A FEW MONTHS AGO, I was invited to an evening event at the Godown Arts Centre in Kuala Lumpur. It was called IKAT 2.0, an initiative funded by Yayasan Hasanah that aims to embrace the heritage of tapestry weaving and textile art.
It was here where I first met Jacqueline Fong, the cofounder of Tanoti Crafts and the lead curator for the IKAT 2.0 KL edition. Upon meeting her for the first time, Fong radiated inspiration. But once I got to know her more, Fong presented herself as she truly was – a headstrong businesswoman.
Ever since the inception of Tanoti Crafts in 2012, Fong has been doing everything from providing career opportunities to initiating community-based projects. Her contributions through her business have empowered many lives in Sarawak as well.
One of the few examples is the Cloth Diaper Project, where Tanoti provided aid to families in the suburbs of Sarawak with their cloth diapers.
A specialty that Tanoti is known for is its hand-crafted woven goods. That includes classic designs like the songket fabric. Traditional techniques like weaving are some of the more underappreciated crafts in the world. With Tanoti Crafts in the picture, they are sustaining its heritage that’s proudly part of the Bornean culture.
Fong never really considered herself a benevolent person. But her actions speak for themselves through the many women that she has enabled and empowered through her business.
Let’s start from the top, how did Tanoti Crafts come about?
It was formed out of a sense of urgency. At that time, I had a full-time job working as an investment banker. One day, a friend approached me and told me about this weaving workshop that was about to close.
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Augustman Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Augustman Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FACING THE PROBLEM, APPLYING THE SOLUTION
British skincare brand Facetheory has landed in Sephora Malaysia.
A STEP CLOSER TO PARIS
Bistro Léa is Kuala Lumpur's latest destination for wholesome, classic French fare
The Rearing Horse meets the Celestial Dragon
Porsche Malaysia unveils the Taycan S-Turbo Celestial Jade, a one-off model part of the legendary Sonderwunsch programme
The Story Of Luxury
KOK LAI CHING, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SOUTHEAST ASIA & PACIFIC AT EDRINGTON, PURVEYOR OF SOME OF THE WORLD'S FINEST SPIRITS, AFFIRMS THE IMPORTANCE OF STORYTELLING TO THE PREMIUM OFFERINGS SHE OVERSEES.
The Future Will Be Pixelated, Probably
What are the implications on one's lived experience as online life is rife with meaning and possibilities?
Perfectly timed slam dunk
Seiko introduces two limited-edition timepieces, to celebrate the rising passion for basketball in Southeast Asia with a blend of bold style, technical precision, and a nod to the brand's enduring heritage.
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
Way up high, Felix Pantone and Zenith are coming together again for yet another stunning horological collaboration.
SANTOS DE CARTIER: A NEW ERA
ORIGINALLY A WAY OF INTERTWINING THE CARTIER BRAND WITH THE DARING SPIRIT OF AVIATION, IT NOW STANDS AS AN ICON OF LUXURY AND ELEGANCE.
A LEGACY IN TIME
This year's P-Day, a global gathering of Panerai enthusiasts, was organised in Kuala Lumpur for the first time. Augustman took the opportunity to speak with Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué and Paneristi co-founder Paddy Conway to find out more about this annual assembly.
REACHING FOR THE STARS
A tribute to the past, with a modern twist-Omega reimagines the iconic, space-travelling Speedmaster CK 2998 for the contemporary collector.
