Monday, September 6, 2010

Quality Of Brunei's Crafts Made Crystal Clear

Bandar Seri Begawan - Asean Tourism Forum 2010 (ATF) is not just an opportunity for Brunei to showcase its "green" treasures, but likewise for the high-quality, locally made handcrafted products for export.

Three companies involved with the joint project between the Ministry of Industry Primary Resources (MIPR) and the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) were chosen to display at The Empire Hotel and Country Club.

Muhammad Mustaqim Enterprise, Mahkota Crystal and ZA Handicraft previously exhibited their products at the IFFT/Interior Lifestyle Living expo in Tokyo, Japan in December 2009. Hjh Norhayatti

Hj Hassan, President of Muhammad Mustaqim Enterprise, which produces beautiful silk shawls and cushion covers with intricate beading. embroidery and handmade tassels, was thankful to the MIPR and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their support and further exposure. "Even though it is challenging catering to the international market... we look forward to representing Brunei as an internationally recognisable brand." Mahkota Crystal is gaining international recognition for distinctively designed glass products, with orders coming from Korea, Japan, UAE, Asean countries and Europe.

"The way we blend the colours of our designs are unique," says Hjh Salina Abd Rannie, "and now we also provide sand-blasted motifs which are coloured silver or gold."
Much in demand are glass items that are inspired from nature, such as surnboi-sumboi, man is rafflesia and sirih collections.

Both Muhammad Mustaqim Enterprise and Mahkota Crystal were previous recipients of Japan's Good Design Awards, which is given to outstanding designs for more than 50 years in the pursuit of prosperous lives and industrial development.

ZA Handicraft had just entered the Japanese market with their handcrafted clutch purses and jewellery boxes made from kain tenunan (handwoven). -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times (DATE_FORMAT_LC2)

Source: http://www.brudirect.com