With plenty of happenings in Malaysia each month, there’s so much to see and do. We take a look at events out of KL that you should mark down on your calendar if you’re travelling to these parts of the country this month.
Penang Fashion Week
Not only known as a foodie’s destination, Penang has established its presence in the global fashion scene with the Penang Fashion Week since 2015. The event continues to bridge the gap between Malaysian and international designers and retailers while providing them the exposure they need.
If you’re a fashion fanatic, you won’t want to miss the runway shows throughout the three-day event. Valiram Group kick-start the proceedings with a showcase of internationally loved brands like Michael Kors, Charles & Keith, Tumi and Tory Burch. Keep your eyes peeled as local talents Samantha Chua and Bon Zainal are also presenting their latest collections, alongside Kev Yiu from Hong Kong and Jonathan Liang based in France.
The spotlight will also be on the ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase happening on the second day of the event. This is when reputable designers hailing from ASEAN countries showcase their collections, which will also be publically displayed at a pop-up store in Gurney Paragon Mall.
Penang Fashion Week
WHERE Gurney Paragon Mall, Persiaran Gurney, Penang
WHEN 3-5 May
TEL 04 2288 266
gurneyparagon.com
Langkawi Sketches and Katasila
National Art Gallery now has a new address in Langkawi, and it makes its debut with two exhibitions starting this month.
In an effort to develop local tourism, Langkawi Sketches is organised in collaboration with 15 local artists like Adzran Omar, Agus Sulaiman and Aminah Abdul Rahman, who have contributed more than 70 sketches highlighting places and key tourist attractions on the island. These include iconic destinations such as Cenang Beach, Kilim Karts Geoforest Park, Langkawi Sky Cab and Pulau Dayang Bunting.
Running concurrently, Katasila, which means ‘please speak’ in Sanskrit, puts emphasis on what it means to speak with rich meaning and in a courteous manner, such as how it was practised in older days. Images of idioms and poetry are creatively presented in the form of GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), enlightening millennials on the importance of being careful with words while having freedom of speech.
Langkawi Sketches and Katasila
WHERE National Art Gallery Langkawi, Dayang Walk Commercial Square, Kuah, Langkawi, Kedah
WHEN 10am-6pm (until 31 May)
TEL 03 4026 7000
artgallery.gov.my
Ka’amatan Festival
Source: Kadazandusun Cultural Association Sabah
Over in Sabah, the harvest festival known as Ka’amatan by the Kadazandusun, is widely celebrated by the ethnic community during this time of the year. According to ancient Momolianism beliefs, the festival is celebrated to commemorate Huminodun, the only daughter of god Kinoingan, who was sacrificed to ensure that the people are given abundance in paddy yields.
Today, this grand occasion is held by the Kadazandusun Cultural Association Sabah annually over two days, which includes spiritual ceremonies conducted by shamans called bobohizans, a moginakan or feast that offers traditional delicacies, dance performances and music to restore peace and harmony. Feel free to join in and bring home with you an unforgettable experience!
As many idolise Huminodun for her strength and beauty, a pageant is also held during the festival to select the ‘harvest beauty queen’ or unduk ngadau who best represents the legend’s spirit.
Ka’amatan Festival
WHERE Kadazandusun Cultural Association Sabah, Penampang, Sabah
WHEN 30-31 May
TEL 088 713 696
kdca.org.my