyes must stay sharp to ensure the embroidery is precise. It’s tedious and time-consuming, but with patience and passion, it becomes second nature.” What makes sulam goyang truly special is its craftsmanship. Unlike machine embroidery, which often creates stiff and coarse lace due to its perforation technique, sulam goyang is soft and intricate. “The sewing machines I use are over 100 years old. The older the machine, the finer the embroidery it produces. While computerised embroidery is neat, it can’t fully stitch through lacework. It usually burns tiny holes into the fabric to create patterns, which can be uncomfortable when worn. “In contrast, sulam goyang is

JOHOR BAHRU: A total of 44 countries have confirmed their participation in the Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival, scheduled to be held at Bukit Layang-Layang here from Feb 12 to 16. Malaysia Kite Council president Datuk A. Rahim Nin said the 27th edition of the festival features 376 international and local kite enthusiasts taking part with three new participants, namely La Reunion, Tasmania and Tahiti. “The event showcases modern and traditional kites at both international and national levels, with competitions for wau and other traditional kites. A special gallery will be set up to display kites from different countries. “We anticipate over 500,000 visitors for this year’s festival, themed ‘Stay Clean, Enjoy Fly’,” he told a press conference on Saturday. A. Rahim, who is also Johor Kite Association president, said the opening ceremony would be held at Astaka Tradisional in Bukit Layang Layang on Feb 15 at 8pm and would be officiated by Johor Menteri Besar

Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. A. Rahim said due to good response from international and local participants, the Johor government has agreed to organise a national level kite festival in October. “The festival will be held twice a year, at the world and national levels, to allow for a more spectacular and lively celebration,” he said. First introduced in 1995, the Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival has drawn participation from countries such as Indonesia, China, Singapore, Thailand, England, Australia, Portugal and Argentina. It is also listed in the national and Johor tourism calendars. A. Rahim added that in conjunction with Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship this year, the Perlis government has agreed to host the Asean Kite Festival in May, featuring participation from all 10 Asean member states. “We will also collaborate with the Perlis government to organise the Perlis International Kite Fiesta on Feb 18 and participate in the Satun International Kite Festival in Thailand from Feb 20 to 23,” he said. – Bernama