KUCHING: The old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building will be turned into a centre of performing arts.
“This landmark building will be renovated into a centre where we can promote our unique culture and indigenous products,” said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during Gala Night Finale of Alta Moda Sarawak (AMS) 2019 at the building last Saturday night.
“We will boost the digital infrastructure here in hopes that we would be able to have our own applications and promote e-commerce so we can market the indigenous products and designs globally,” he said.
“The potential is there as we can witness how Sarawakians have made their marks in the international market.
“The AMS featured our own models with our established home-grown artworks paraded on the stage.”
Themed “Shine Bright Like A Diamond”, AMS which took place from March 7 to 9 saw the appearance of 21 local fashion designers highlighting their best products.
AMS is a brand platform for Sarawakian designers to come together to showcase their talents and creations in the fields of arts, culture and crafts.
The event is aimed at promoting Sarawak as a state with diverse ethnic groups and cultures. The Italian word “Alta Moda” means “high fashion”.
At the same time, AMS thanked Malay Car Importers and Dealers Association (Pekema) Sarawak for donating RM10,000 to them.
AMS later presented a cheque for RM1,000 to Sarawak Amateur Gymnastic Association (Sagyma) represented by its vice president Olivia Ling.
The final night showcased established designers in the fashion industry like Datuk Tom Abang Saufi, Anna Sue, Melor by Melinda Omar, Sereni and Shentel, Paul Carling, Najla Shoes, Anannasa, Brisbane, Gavroche by Arzmy Hargreaves, Ben Nazry and Von Jolly Couture.
The event attendees were also entertained by Sarawak-born singer Dayang NurFaizah. This was followed by a parade of three crowned Sarawakian models namely second runner-up in the Miss Planet International 2019, Viviana Lim Winston, Miss World Malaysia 2018 Larissa Ping, and Mr Tourism World 2017 Joshua Lennet.
AMS also presented the Sarawak Designer of The Year Award to Anna Sue, while Najla Shoes bagged the Sarawak Fashion Entrepreneur Award while Hafiz Carson finished with the Sarawak Emerging Talent Award. Each of the three winners received a bouquet of flowers, a certificate, a cheque for RM2,000 from Borneo Medispa and a cheque for RM1,000 from Power Root Global.
On its part, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology awarded the Limkokwing Sarawak Designer Protege Award to Latip’s Collection and Erwan Asbor. This comes with a scholarship worth RM120,000 to enroll in the Bachelor of Special Design programme or Diploma in Fashion Apparel Design programme at the university.
The notable guests present at the event were the chief minister’s wife Datuk Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, DUN speaker Datuk Mohammmad Asfia Awang Nassar and his wife Datin Fatimah Mohd Iskandar, Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan and wife Datin Melinda Bucking, Pekema president Tan Sri Datuk Seri Abang Khalid Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abang Marzuki and wife Datin Lily Johari, honorary secretary of Association of Wives of Ministers and Assistant Ministers of Sarawak (Sabati) Datin Zaliha, AMS chairman Datin Esther Mujan Balan, AMS managing director Datuk Raymond Jolly and Sarawak Arts Council chief executive officer Sharkawi Amit.
