Traditional Keringkam Art Opens New Chapter For Former Henry Gurney School Trainee

By Atira Khalisha Nor Adnan

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- From being unfamiliar with an embroidery needle to mastering the art of keringkam, a traditional Sarawak craft renowned for its intricate designs and delicate workmanship, Mohammad Fizal Yussop has found a new sense of purpose.

The skill he acquired during his rehabilitation at the Henry Gurney School in Puncak Borneo, Kuching, has opened the door to a brighter future.

Released last December, Mohammad Fizal, 21, found a new sense of direction and confidence to build a better future after undergoing about 18 months of embroidery training that demanded exceptional precision and patience.

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Although he admitted that he nearly gave up while learning the embroidery techniques, particularly when working on challenging motifs such as the hibiscus, he eventually mastered the craft through continuous training from May 2023 to February 2025.

“At first, I had no idea what keringkam was. But when I was given the opportunity to learn it, I was very happy and gradually developed a passion for this art form,” he told Bernama.

The ninth of 14 siblings from Kampung Semariang in Kuching said each embroidery piece takes about a month to complete, and the process has helped shape him into a more patient and disciplined individual.

“When I see my finished work, I feel incredibly happy. It motivates me to pursue this interest more seriously,” he said.

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Mohammad Fizal is currently continuing his training as a young embroidery apprentice through the ASPIRE programme organised by the Brooke Museums, with support from Yayasan Hasanah under ASPIRE Phase 2.

He said the opportunity has not only enabled him to acquire new skills, but has also given him the confidence to plan for a more stable future, including supporting his family.

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Meanwhile, Salliza Sideni, head of Museums and Education for the Brooke Museums, said the programme, which also involved 49 other students from Henry Gurney School, Sekolah Tunas Bakti and Taman Seri Puteri in Sarawak, was introduced to preserve the art of keringkam from disappearing.

Salliza said the initiative was introduced in response to the dwindling number of individuals skilled in the art of keringkam, most of whom are elderly.

“In 2016, we found that only one keringkam embroiderer was under the age of 30, while the rest were around 70 years old. If the younger generation is not involved, how can this art form be sustained in the future?

“Through this programme, trainees not only learn a traditional heritage craft but are also exposed to entrepreneurial skills and provided with basic equipment to enable them to become self-reliant after their release,” she said.

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Meanwhile, Nurin Marini Ramlan, head of Arts and Public Spaces at Yayasan Hasanah, said the use of keringkam as a rehabilitation medium has proven effective in helping participants develop discipline and self-confidence.

Nurin Marini, who is better known as Nini Marini, said the approach of combining heritage preservation with personal development provides participants with a second chance to build a better future while ensuring that the traditional craft continues to be safeguarded for future generations.

-- BERNAMA