On 25 March 2013 (Monday), IDFR organised a study trip to the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex in Jalan Conlay for the 21 participants of Diploma in Diplomacy (DiD). The objective of this trip is to inculcate among the participants a sense of appreciation of local arts and crafts such as batik, songket, pottery, pewter, ceramic and woodcarving.
The Craft Complex styled after a Malay Sultan’s palace, is a comprehensive cultural centre offering an entire spectrum on Malaysia’s traditional crafts, arts and culture. The Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation- a constitutional body under the Ministry of Culture, Art and Heritage, manages the complex and are tasked with the promotion and preservation of the country’s handicraft and related industries, as well as providing visitors: both foreign and local, with an insight into the uniqueness of the various handicraft of Malaysia and the people behind the crafts. The Craft Complex is divided into four main blocks: Craft Museum, Craft Village, Artist’s Colony and Karyaneka Craft Boutique.
The Craft Museum showcased a wide range of Malaysian handicrafts and artifacts; the main highlights of the trip to the Craft Complex would undoubtedly be the Craft Village which is dedicated to showcase examples of Malaysian arts and crafts, craft demonstrations and practical interactive session. The participants were allowed to watch artists and craftmen going about their work and were given a chance to experience the process of batik, ceramics and woodcarving.
