Kelantan Exchange 2020

September 15, 2020

Kelantan Exchange 2020

The idea behind Kelantan Exchange 2020 marked the Malaysian Craft Council’s (MCC) first national-level program. The term “exchange” embodied the concept of sharing—whether it be ideas, knowledge, values, or actions. The essence of this exchange lay in the principle that when one party gave, the other reciprocated with equal or greater value.

The choice of Kelantan as the inaugural state for this program was highly fitting, given the state’s rich heritage in traditional crafts, which surpassed that of many other regions in Malaysia. It was with great ambition that we hoped that Kelantan Exchange would become an annual platform showcasing traditional crafts with a fresh perspective, fostering an exchange of ideas and information, and attracting consumers as well as partnerships among related organizations.

We envisioned the potential for similar programs like Kuala Lumpur Exchange, Penang Exchange, and others under the Malaysian Craft Council umbrella.

We came together to appreciate, remember, delve into, and celebrate our local craft entrepreneurs. By incorporating modern elements into craft enterprises and designs, we aimed to bridge the gap between artisans and the public, eliminating economic monopolies by middlemen. We also hoped that the Kelantan Exchange would inspire more young people to take an interest in the craft industry, considering it as a viable career choice.

The infusion of modern elements into craft enterprises and designs throughout the program highlighted the potential and diverse dimensions of creative exploration. This proved that our crafts were flexible and could be embraced by people of various ethnicities and backgrounds, with commercial value that could be showcased in international markets.

We hoped that Kelantan Exchange would become an annual event that continued to lead the way toward the renewal and innovation of local crafts, shining brightly on the international stage. This event not only attracted consumers but also fostered collaborations with both local and international organizations, thereby raising awareness and enlivening the craft industry in Malaysia.