KOTA KINABALU: Renowned Persian rugs were prominently displayed at the recent BorneoCraft Global Expo and Conference (BCG) 2024, which took place at the Kuching Waterfront Esplanade in Sarawak.
The Iran Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Malaysia, participated in this inaugural event held from November 27 to December 1, presenting two varieties of the esteemed Persian rugs, along with traditional crafts, garments, gemstones, and tea sets.
Dr. Habibreza Arzani, the Iran Cultural Counsellor in Malaysia, expressed his admiration for the event and commended the organizers for its success.
“Iran is celebrated for its hand-knotted Persian rugs, regarded as some of the most exquisite and valuable in the world,” Habibreza stated.
“We brought only two types of Persian rugs to Kuching this time, but we will certainly present a wider selection if invited to future editions of BCG,” he added.
The five-day BCG was organized by the Sarawak Craft Council and included workshops, exhibition booths, and a marketplace dedicated to Sarawak and international handicrafts.
Themed “Globalising Local,” the event celebrated Borneo’s culture and heritage while showcasing a diverse array of traditional crafts. BCG served as a platform for artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs from Borneo and neighboring countries to display their products and promote collaboration and partnerships.
Her Royal Highness Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin, the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, graced the event as the Guest of Honour.
Notable Sarawak dignitaries in attendance included Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, as well as Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development.
