27/08/2025

LYFE WEDNESDAY | AUG 27, 2025

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Songket pride o Elevating heritage through handbags

N URUL Wahidah Mustafa was only four years old when she started making pencil cases from fabric scraps. Today, through her brand Karya Songket, she designs clutches and handbags from songket that have attracted customers from Singapore and Brunei, along with prominent figures and members of royalty. “I began designing and sewing pencil cases from fabric scraps as gifts for friends when I was only four. Some even ordered phone pouches, pillow cases and other items to support my hobby back then,” said Nurul Wahidah, 35. Songket is a traditional handwoven fabric belonging to the brocade group of textiles. The uniqueness of the handbags to the

had worked as a lecturer for a year, but realised that her true calling was in craft making. “In the beginning, I struggled to find a job related to my qualification, so I turned to making handbags from cotton and batik fabric, and tried selling them online. “(In 2018) one of my customers suggested that I make handbags using songket since they were rare in the market. I tried making one from an old sampin at home and surprisingly, it attracted more customers,” she recalled. She also said producing fully handmade handbags is challenging as it requires q

Nurul Wahidah with her creations. Nuru

shared by other bag makers,” she said, adding that her creations are made from commercial songket fabrics available at textile shops. Although still operating alone from home on a small scale, Nurul Wahidah hopes to one day open her own workshop and share her skills with the community, particularly women who wish to generate income through sewing. Priced between RM79 and RM199 each, her elegant shar mak that mad song at te op ho Nu to ow sh th p w g t R

crafted by Nurul Wahidah lies in the blend of m o d e r n techniques with designs that appeal to the y o u n g e r generation. This is achieved by carefully considering customer feedback and preferences, especially in terms of colour and style, to ensure her products remain relevant and sought after. Beyond being fashion accessories, g k , of o ts nd ng es,

For Nurul Wahidah, songket is not just a heritage textile but also a platform for expression, innovation and national identity.

accessories are produced in limited quantities, averaging around 50 handbags a month, and are sold exclusively online. “ Songket has a soul. When you carry a songket handbag, it stands out even with simple clothing. It carries our identity as a nation with art, history and values,” the songket enthusiast said. accessories are quantities, ave

perseverance, technical skills and design knowledge, as well as a great deal of patience as the process of making one can be lengthy. “ Songket is a delicate fabric. It wrinkles easily and cannot be folded carelessly. So I learned the proper techniques through videos and online groups, and through knowledge

The uniqueness of the handbags crafted by Nurul Wahidah lies in the blend of modern techniques with designs that appeal to the younger generation. – PICS FROM BERNAMA

her songket handbags have also been chosen as official souvenirs by several organisations, representing Malaysia’s cultural heritage on the global stage. Nurul Wahidah, who has a degree in tourism management from Universiti Utara Malaysia, said she

For her, songket is not just a heritage textile but also a platform for expression, innovation and national identity. Her songket creations are her

commitment this traditional textile art alive and recognised by future generations. – Bernama to keeping

‘Beauty queens more than just pretty face’ THE selection of a beauty pageant winner should not hinge solely on physical appearance, but rather on the contestant’s ability to inspire, influence others positively and embody the qualities of a role model within society, said Melisha Lin. have the 5Bs – beauty, body, brain, business and behaviour. A beauty queen must have 4Bs. I would leave out business, but the other four are important. “Popularity can be bought, but genuine positive feedback cannot. When there is a homecoming event or a special gathering and people show up just to see you, that is real support,” she said.

“Beauty, I think that is common. But you have to have your own unique beauty to represent the country, and a healthy and attractive physique. Behaviour… your attitude matters, and brain – everyone should have basic knowledge and an educational background,” she said. Lin also highlighted the importance of using the beauty queen platform to speak out on meaningful societal issues. “Every queen has something they are fighting for. For example, in my case, I have been a strong advocate for mental health since 2016, even during my school days. I have been with the National Coalition of Mental Health in Malaysia for a long time,” she said. Asked about the importance of social media influence, she believed that sincerity in engagement and maturity in handling criticism are key to earning and maintaining respect.

“I have 104,000 followers on social media, but I still take the time to reply to their messages one by one. That is something I have done since the time I had only 100 followers. That is what keeps fans loyal and eager to support you, no matter what,” she added. Lin said as the new national director of the Miss Grand Malaysia beauty pageant, she will place strong emphasis on loyalty to the country and nurturing a patriotic spirit among the new winners. “They should not forget where they come from. I also deeply value my support team… every one of my designers, media team, photographers and media partners. Whether on stage, off stage or behind the scenes, these are the people I truly care about. Without them, we would not be where we are today,”she said. – Bernama

The Miss Grand Malaysia 2025 national director said holding a beauty queen title comes with great responsibility as the individual represents the country on an international stage. “When I wear the Malaysian sash and when I am on the international stage (for a competition), they do not call me Melisha Lin. They call me ‘Malaysia’. Whatever I do, whatever I say is a reflection of my country,” she said after appearing on Bernama TV’s Darah Muda programme, titled Miss Grand Malaysia: Crown, Beauty, Leader . Lin, who emerged fifth runner-up in Miss Grand International 2024, said the key qualities of a beauty queen include beauty, physical fitness, good conduct, knowledge and educational background. “In Miss Grand International, we

Lin says holding a beauty queen title comes with great responsibility. – PICS FROM INSTAGRAM @MELISHALIN_

Lin says she has been a strong advocate for mental health.