TUKANG Design & Craft Festival 2022

Event Introduction

High quality and memorable products are a reflection of the extraordinary skills and
creativity of its makers. Tremendous amounts of expertise and ingenuity goes behind
the making of impactful products in fashion, furnishing and even food design. While
Selangor state is home to many creative talents who are making waves abroad, their
names are relatively unknown locally. Recognizing the impact of creatives to
reimagine a better future for society; Selangor Tourism’s Department of Industrial
Development proudly presents TUKANG Design & Craft Festival 2022; an inaugural
art project to celebrate the best of Selangor talents in design and crafts. TUKANG
Design & Craft Festival 2022 spotlights innovative craftspersons, designers and
artists through a public grant award. Six winning designs were awarded RM10,000
each towards the production of their proposals and given three months for
completion. The highly-anticipated new designs will be presented in a series of
exciting exhibitions in Selangor. Members of the public can interact with the products
and engage with the designers or craftspersons through workshop events, talks and
art bazaar for an immersive experience in the art and crafts world. This remarkable
initiative aims to strengthen the relationship between contemporary and traditional
crafts to elevate and bring design and crafts into the 21st century.

TUKANG Design & Craft Festival 2022 is organised by Tourism Selangor, endorsed
by the Selangor State Government and co-organised by Shah Alam City Council,
Galeri Shah Alam, Faculty of Creative Multimedia from Multimedia University.

Event Programme

I.Exihibition

TUKANG Exhibition:
TUKANG DESIGN & CRAFT FESTIVAL 2022 features 6 innovative design
exhibitions from Selangor:

Time：22-27 November 2022 9.30am-5pm

Venue：Galeri Shah Alam (Gallery 1)
Curator：Suzy Sulaiman
Artists:
1. ECOVS
2. Leon Leong & Hani Ali
3. Warenakita
4. Gharib + Batiktektura
5. Inside RG
 6. Fabcafe Kuala Lumpur

II.Artist Sharing Session

26 Workshop 【Make Your Own Kaleidoscope】

November
2022 In this workshop, learn how to put together a kaleidoscope
and create patterns and colours that will be reflected in
your kaleidoscope. Don't miss out on this workshop with a
chance to be wow-ed away by your own creation.

-Artist：Gwyneth Jong & Maisarah Lubis

-Venue：Galeri Shah Alam (Gallery 1)
-Time：
10am-11am: 10pax
11am-12pm: 10pax
-Registration Link：https://forms.gle/Ap6YvEpMAkpsRPkt7

27 Workshop 【BLOCK BATIK WORKSHOP - Creating Your Touch of

November Masterpiece kits.】
2022
Learn and experience the traditional block batik stamping
process in adaptable and fascinating ways! Take a trip on
your artistic journey with our first sustainable, innovative
block batik tool to learn about the local traditional craft.
Each set is only RM25 with all the items provided below;

✅
✅ 1 Paintbrush

✅
✅
Coloring Palette
3 Batik Color Dyes

✅ Make your own creativity block arrangement

Plain cotton fabric with a paper frame

Free set for 20 Early bird bookings. Come join our batik
block workshop.

-Artist：Ecovs Team
-Venue：Outdoor of Galeri Shah Alam
-Time (30 minute duration per workshop)
10am-12pm by registration, Free of charge
2pm-4pm by walk in,RM25 per person
-Registration Link：https://forms.gle/LBnea6PvBEKCmtkA7

【Artist Sharing Session 1】

 Talk
Time: 10am-12pm
Venue: Galeri Shah Alam (Gallery 1)
Registration Link：https://forms.gle/dE9RJEayLpFT6pq79

Talk 1：T.I.K.A.R
Group name：Inside RG
Artist：Khairul Aidil Azlin Abd Rahman / Nazlina Shaari

Talk 2：Cherita Ulam

Group name：Warenakita
Artist：Hanisah Nordin, Balqis Tajalli & Arief Afandi

【Artist Sharing Session 2】

Talk
Time: 2pm-4pm
Venue: Galeri Shah Alam (Gallery 1)
Registration Link：https://forms.gle/dE9RJEayLpFT6pq79

Talk 1：'Mok' Pod _ Experimentations in 'Tanggam' and

'Batik' Making
Group Name：Gharib + Batiktektura
Artist：Zul Fadzly Mohd Salleh, Yezreen Yusof, Azrina
Lasa

Talk 2：A Piece of Kampung

Artist：Leon Leong & Hani Ali

III.Design Talk

23 November 2022 Design Talk 1:【Innovative incubator for creative cities】

8pm-10pm Language:English
Online ZOOM
Registration：https://forms.gle/yMwXqobv34PPDUdM7

Potential Speaker :
1. Creative Business Incubator (INDONESIA)
2. Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC)(THAILAND)
3. Sidec (MALAYSIA)

Moderator: Wendy Teo, Founder of Borneo Laboratory

24 November 2022 Design Talk 2:

8pm-10pm 【Role of creative hub in community as economic catalyst】
Language:Mandarin
Online ZOOM
 Registration：https://forms.gle/yMwXqobv34PPDUdM7

Potential Speaker :
1. Huashan 1914 Creative Park(Taiwan)
2. Manager of Urban Mechanics, Thinkcity - Gan Yi Reng
(Malaysia)

Moderator: Editor of Draft Magazine - Lim Huei Miin

26 November 2022 Design Talk 3 :

3pm-5pm 【Emerging entrpenuers- Craft & design as viable incomes】

Venue: Galeri Shah Alam (Gallery 1)

Language:English
Registration：https://forms.gle/yMwXqobv34PPDUdM7

Speaker:
1.Pamela Tan Poh Sin - Architectural Designer
2.Walter Tan -
Managing Director of Elemental Corp Pty Ltd(Guangdong, PRC).
Design Director of PHaT Sourcing Pty Lyd (Sydney,Australia)

Moderator :
Suzy Sulaiman -
Curator of TUKANG Design & Craft Festival 2022

IV.Closing Ceremony - Gallery Tour with Curator

Time：26 November 2022，2pm-3pm
Venue：Galeri Shah Alam (Gallery 1)

V.Art & Craft Bazaar

Time：26-27 November 2022，10am-6pm
Venue：Outdoor of Galeri Shah Alam

Exhibition + Artist Sharing Session

1.INSIDE RG - T.I.K.A.R（Transformasi Inovasi Aspresiasi Rekabentuk）

A chance visit to a small village in Pekan, Pahang introduced INSIDE RG to the

“mengkuang minyak'' or pandanus leaf found in abundance in the rainforest. Used by
the locals as floor mats and other utilitarian household items that are considered to
as “low value”.In spite of this, INSIDE RG believes the mengkuang leaf is an
untapped potential and can be developed into a high value resource due to its
ecologically-friendly and renewable nature;in line with the sustainable development
goals (SDG). For this to happen, mengkuang usage must be expanded into other
consumer products so that it may touch the lives of ordinary city folks. Also, for it to
thrive as a contemporary product, it should incorporate modern aesthetics and
functions.

TIKAR is an exploration of extending mengkuang into a high value material. The

acronym TIKAR means Transformasi Inovasi Aspirasi Rekabentuk, where
contemporary furnishing is fused with mengkuang, giving it an unmistakable
“Malaysian” identity. Some notable features of TIKAR are the mengkuang weaves at
the bent sections of the bench, where special sewing and stitching techniques were
developed by INSIDE RG to integrate mengkuang as part of the timber-based
furniture. It was especially challenging to cut the mengkuang weaves at angle
without having it come apart. Also, the rubberwood veneer and mengkuang surface
are given a matte finish to give a more uniformed look.

Colours play an important part of decision-making by the consumer. INSIDE RG

selected bright maroon and green as these colours appeal to local buyers as studies
have shown that bright colours are popular among consumers from tropical climate.
To achieve these bright colours in the mengkuang, synthetic dye is used. Another
striking feature is the armrest that is designed with slits that also functions as cell
phone holders; a ubiquitous tech gadget that has become a necessity to many.

INSIDE RG is a collaboration research group in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) that

consists of three specialisations; which are industrial design, fashion and textile and
landscape design. It is led by Dr. Khairul Aidil Azlin Abd Rahman, Dr. Nazlina bt.
Shaari and Dr. Mohd. Yazid b. Mohd. Yunus. Started in 2016, INSIDE RG continues
to pave the way to innovate local natural resources into high impact products that are
relevant to the needs of today’s society.

Artist Sharing Session

● Talk Title：T.I.K.A.R
● Date：27 November 2022, 10am-12pm
● Speaker names：Khairul Aidil Azlin Abd Rahman & Nazlina Shaari
● Registration Link：https://forms.gle/dE9RJEayLpFT6pq79

2.WARENAKITA - Tepak Ulam

Tepak Ulam is a collaboration between designers from the field of product design
and architecture. Arief Afandi, Hanisah Nordin and Balqis Tajalli make up the trio
behind this utilitarian product.”Ulam” is the Malay salad from an assortment of local
edible plants dipped in a spicy sauce or “sambal”, while “tepak” points to the base or
its container.

The intention of Tepak Ulam is to celebrate the philosophy of “slow living”. It is a

resistance to today's fast-paced lifestyle by drawing one’s attention through the
simple act of consuming “ulam” on beautifully handmade items. Tepak Ulam is an
assemblage of three separate parts that are combined as one product which mirrors
the nature of this collaboration. Hanisah is a ceramic artist who creates clay
containers. Balqis, who is a cyanotype print-maker; produced the ulam-inspired table
cloth and lastly Arief makes the plate for which the containers are placed on.

Tepak Ulam is not fixed to one arrangement. In fact, it can expand based on the
user’s needs as different configurations can be created depending on the number of
container the user may decide to use. These containers can be stacked to produce
stands or can be placed on top of each other as a cover. This idea of “bertingkat” or
stackable and “bertelangkup” (to be placed over) gives greater flexibility in its design.
While searching for suitable ulam plants to be used in Balqis’ cyanotype prints, she
discovered that most edible plants could not withstand the stark ultraviolet sunlight
and would wither. Eventually, she experimented with Bayam Merah or red spinach
and other local plants as her subject for the cyanotype fabric. As for the “tepak” or
the platform, Arief 3D software and plans to incorporate CNC cutting on solid nyatoh
wood.

Our daily lives are filled with mass-produced products, especially those related to our
culture. They are disposable and pay little attention to quality of craft. Within this gap,
and the designers of Tepak Ulam hope to celebrate the beauty human-made craft by
making it a part of our daily eating culture. Undoubtedly, collaboration celebrates the
context of its people, place and culture.

Artist Sharing Session

● Talk Title：Cherita Ulam

● Date：27 November 2022, 10am-12pm
 ● Speaker names：Hanisah Nordin, Balqis Tajalli & Arief Afandi
● Registration Link：https://forms.gle/dE9RJEayLpFT6pq79

3.FABCAFE- Re-Vision

‘Fab’ an abbreviation for fabrication; is a place where artists and designers can
indulge in digital fabrication whilst enjoying coffee culture. FabCafe KL started in
2016 when co-founders Ignatius Andi Permadi and Gwyneth Jong realised there was
a need for a space where designers could have a place to make things using digital
technologies such as laser cutting and 3D printing machines. Usually, these maker
spaces are only found within universities or special schools, however Andi and Gwyn
believed such a place should be open to the public so that they can encourage
people to become a nation of makers and not only consumers. FabCafe KL is part of
the FabCafe global network which is based in Tokyo, Japan and operated by a
prestigious ad agency called Loftwork. FabCafe KL which initially kicked off at Isetan
Kuala Lumpur, has now relocated to Oasis Damansara where they host regular
workshops and talks, where these participatory events aim to nurture a Malaysian
“maker” community. The kaleidoscope was first created for a light-making workshop
where FabCafe KL received an invitation from Jun Ong. The success of their
workshop led them to explore other possibilities with the kaleidoscope to highlight
marginalised craft and their communities.

‘RE: VISION’ is an art installation that is crafted from both digital and analogue
fabrication techniques.It integrates light and colour to reimagine Temuan Orang Asli
patterns and motifs. When viewed from one site, the mirrored triangular tunnels cast
the illusion of infinite space where the motifs are continuously repeated.

Special attention has been made to ensure that the components such as the mirrors
are precisely secured at an angle. FabCafe KL produced several mock up models to
refine the assembling details before proceeding to the final giant kaleidoscope that
would stretch up to 4 metres in length. FabCafe KL hopes to highlight the craft of the
Temuan Orang Asli by weaving them into a fun and family-oriented interactive art
installation.
Artist Sharing Session

● Workshop Title：Make Your Own Kaleidoscope

● Artist：Gwyneth Jong & Maisarah Lubis
● Date：27 November 2022,
-10am-11am：10pax
-11pm-12pm：10pax
● Registration Link：https://forms.gle/Ap6YvEpMAkpsRPkt7

4.Leon Leong x Hani Ali - A Piece of Kampung

A Piece of Kampung” is an extension from Leon Leong’s art exhibition titled “Stilt Houses – A
Floating World of Kampung Baru” that was recently exhibited at Ilham Gallery, Kuala
Lumpur. His art installation Stilt House No. 1 (2022) was a Malay timber house frame
integrated with seven paintings which depict the encroachment of modern development
heritage communities such as Kampung Baru. An artist-in-residence experience at Kampung
Baru that provided Leon with new insights to the beauty and struggles of everyday
pseudo-village life at the heart of metropolitan Kuala Lumpur.

While it is impossible to stop modernisation, Leon believes there is a way to bring heritage to
the fore by reincarnating traditional wisdom into modern living. Instead of a “heritage versus
modernity” situation, Leon explored ways of synergizing the best of both worlds.

In “A Piece of Kampung”, Leon collaborates with master woodmaker Hani Ali of Lain
Furniture. Both share a passion for traditional Malay house that embodies the people, history
and culture. The Malay “tanggam” timber construction is a method of connecting two or more
timber beams using slits and pegs without resorting to nails or screws. Structure built with
tanggam can be disassembled when needed, allowing flexibility to the joined parts. “A Piece
of Kampung” is a series of art installations that investigates/incorporates(?) the traditional
tanggam craft into contemporary household objects. Made of recycled chengal, they take the
form of shelves and hooks and can be attached to different parts of an interior space such as
ceiling beam, table top and wall corners. Leon and Hani shared the vision of wanting to
extend the beauty and wisdom of the Malay tanggam into today’s modern homes.
“A Piece of Kampung” is an homage to the woodworking craftspeople of traditional Malay
timber homes. Through this collection, Leon and Hani hope the wisdom of traditional crafters
will be more appreciated and admired by today’s generation.

Artist Sharing Session

Talk Title：A piece of Kampung
Date：27 November 2022, 3pm-5pm
Speaker names：Leon Leong & Hani Ali
Registration Link：https://forms.gle/dE9RJEayLpFT6pq79

5. BATIKTEKTURA x Gharib = Mok Pod

“Mok Pod” or “Mother’s House” which draws inspiration from the concept of ‘Rumah
Ibu’; a term used to describe the main spaces within a Malay house. In this
collaboration project, between Gharib and BATIKTEKTURA produced an art
installation through a fusion of architecture and batik. Zul Fadzly Mohd Salleh of
Gharib worked with BATIKTEKTURA duo Nor Azrina Lasa and Yezreen Mohamed
Yusof are the persons behind this vision.

As a Terengganu native, Yezreen grew up in an environment where batik is infused

in one’s daily life. In Mok Pod, she reimagines batik design through modern lens by
applying design principles such as repetition, composition and hierarchy in her batik
design. She explored hundreds of designs of the Selangor state’s official flower, the
“bunga tanjung pecah sembilan” and architectural elevation drawings of Mok Pod to
be used as patterns for the art installation’s fabric. After the selection process,
BATIKTEKTURA worked with Terengganu’s master copper block maker to produce
the blocks. Their determination to push the boundaries of batik’s usage only known
as a clothing or as simple decor to that as a building cladding material can also be
seen in their choice of muted colour palette where patterns can be discerned as
visual texture.

On the other hand, Zul Fadzly of Gharib is inexplicably drawn to traditional building
techniques called “Tanggam” or the “tongue and groove”. This common joinery
allows builders to assemble a house without the usage of nails and when needed, it
can be disassembled to make way for house extensions or even relocations.
Inspired by the tanggam, Zul pushes the boundaries of this technique by
incorporating onto a modern material such as acrylic; a type of hard plastic.

This art installation forms a dynamic spatial harmony between the masculine nature
of building structure with the feminine nuances of the batik fabric.

Artist Sharing Session

Talk Title：A piece of Kampung
Date：27 November 2022, 3pm-5pm
Speaker names：Leon Leong & Hani Ali
Registration Link：https://forms.gle/dE9RJEayLpFT6pq79

6. Najwa Ma'aris x Ikat Lestari (Alif Naqiuddin Abd Halim & Muhammad Nur
Ammin） = ECOVS

The batik-making process relies heavily on a special tool to make the batik patterns.
Batik ‘terap’ or batik chap is when this special tool called ‘sarang’ block, is dipped
into molten wax and stamped on a fabric to create a pattern. ‘Sarang’ blocks are
usually made from copper as they are good heat conductors and can be used to
print hot wax onto the fabric. Unfortunately, ‘sarang’ blocks are becoming
increasingly expensive because they can only be made by skilled coppersmiths and
such craftsmen are slowly disappearing. Also, the rising cost of copper; has made
‘sarang’ block cost to range from a few hundred ringgit to a few thousands,
depending on the design’s complexity. The expensive batik making tools have placed
tremendous pressure on the local batik industry.Young batik designers and small
batik businesses are struggling to procure ‘sarang’ blocks for their usage. If this
situation continues without intervention, it could push Malaysian batik to the brink of
extinction. This critical need has led Najwa Ma'aris to develop a new alternative
block batik tool to reduce costs while maintaining the integrity and essence of batik
block production. She found her answer in coconut husks as an alternative material
for the batik blocks, where design motifs are hand-carved onto blocks.

Collaborating with Ikat Lestari, they combine batik block and tie-dye techniques to
attract a wider consumer interest towards contemporary local textile. Najwa focuses
on creating a block batik tool, while Alif and Ammin focus on exploring block batik
production and tie-dye techniqueTheir motifs carry the story of Selangor as they
incorporate Selangor’s official flower, the "Bunga Tanjong Pecah Sembilan" as the
main motif and other flora and fauna found in nine districts in Selangor to reflect the
"Seindah Batik Selangor". ‘ECOVS’ , which carries the meaning of sustainable
innovative batik block tools. It aims to make batik blocks accessible to the novice
batik designer and entrepreneur so that they can continue to reinvent the local batik
industry in line with today’s consumer demands and needs.

This project is an on-going research from the Faculty of Arts and Design, University
Teknologi MARA. Najwa and Ikat Lestari members; Alif Naqiuddin Abd Halim and
Muhammad Nur Ammin; are working together for the first time as they were
introduced university professor, Dr. Mohd Azhar Samin, who saw a great possibilities
by collaboration.