21/09/2025

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NATIONAL 6 theSun on Sunday SEPT 21, 2025

Turning sewing passion into thriving venture

National Art Gallery Ipoh branch to open next year IPOH: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry is set to open its third National Art Gallery here, after Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi in Kedah, offering visitors the country’s most extensive immersive exhibition. Ministry secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said the new branch, which will begin operating in the iconic Ipoh Old Post Office building next year, was expected to serve as a contemporary art hub benefiting the art community. “In terms of tourism, it would certainly have a positive impact, with more visitors expected to come and see the collections at the National Art Gallery. “We will also upgrade the National Art Gallery and introduce immersive exhibitions here, which will be among the largest in Malaysia,” he said after officiating at the Ipoh Suka Langka Programme here on Friday. Also present was National Art Gallery director-general Amerrudin Ahmad. The Ipoh branch of the National Art Gallery will showcase visual arts with elements of digitalisation, with two main exhibition spaces featuring masterpieces by artists from Malaysia and Southeast Asia, while the lower level will be used for immersive exhibitions. Shaharuddin said the National Art Gallery would also feature tourism and art products showcasing historical sites, particularly in Perak, to draw more visitors to the state. On another matter, Shaharuddin said the ministry had so far visited more than 15 countries, including Switzerland, Poland, Thailand, Beijing and India to promote Malaysia as a tourism and business destination. “Preparations are running smoothly and the next programme will take place in Malacca at the end of this month. We have also just concluded the Malaysia Cultural Festival 2025. “The programme drew strong response from Malaysians as well as foreign tourists. We will continue organising programmes to attract tourists, particularly for Visit Malaysia Year 2026,” he said. – Bernama

KUALA TERENGGANU: A housewife has turned her sewing hobby into a rewarding venture, producing almost 100 creative batik -based products. Noraini A. Ghani, 46, from Kampung Banggol Donas, said she ventured into the craft industry about nine years ago after leaving her banking career to devote more time to her family. Cik Ning, as she is known, said she started making tote bags just to keep herself busy and as gifts for friends and family. “I used to work as a journalist and also spent five years in banking before quitting in 2016. “After leaving my job, I found myself browsing websites and social media more often. “That’s when I got the idea to make a tote bag after seeing many beautiful bags on the market, but none featuring batik motifs,” she told Bernama at her home recently. Cik Ning said she never expected her craft to gain public attention or generate orders. She believed that her “Crafted By Cik Ning” unique product designs and batik motifs set them apart from others on the market at the time. Cik Ning said with her husband’s support, she became more passionate and poured her creativity into producing a wide range of batik craft products, which quickly gained a considerable fan base. “Among my products are neckties, wallets, phone cases, bags, shoes, tablecloths, laptop bags and jackets. “The prices range from RM10 to RM300. “I also sell online to reach customers across the country and abroad,” said the Malaysian Skills Certificate Level 3 holder. Cik Ning shared that she also received support from government

Housewife crafts unique batik -based products, attracting attention of local and foreign buyers

Cik Ning with the batik -based products she crafted. – BERNAMAPIC

agencies, including the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda), in the form of grants and equipment. She is also frequently invited to conduct short courses at the Kuala Terengganu Community College and Kraftangan Terengganu. “I received a RM10,000 grant from Risda for a sewing machine, as well as assistance for product packaging, including paper bags bearing my brand

‘Cik Ning’. “I’m also very grateful that Risda helped me to register the trademark with the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation. “ Alhamdulillah , my decision to quit my job to focus on my family has been worthwhile, as I can now run my own small business.” She added that she often participates in training courses to improve her skills and business prospects.

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