04/10/2025

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Gallery honours kek lapis legacy MIRI: Behind the meticulously arranged layers and striking motifs that have become its signature, the Sarawak layer cake ( kek lapis ) is far more than a traditional dessert. It is a symbol of pride for the people of Bumi Kenyalang and a sweet cultural bridge to those in Peninsular Malaysia. o Centre offers visitors information on history of iconic cake, showcase of popular flavours and baking experience identity of kek lapis . Visitors can try their hand at making one themselves and even dress up in traditional Sarawak attire. With its interactive, meaningful and culturally rich experiences, the gallery aligns with Mohammad Hafidz’s hope of bringing youth closer to this culinary legacy.

evolved into the Siti Payung brand. “People are amazed to see how a successful business can begin with a mother’s simple recipe notes. It becomes a symbol of love and family spirit and it reminds them of their own mothers’ recipes,” said Mohammad Hafidz, who now employs nearly 20 staff. Today, Siti Payung produces 39 varieties of kek lapis , from classics like Masam Manis and Betawi to uniquely patterned roll cakes such as Cadbury, Oreo and Mint, which set the brand apart from others. On future plans, Mohammad Hafidz said he hopes to modernise the museum with new technologies such as LED displays and artificial intelligence-based interactive features to create a more immersive experience. “I also hope to expand the museum to cater to more visitors, with a vision of turning it not only into a Miri icon but also an international gastronomic reference centre.”

recognised as a hub that unites culture, sustainability and innovation. With the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, we hope BFW would be included in the annual calendar of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.” At BFW, Kuching-based designer Nasarudin Latep of Nasha Prive will showcase a collection inspired by the Ring Lady of Sarawak, a fading tradition in which women are adorned with iron bangles. “This year, I want to highlight awareness on the Ring Lady. This tradition is fading and may disappear completely, so I’m using the fashion platform to spread the message that this heritage exists and should be valued. I want people to know that fashion can be a medium for championing heritage and raising awareness, not just about showcasing clothing,” he added. – Bernama exposure he gained in China in 2018 inspired him to champion the country’s culinary heritage. “There are many examples we can look to. In France, there are museums dedicated to cheese. In Malacca, there is the Honey Gallery that tells the story and benefits of bees. In Petaling Jaya, there is even a chocolate museum that attracts tourists. “All these show that local products are not merely commodities, they hold artistic, cultural and historical value. They can serve as centres of knowledge and tourist destinations,” he told Bernama. Spanning about 1,800sq ft, the gallery and museum offers more than just a walk through the history and

Awalk Commercial Centre on Airport Road, the gallery and museum has been open to the public without charge since 2019. It stands as the passion project of 40-year-old Mohammad Hafidz Rohani, whose mission is to elevate kek lapis as a world-class culinary heritage and ensure its legacy endures. He said the idea took root after he participated in the Alibaba Netpreneur Programme at Alibaba Business School in Hangzhou, China, an experience that opened his eyes to the importance of documenting business heritage. Mohammad Hafidz began selling traditional Sarawak layer cake in 2009 under the brand Kek Lapis Sarawak Siti Payung. The father of four said the

Its visual appeal and rich flavours have made it a must-buy for travellers. Many believe no trip to culturally diverse Sarawak is complete without bringing home at least a slice of the iconic treat that once captured the attention of celebrity judge Paul Hollywood on The Great British Baking Show . What few realise is the painstaking craftsmanship behind each cake, entailing a process that demands patience, precision and mastery of traditional techniques. That very complexity inspired a Sarawakian to establish the “Galeri dan Muzium Kek Lapis Sarawak Siti Payung”, the only one of its kind in the state. Housed in a modest building at

“Visitors can see for themselves the evolution of kek lapis , how it started, the pioneers, creation of its unique patterns and how the industry has grown into a Sarawak icon. It’s also a space to document the heritage for future generations.” The gallery showcases a variety of cakes with distinctive designs and themes, while the museum traces the evolution of their production, including the traditional tools used in earlier days. One of the most treasured exhibits is a handwritten recipe book belonging to his 74-year-old mother, Siti Jaharah Matassan. The book represents the family’s beginnings in the culinary arts before the business

Borneo Fashion Week returns on 10/10 KUALA LUMPUR: After nearly five years on pause, Borneo Fashion Week (BFW) returns in 2025 with its fourth edition since 2017, spotlighting Borneo’s textile heritage and sustainable fashion. East Malaysian fabrics such as kerikam and pua kumbu, which are rich in cultural value but rarely highlighted. “That is what drove me to establish BFW so designers from this region would have a platform to showcase their work.”

Carrying the theme “Fashion With Purpose”, the event will take place on Oct 10 and 11 at Pavilion Damansara Heights, featuring 22 designers from Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Brunei. Founder Stephanie Alcantara said BFW is not just a runway platform but also a space to empower new designers, nurture young talent and connect cultural heritage with the global fashion industry. Alcantara, who holds the title of Mrs Malaysia Classique Globe 23/24 and is also a former Miss Malaysia 1990 runner-up, said her five years in Kuching, Sarawak, opened her eyes to

For this edition, every designer must present at least one sustainable piece using recycled fabrics, eco friendly materials or alternative resources. “For example, clothing can be made from recyclable materials or items not commonly thought of as fashion textiles. We want to raise awareness that fashion is not just about appearance, it also involves how it is made and its impact on people and the environment,” she said, adding that she aims to position BFW as a key Asian fashion hub. “My vision is for BFW to be globally

Alcantara (third from left) said she aspires to position BFW as a key Asian fashion hub. – BERNAMAPIC