“Sime Darby Property celebrates Malaysian craftsmanship at the Piala Seri-Ibu Kraf 2026 prize-giving ceremony, empowering over 500 artisans and showcasing heritage-inspired creations at KLGCC Mall through a collaboration with CIMB.”
Kuala Lumpur, 10th February 2026, 02.45pm – Sime Darby Property Berhad (“Sime Darby Property” or the “Group”) today hosted the Piala Seri-Ibu Kraf Prize Giving Ceremony, celebrating the skill, dedication and creativity of local craft practitioners as part of the Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB 2026, taking place from 4 February to 1 March at the Group’s KLGCC Mall.
Recognised by the royal patronage of Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, the Piala Seri-Ibu Kraf acknowledges outstanding craftsmanship across both traditional and contemporary expressions. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to preserving Malaysia’s cultural heritage while supporting the continued relevance of craft practices in today’s
context.
The programme is a collaborative effort between Sime Darby Property and CIMB, bringing together arts, culture and commerce within a curated public setting. By leveraging the space at KLGCC Mall, the initiative provides a platform for local craft practitioners to showcase their work, engage wider audiences and explore sustainable economic opportunities.
Sime Darby Property’s Group Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Seri Azmir Merican, said, “Our role goes beyond creating physical spaces. We see value in shaping environments that bring people, culture and communities together. Piala Seri-Ibu Kraf reflects this approach by providing a platform where Malaysian craftsmanship can be appreciated, supported and sustained.”
“We are pleased to collaborate with CIMB on this initiative and are greatly honoured by the presence of Kebawah Duli Paduka Baginda Tengku Ampuan Pahang. Such collective support is important in ensuring that Malaysia’s rich craft heritage continues to be valued by current and future generations.”
The Piala Seri-Ibu Kraf honours mastery across categories including Textile, NonMetal, Metalsmith, and Innovation. In a bid to celebrate the dedication to local heritage, the ceremony also featured the presentation of the ‘Seri-Ibu Special Honour Award’, personally selected by Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan of Pahang to recognise individuals for their exceptional commitment and lifelong contribution to the preservation of Malaysian cultural identity. Additionally, members of the public were invited to participate through the ‘People’s Choice Award’, voting for their favourite works exhibited at KLGCC Mall.
A total of five awards were given out, with each participant receiving a cash prize of RM5,000, along with a trophy and certificate.
This year’s competition aims to empower over 500 artisans, with approximately 150 original submissions received from students, hobbyists, and professional makers nationwide. All works are required to be completed in 2025 and to incorporate Malaysian craft techniques, heritage, or motifs. A distinguished two-tier judging panel led by Her Royal Highness and representatives from Sime Darby Property, CIMB,
Yayasan Sime Darby, and Kraftangan Malaysia, as well as art experts including Datuk Radzwan Radziwil, renowned local fashion designer, and Prof. Datuk Dr. Lim Swee Tin, associate professor UPM & National Advisor on Heritage and Culture, evaluated submissions to select the winners across all categories.
Works by the winners and finalists are currently exhibited for sale throughout the Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB period, giving artisans direct access to potential buyers and local craft lovers. Leveraging on a strong partnership built through previous editions of CIMB Bazar Siberturahim, Sime Darby Property has brought together a diverse ecosystem of collaborators to ensure the programme’s success and sustainability, including fashion schools from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), LimKokWing University and Taylor’s University, and cultural agencies such as the National Department for Culture and Arts
(JKKN) and Kraftangan Malaysia.
Sime Darby Property and CIMB have committed to an initial three-year partnership to establish Piala Seri-Ibu Kraf as a consistent platform celebrating Malaysian craft excellence, with the annual prize-giving ceremony and festival to be hosted at KLGCC Mall.
Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB 2026 is a curated cultural and craft platform celebrating the fusion of Malaysia’s traditional heritage with contemporary craftsmanship. The programme features vendor showcases ranging from high-end to mass-market products, cultural performances, fashion shows, and hands-on workshops designed to engage urban shoppers, artisans, SMEs, corporates, and cultural institutions.
Members of the public are invited to experience the winning and shortlisted works, alongside cultural performances, hands-on workshops, and curated craft showcases throughout the Minggu Seri-Ibu Kraf CIMB 2026. Voting for the People’s Choice Award closes on 1 March 2026. For more information, please visit https://simedarbyproperty.com/malls/klgcc-mall/piala-seri-ibu-kraf/.
