Last weekend at AEON Mall Kuching Central, Sarawak Arts Battle 2024 showcased makeup, henna, and design talents. The event featured vibrant displays of cultural attire, henna artistry, and makeup competitions.
An exciting display of makeup, henna, and cultural fashion
Last weekend, while our Malaysian athletes were battling it out in the SUKMA Games in Sarawak, a mall in Kuching hosted a different kind of competition. Sarawakian makeup artists, henna artists, and designers showcased their skills in a bid to win awards across various categories in the beauty industry.
The atrium of AEON Mall Kuching Central was packed with a large, enthusiastic audience who actively cheered for their favourites and swayed to the Bollywood music that played loudly. For visitors to our state, it was a vibrant display of unity and multiculturalism.
The Sarawak Arts Battle was organised by Kaizen Events, and its founder and organiser, Raja Inai Sarawak, was thrilled to host the second season of this exciting and challenging event.
The first season of the Sarawak Arts Battle in October 2023 was a success, featuring enhanced attendee engagement and an Indonesian theme with cultural costumes.
This second season attracted even more participants. In the makeup categories alone, there were 39 participants, and along with their models, the atmosphere was vibrant as they moved around the audience in Indian sarees, lehengas, and other themed attire.
The beauty arts competitions took place on August 17, while the closing ceremony and awards announcement were held the next day.
We asked Raja Inai Sarawak, a renowned makeup artist and award-winning designer, about the objective of this event.
“It is a great platform for emerging young artists. By participating in the makeup, henna, and cultural wear competitions, they can showcase their beauty artworks to the public. At the same time, it helps promote their brands and improve their personal development and confidence,” he said.
He added that the artworks displayed by the contestants were judged by professional judges. It is also important to accept public feedback with an open mind, as public opinions can help them improve their skills.
Every contestant has different knowledge and skills. By participating in the competition, they can exchange ideas and knowledge among themselves and engage in networking as well.
Additionally, it provides a space and platform for new young talents to showcase and promote their businesses and beauty arts.
The first season of the Sarawak Arts Battle in 2023 saw its winners benefiting from this platform and becoming highly sought after for their services.
The closing ceremony featured the first group appearing on the runway in traditional Malay attire, particularly the Baju Kurung. In Malaysia, this traditional dress reflects a deep connection to the nation’s cultural heritage. Worn with pride, it embodies timeless elegance and cultural identity. The youngest participant in this group was an 8-year-old who was both cute and confident, and she received a Personality Award.
This was followed by the next group competing in the henna competition.
Henna provides a temporary tattoo alternative for those who prefer non-permanent body art. During Malay weddings, the bride and her family often gather to have henna applied by a professional artist. The bride’s arms and legs are adorned with beautiful henna designs to enhance her appearance.
Many henna artists were present last Sunday, including a legendary artist who served as a judge and emerging talents who competed with their designs. The henna designs featured delicate paisley floral patterns, embroidered motifs, and intricate filigree foliage.
The models had their hands painted with a rich palette of jewel tones and regal accents.
In the makeup artistry group, the large number of participants led to the division into two categories: Male and female.
This category focused on the overall full-face makeup look. Some participants took a simple approach, while others opted for a more dramatic style.
The judges for the makeup artists (MUA) competition were renowned MUAs Kenny Yeo, Orden Syam, and Starllient Buma.
The privately funded event was sponsored by AEON Mall Kuching Central, ZZ Cleaning Services, Jarum Berlian, Alisya Zaquan, Starllient Buma, Aniq Shazwan, and others.
The winners of the Sarawak Arts Battle 2024 are as follows: Khairi Yusuf took the title of Sarawak Next Top MUA 2024 in the male category, while Atenn Ten won in the female category.
Bunga Henna was named Sarawak Top Henna Artist 2024, with Jacklyn Rose as the first runner-up and Geerot InaiPacar as the second runner-up.
Nur Amidhiya was crowned Puteri Melayu Sarawak 2024.
