Check out these people and their amazing creative skills to create something to call their own. Be inspired to try new things like they’ve had and let your creative freedom soar to great heights!
DAINTYHANDS.CO
She might have started her embroidery business as a form of self-care, but boy are we glad Bahiyah Saifulbahri decided to share her beautiful art with the rest of us! Bahiyah describes herself as a ‘Gen Z artist’ yet her work and commissions display a style that’s full depth and heart. Inspired to try and be the first person in Brunei to do unique art or craft, she started stitching in 2019, turning the hobby into a full business in 2022. She believes that small businesses play a crucial role in any country’s economy and that these stories would inspire her fellow countrymen and women to achieving the Wawasan 2035.
IG: @daintyhands.co
SUSANNAH SITAI
Susannah Anak Rogo Sitai Liew creates her stunning art influenced and inspired by her fusion of Lun Bawang, Iban, and Hakka Chinese roots. She advocates for the preservation of Borneo’s indigenous communities, their artistic expressions, and cultural legacy, often displaying the rich diversity of Borneo’s natural landscapes and wildlife, as well as threats like deforestation, species extinction, and the gradual erosion of cultural identities and wisdom. Through her creative expressions, she “endeavours to raise awareness and initiate dialogues” to highlight the urgency for protecting Borneo. It’s hard to ignore art this intricate!
IG: @suzi_sitai
ATELIER LAI
Precision style and luxury at a fraction of luxury brand prices? Look no further — thanks to Jazz’s crafty creations which utilise real leather cowhide and lots of experienced skill in creating bags and accessories that stand the test of time and trends. The DK 25 cross body bag is a favourite as bright pops of colour for any outfit and a rectangular frame that safely holds almost anything important. Bonus points for its interchangeable strap that turns the shoulder bag into a sophisticated clutch with equal star power. Atelier Lai is also known for their men’s and women’s products making this shop worthy for everyone.
IG: @_atelierlai
EMI KASHIKOI
She’s a self-taught freelance illustrator and comic artist who enjoys creating art and stories with a hint of her Dusun Muallaf background incorporated. Emi says she likes to focus on creating “a bright colourful world, as well as grimdark nature” , and mostly learned her skills though watching Youtube tutorials! She’s particularly inspired by Anime, Western cartoons and webcomics but is keen on exploring new styles to work in. Emi’s impressive portfolio includes comics, art commissioned by the Brunei Language and Literature Bureau (Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei) and a LEGENDA novel published by Qasrun Nafis Publishing House.
IG: @emikashikoi
CLASSICS BY NEO
Sleek lines, stylish detailing and literally one-of-a-kind. Classics by Neo can help add some serious spice to any situation with their classic car rental services; this is the first of its kind and at the moment, the only rental service for vintage cars in Brunei — a business that owner Justin Neo says he started out of gratitude to his parents for gifting and funding the restoration of these incredible limited edition vehicles to him, with the hope to be able to repay them someday. Justin Neo aims to add a different flavour to the wedding and entertainment industry “by providing our clients something unique that they can work with, creating unforgettable memories for our wedding clients and portfolio enhancing work of our entertainment industry clients” .
IG: @classicsbyneo
UJUNG GALERI
If you know, you know; Ujung Galeri is one of the most adorable frame shops we’ve seen! The space is tucked in a quieter corner of Gadong, but when you step inside … be ready to pick your jaw up off the floor. Ai, who took over the massive task of renovating and reviving the frame shop business a few years ago, is the creative force behind Ujung Galeri. His passion for art and supporting the creative industry means you will find the walls chock full of local art work (including some of his own!) with beautiful handmade frames around them. The unusual vintage and personal items placed around the space give the gallery a chic, indie vibe. Prices are very affordable for framing and Ai is always ready to answer any questions, or suggest ways to give your favourite artwork a new lease on life!
IG: @ujung_galeri
THE NOAH
Ever wanted to snuggle up to a racoon or even have a whole bunch of bunnies running around as you hang out and sip coffee? Well, now you can! The Noah is an exotic pets cafe slash sanctuary that houses around 20 various species where you can do just that! At The Noah, you don’t just pet the animals — you can cuddle with them, feed them, snap adorable Instagram-worthy photos, and watch them frolic around you in the specially designated areas. This edutainment venture focuses on enriching visitor’s understanding of these incredible creatures and fostering a love for animals of all kinds. Owner Aaron Mark Prius, is also reopening his original pet farm The Hamin soon. Make sure you check out their social media for opening times and important details on how to book slots!
IG: @thenoah_kk
KAKAMOT
For Firda Sarto, the Kakamot brand is a world of her artistic experiments and desires. In Dusun, the term ‘Kakamot’ translates to ‘things’ and it’s easy to fall in love with her range of wonderful handcrafted items. She’s been making things like soft adorable plushies, felt illustrations, bags and woodwork pieces that are whimsical and charming. The range of soft toys are suitable for kids eight years old and above, inclusive of care instructions for the long term. Drawing inspiration from Borneo’s rich flora and fauna, Kakamot aims to promote wildlife education and environmental conservation through its unique handcrafted designs. Although based in Sabah, it’s certainly possible for commissioned work to be shipped to selected destinations.
IG: @kakamot.kk
SANG TUKANG / SARING SOCIETY
Sang Tukang has been dedicated to reviving Dusun cultural heritage through artisanal craftsmanship and dedicated research since 2014. Run by indigenous artist Johann Adam Kilingan and Frida, the brand is steeped in traditional skill and motifs that bring authenticity to a souvenirs market that is fraught with knock-offs and imported items. They spent a significant amount of time travelling across North Borneo to document these dying metalsmithing skill and learn from master craftsmen. Utilising traditional materials like brass, copper and silver, Sang Tukang not only produces beautiful items that have cherished meaning but offer classes to pass on their knowledge and preserve their cultural heritage.
IG: @sangtukang
JUAN ARMINANDI
‘If it can be dreamt, it can probably be made’ seems to be the ethos of Kalimantan composer and musician Juan Arminandi who’s been honing his craft for over a decade. He studied musical composition with Diecky K. Indrapraja between 2012 and 2015, and since 2018 has been studying experimental music and the building of musical instruments with Wukir Suryadi. He created his first instrument in 2018, based on the Sape’ and Selodang — traditional instruments from West Borneo — ca;;ed it Mu74n (Mutant).
His second project, MAKSNOVATION was inspired by the misty season in Borneo and features a wild hashing together of traditional string instruments and breathwork through a mask and pipes to create music. In all of his projects, Juan aims to work closely with the craftspeople that make the instruments. He says he hasn’t sold the instruments made yet as they’re still in the development stage to find new frequency hybrids and new ways of playing but he does accept order enquiries!
IG: @juanarminandi
SANGON & CO.
What started out as a final-year university project for Graphic Design student Martiana Chia, has now become a channel for self-discovery and sharing. The Kuching native and handmakes jewellery from natural materials like pearls, stones and shells. The word ‘Sangon’ translates to beautiful in English and boy, are Martiana’s creations definitely worth gawking at! Each piece holds unique features so no two are ever the same — just like you and me. The Bidayuh Chinese jewellery designer is healing herself, and others too, through her craft. One beautiful piece at a time.
IG: @sangon.co
BORNEO CHIC
Borneo Chic is helping to save over 300 indigenous Dayak artisans, mostly women, who live in and around the forest of Kalimantan. Their exquisite craftsmanship risks extinction due to deforestation and lack of mainstream appreciation for their art. Vines and reeds are managed and harvested sustainably, naturally dyed then fashioned into intricate motifs and patterns. The materials used are often from well managed forest ecosystems for extra sustainability points. The brand was honoured with the INACRAFT award in 2010, as well as the FEMINA Magazine award in 2010 and 2011 and an award of excellence for handicrafts by the World Craft Council (WCC) in 2014 helmed by UNESCO. Borneo Chic’s showroom is based in Jakarta and they ship worldwide too.
IG: @borneo.chic
