13/10/2025

MONDAY | OCT 13, 2025

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

6

Designer duo blends traditional artistry with bold modern design KUALA LUMPUR: A contemporary fashion collection inspired by the Bisaya ethnic heritage captivated audiences at Borneo Fashion Week 2025, blending traditional elements of the Bornean indigenous community with a bold modern twist. The designer duo from Brunei and Malaysia, Zulhelmi Kamaluddin and Fikri Afif Daud, unveiled 15 exclusive creations under their label Bilang, featuring distinctive touches such as butterfly-shaped brooches and traditional adornments crafted through intricate patchwork techniques. Each piece incorporated sleek, contemporary silhouettes accentuated by a striking palette of black and red – colours synonymous with traditional Bisaya attire and the collection’s central identity. Beyond bringing a refreshing aesthetic to the runway, the duo also aims to elevate Bisaya ethnic culture onto a regional stage and introduce it to younger audiences, particularly those unfamiliar with the heritage of the community originating from Brunei and the northern regions of Sarawak, including Limbang and Lawas. “Although the Bisaya ’s cultural heritage is rich and unique, it remains relatively unknown among local and regional communities,” Zulhelmi told Bernama after the showcase. According to Zulhelmi, the collection’s approach not only preserves traditional craftsmanship but also integrates modern design elements to appeal to a broader market. “As designers, we want these elements to gain wider recognition, especially in neighbouring countries such as Indonesia and Thailand,” he said. The fabrics used - including songket textiles – reflect deep cultural heritage while being reimagined into designs that feel fresh and relevant. For Fikri, the collection carries not just aesthetic appeal but also tells deeper cultural stories. “We want this collection to honour Bisaya heritage by presenting a cross-cultural narrative between Brunei and Sarawak. “It’s not just fashion, but a medium to share stories and cultural artistry that may not yet be widely known.” – Bernama

Malaysian voyager charts new course to inspire others

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o After 32-month journey around the world, mariner hopes to help others navigate fear and find their own courage

Yet it was the kindness of strangers that left the deepest mark. “Everywhere I went, people helped without expecting anything in return. It reminded me of the Malaysia I grew up in, in which diversity was celebrated and we saw each other simply as human beings. That same spirit was alive in the global sailing community. I wish that sense of unity would flourish again back home.” Fernandez’s voyage was fully self-financed. Along the way, he reached remote destinations untouched by any Malaysian before him, including Palmerston – a secluded island in the Cook Islands accessible only by sea. He also became the first Malaysian sailor to round the Cape of Good Hope from east to west, one of the world’s most treacherous routes. His 32-month journey concluded last Saturday when he stepped onto the outer pontoon of the Royal Selangor Yacht Club, where he was greeted by the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

PETALING JAYA: Fresh from completing his solo circumnavigation of the globe, sailor Fabian Fernandez is charting a new course – this time to inspire others to chase their dreams with the same grit and purpose that carried him across the world’s oceans. Fernandez plans to set up a company focused on training, motivation and personal development, anchored by what he calls the Dream Network or Dream Academy – a platform to help young people unlock their potential through discipline and clarity. He also aims to launch new social media channels to share insights, stories and lessons from his 32-month voyage aboard his vessel, Destiny 12 , hoping to motivate others to overcome fear and pursue ambitious goals. “This isn’t just for the youth,” he told theSun via WhatsApp. “It’s also for CEOs and senior managers – people with big goals who may have faced setbacks. We want to help them stay focused and

ocean – a task that would normally take two people ten minutes, but took him over four exhausting hours on a moving vessel. “Mentally, it was about staying calm and breaking the problem down step by step. Physically, it demanded every ounce of strength I had. That’s what ocean sailing teaches you – patience, resilience and adaptability.” The journey also tested him emotionally. He lost a close friend during the voyage, a tragedy that reminded him of the fragility of life and the strength of faith. “I’ve faced rough seas, equipment failures and near-death situations, but nothing compared with the emotional weight of that loss. Through it all, I truly felt the presence of God. There were moments when I knew I was being protected. That faith gave me the courage to keep going.”

push forward.” Fernandez said the idea stems from lessons learned during his global journey. “I’ve always believed in the saying ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained.’ Life is short, and we must find the courage to overcome whatever stands in our way.” What began as a five-year plan to explore the world at his own pace evolved into a test of resilience and adaptability as family and financial constraints forced him to shorten the trip. “Rather than viewing it as a setback, I saw it as a challenge – to stay efficient, focused and adaptable while completing the journey safely and meaningfully. It became a lesson in balancing dreams with real-life responsibilities.” Among the toughest moments was repairing a torn sail alone mid

(From left) Royal Selangor Yacht Club Commodore Ramasamy Menon, Tengku Amir Shah and Fernandez at the yacht club during the homecoming ceremony for Destiny 12. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ /THESUN

Call for bird-friendly cities to protect migratory species: Ministry PUTRAJAYA: The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry has called for concerted efforts to strengthen the sustainable habitats for migratory species that stop over in the country each year. pollution, planting native vegetation and making windows more visible to prevent bird collisions.

works to strengthen international cooperation and coordination in conserving migratory birds, their habitats and the human communities that depend on them. The recognition reflects Malaysia’s place among 19 countries along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, which is a major migratory route stretching from Russia and Alaska through East and Southeast Asia to Australia and New Zealand. – Bernama

since 2012. “As part of this commitment, Bako Buntal Bay in Sarawak – a vital stopover for more than 20,000 migratory birds – was designated as Malaysia’s first EAA Flyway Network Site in 2013.” the ministry added. The ministry also expressed appreciation to state governments that have taken proactive steps to protect migratory birds and nominate new Flyway Network Sites. Established in 2006, the EAAFP

“This year’s theme, ‘Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities’, highlights the importance of turning our urban environments into safe havens for migratory birds,” it said. The statement noted Malaysia’s long-standing commitment to the cause, adding that the country has been a member of the EAAFP

“Poorly planned urbanisation can lead to habitat loss, reducing crucial stopover sites where migratory birds rest and forage,” the ministry said in a statement in conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day 2025 on Saturday. The ministry urged sustainable urban planning and community participation through practical measures such as reducing light

conservation and protection of migratory birds by promoting bird friendly towns and communities. The ministry said the initiative aligns with Malaysia’s role as the national focal point for the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), underscoring the need to provide safe and