Fast fashion is everywhere. Heritage is fading.
But in Sarawak, one woman is proving that Malaysia’s future doesn’t have to forget its roots; it can wear them proudly.
Meet Datuk Jacqueline Fong, the force behind Tanoti, a homegrown social enterprise weaving tradition, dignity, and income into every handcrafted piece.
From Boardrooms to Backstrap Looms
After 18 years in investment banking, Jackie walked away from corporate life and returned home to Sarawak. Why?
Because she believed Malaysia’s traditional crafts weren’t outdated, they were undervalued.
In 2012, she co-founded Tanoti with Dr June Ngo, taking over a small songket workshop supported by Yayasan Tuanku Nur Zahirah.
That small step sparked a cultural movement
From 13 Artisans to 500+ Lives Changed
What began with 13 weavers is now a thriving network of 500–600 artisans across 25 rural villages, representing eight ethnic groups across Sabah and Sarawak.
Tanoti works with heritage crafts like:
- ✨ Songket (supplementary weft weaving)
- 🌿 Pua Kumbu (Iban ceremonial textiles)
- 🧺 Basketry and plaited crafts (rattan, bamboo, bemban, mengkuang)
- 🎨 Batik & Beadwork
Every piece is 100% handcrafted, using skills passed down through generations. This isn’t nostalgia.
This is economic empowerment.
Many artisans now earn steady incomes, gain financial independence, and build better lives, some even owning cars for the first time.
Tradition Meets Modern Design
Tanoti doesn’t just preserve culture, it reinvents it.
Architects and designers commission custom pieces for luxury interiors. Global collaborations turn heritage into high-impact design.
Highlights include:
- 🏆 Ketupat Pouf, winner of Malaysia Good Design Award 2023
- Bold innovations like handwoven leather songket
This is where craft meets contemporary cool.
Why This Matters (Especially to Young Malaysians)
According to Datuk Fong, traditional crafts hold triple power:
- 💰 Economic – sustainable income for rural communities
- 🧬 Cultural – identity you can wear, use, and pass on
- 🚀 Innovative – techniques so precise they inspire future tech
Her boldest vision?
To make Tanoti unnecessary by building a self-sustaining craft economy where artisans thrive on their own.
Reinventing Heritage for a Global Stage
While many crafts disappear, Tanoti evolves.
From international showcases to NFTs, from community programs to stage productions like
Dreamweaver: The Musical, Tanoti keeps tradition alive by keeping it relevant.
The Takeaway
Every handcrafted piece tells a story. Every purchase keeps a skill alive.
Every weave connects Malaysia’s past, present, and future. If you believe style should have soul, Tanoti is for you.
🔗 Explore more at tanoticrafts.com
📩 Custom projects: @tanoticrafts.com
📱 Follow them on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn
Because preserving culture isn’t old-fashioned it’s revolutionary. 🌿✨
