Canvas Art Malaysia

12/10/2026

For the Berawan people, festivals are more than celebrations, there are moments of thanksgiving, togetherness, and cultural pride.

Families and community members gather to share traditional food, enjoy cultural performances, and celebrate the values that unite them. These festive occasions reflect their appreciation for community, heritage, and the blessings that shape their lives.

Grateful to Canvas Art for organising, The Rojak Projek for capturing every moment, and Yayasan Gamuda for supporting this journey. Most of all, thank you to the wonderful communities who welcomed us and shared their stories—you made this experience unforgettable.

09/10/2026

Every Berawan craft has a story behind it.

More than decorative pieces, these handmade creations reflect memories, experiences, and meanings that are important to the community. Each item tells a different story, making Berawan craftsmanship a unique way of preserving and sharing culture.

Grateful to Canvas Art for organising, The Rojak Projek for capturing every moment, and Yayasan Gamuda for supporting this journey. Most of all, thank you to the wonderful communities who welcomed us and shared their stories—you made this experience unforgettable.

08/10/2026

Thank you Options, The Edge for this article, the journey truly continues.
From Giving New Life to Precious Photographs — to Reviving Heritage & Legacy.

www.canvasartmalaysia.com

Faye Lim is broadening her family’s business into a platform for cultural documentation.

07/10/2026

The traditional attire of the Berawan people reflects a unique blend of cultural heritage and historical influences.

In earlier times, clothing was made using materials readily available from the surrounding environment. Over time, trade and interactions with neighbouring communities introduced woven fabrics such as songket and other decorative textiles, which became incorporated into traditional attire. Today, Berawan traditional clothing showcases both their rich history and the cultural exchanges that have shaped their identity through generations.

Grateful to Canvas Art for organising, The Rojak Projek for capturing every moment, and Yayasan Gamuda for supporting this journey. Most of all, thank you to the wonderful communities who welcomed us and shared their stories—you made this experience unforgettable.

05/10/2026

Traditional food brings people together and keeps cultural traditions alive.

Berawan cuisine reflects the community's connection to the land and natural resources. Passed down through generations, these dishes continue to be their proudest culture among the Berawan peoples.

Grateful to Canvas Art for organising, The Rojak Projek for capturing every moment, and Yayasan Gamuda for supporting this journey. Most of all, thank you to the wonderful communities who welcomed us and shared their stories—you made this experience unforgettable.

03/10/2026

Language is the heartbeat of culture.

The Berawan language carries generations of knowledge, traditions, and stories. By preserving and sharing their language, the Berawan community helps ensure that their cultural heritage remains alive for future generations.

Grateful to Canvas Art for organising, The Rojak Projek for capturing every moment, and Yayasan Gamuda for supporting this journey. Most of all, thank you to the wonderful communities who welcomed us and shared their stories—you made this experience unforgettable.

01/10/2026

Discover the rich heritage of the Berawan people, one of Sarawak's indigenous communities.

With a unique history, language, and cultural traditions, the Berawan continue to preserve their identity while adapting to a changing world. Their stories reflect resilience, unity, and a deep connection to their ancestral roots.

Grateful to Canvas Art for organising, The Rojak Projek for capturing every moment, and Yayasan Gamuda for supporting this journey. Most of all, thank you to the wonderful communities who welcomed us and shared their stories—you made this experience unforgettable.

30/09/2026

🎬 A LIFE UNRECORDED: THE STORY OF CIKGU PAULUS BALAN
Five parts, one remarkable journey.

Through Cikgu Paulus Balan’s story, we witnessed the challenges of growing up in a remote community, the struggle to obtain an Identity Card, and the determination, faith and support that helped him become a teacher.
But Paulus’ story also reminds us that there are many others whose stories have yet to be heard.

❤️ Thank you, Cikgu Paulus, for allowing us to share your journey.

If this story touched you, subscribe to CANVAS ART on YouTube and join us as we continue discovering, documenting and sharing the stories of Malaysia’s diverse communities.

🎬 Coming next: The Berawan.

Because every community has a story.
And every story deserves to be heard.

28/09/2026

🎬 A LIFE UNRECORDED: THE STORY OF CIKGU PAULUS BALAN FROM SARAWAK (PART 5/5)

“Leadership is very important. Without good leadership, a community cannot move forward.” — Cikgu Paulus Balan

Every community has its own unique challenges, and the Sa’ban are no different. Issues such as access to Identity Cards (ICs) require understanding, cooperation and support from both the community and the relevant authorities.

We hope the government can continue to understand the unique challenges faced by communities living in remote areas and work together with them to find practical and meaningful solutions.

For those who still do not have an IC, it would mean so much for the relevant authorities to better understand their circumstances, reach out to these communities and help them navigate the process.

Ultimately, it is about the people and the government understanding one another, working together, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

As Cikgu Paulus shared in his Free Malaysia Today interview:

“If we are willing to spend millions to make sure animals such as orangutans and tigers do not become extinct, I think people like the Sa’ban also deserve attention so that we do not disappear.”

His words remind us that preserving a community is also about preserving its people, identity, culture and future.

▶️ Watch Cikgu Paulus Balan’s full story on YouTube .