A delegation of 16 womenpreneurs from Brunei Darussalam took part in the Borneo Traditional Food Festival 2022 in Labuan last week, with their products garnering expression of interest from businesses operating in the Malaysian federal territory.
The event took place at the Convention Hall of the Labuan Financial Park and was organized by the Association of Inspirational Women Labuan (Lanita) and supported by Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTAC).
Leading the delegation was Hjh Hammah Puasa of Amlina Indah Gemilang Enterprise who shared in an interview that the Bruneian delegation consisted of womenpreneurs in the cottage industry who had the opportunity to showcase some of Brunei’s popular foods such as traditional biscuits, cakes, sambal, prawn crackers as well as handcrafted products such as traditional handwoven baskets
“Alhamdulilah, we made great sales throughout the festival and we even received some open orders for our products, particularly our Ambuyat sauce dip and traditional handicrafts,” she said.
“It’s been a great experience to be able to take part in a festival like this and it is especially helpful should we want to organize a similar festival in Brunei Darussalam,” she added.
“Most importantly, the festival allows us entrepreneurs to network with other businesses in the region, potentially expanding our markets further in the future,” continued the 66-year-old.
The event also included a number of workshops as well as activities that showcase the traditional cultures and foods of the different ethnic tribes that are present in Borneo as well as an Ambuyat-making competition.
A member of the Bruneian delegation, Hjh Masnah Hj Mohd Arshad of Syarikat Nurul Hikmah, won the Ambuyat-making competition, beating about 14 other competitors.
Present as the guest of honour at the event was Fanny John Sipawi, the Acting Director of MOTAC Labuan.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
