Boustead Properties Bhd head of design and planning Mustasha Musa has collaborated with furniture company Kok Art and Craft Co to craft the Skali Collection to preserve the traditional local craftsmanship.
According to Mustasha, the collection, which took eight months to complete and merged with the concept of cultural heritage and modern craftsmanship, reflects the Malaysian culture of celebrating togetherness through time spent with loved ones.
“The Skali Collection, which features a dining set of tables and chairs made from nyatoh wood, aims to elevate everyday tables and chairs, which are commonly seen at homes or mamak stalls, to something that champions local materials and sustainability.
“The collection also highlights the importance of collaborations between various industry players because by bringing together key industry players in sustainable timber, traditional craftsmanship and property development, we can foster innovation and advance Malaysia’s timber and furniture sector,” Mustasha said during the media preview of the collection at Mutiara Spaces Show Gallery recently.
Mustasha then revealed that the concept for Skali Collection had earlier been submitted to Timb3r Design Incubation Programme (DIP) 2024 to explore sustainable design and innovation in the timber and furniture industry.
The programme was facilitated by the Malaysian Timber Council in partnership with the Malaysian Wood Moulding and Joinery Council (MWMJC), the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers and the Malaysian Furniture Council.
Subsequently, the concept captured the attention of Kok Art and Craft which brought the collection to life.
Forthcoming Collection
Meanwhile, Mustasha told BusinessToday that there are a lot of possibilities for more collections to come for next year and beyond because the growth in this area is endless.
“What’s nice is that now we already have the formula and the construction method which allow us to expand further on not just tables and chairs, we can even come out with bed frame or playroom set for the toddler.
“However, for now, the collection is just table and chairs with different directions,” Mustasha said, adding that the whole inspiration behind the Skali collection is about buying one piece of furniture and it lasts forever.
Echoing Mustasha’s sentiment, Kok Art and Craft Managing Director Kok Jit S’ng said the Skali collection is about using traditional techniques to create timeless, sustainable furniture and promote local craftsmanship.
“Though joinery works like this (to make the collection) are often labelled as ‘slow crafts’, we believe that this method is the most sustainable in crafting long-lasting furniture,” Kok added.
He then highlighted that most of the joinery works were made for a purpose, it was never for any re-selling purpose.
“Meaning when you make a table, it is for someone to sit and eat, and bond over a meal. That’s it because such bonds allow us to interact and make human connections. There is no competition or comparison,” Kok explained.
Challenge Or Barriers
Asked about the challenges or barriers in creating a collection using sustainable materials, Mustasha said the main challenges would be changing the mindset and ways of these craftsmen having been doing their work for the past several decades.
“When I first set foot at Kok’s factory in Melaka, I was so amazed with the setup as it had machines that have been there since the 1980s and not to mention the attention to detail those craftsmen possess when they are working on any piece of furniture.
“Hence, to ensure this dying art can continue and be preserved, it is important for us to incorporate new material or inject a bit of modernisation into their design while maintaining the heritage element of it because who is going to learn and preserve this heritage legacy when these craftsmen are no longer able to carry out the work,” Mustasha shared.
Adding to Mustasha’s statement, Kok said it is about time for the traditional craftmanship to undergo some changes.
“To push it forward, I think a good example to consider when we talk about traditional works moving to the future is Japanese matcha, a flavour that’s been around for centuries. But if you look at how it’s proliferated to every aspect of modern life and how it’s so naturally there, hence, it’s about time that the way things are crafted also brings forward to a more mass public acceptance and adoption.
“You’d be ashamed if things were no longer made with heart. And I think that’s something we want to push back,” Kok added.
Calls For More Collaboration Efforts
In terms of collaboration efforts with relevant stakeholders in the industry, MWMJC chairman Ng Boon Kuan called for more opportunities to be given to Malaysian craftsmen to grow and expand.
“The Malaysian timber industry and its designers are at a stage where they don’t have enough exposure to different platforms to showcase their talents.
“So, programmes like Timb3r DIP are great to gather designers and provide them with exposure through a single platform,” he said, adding that great designers should be given a chance to showcase their works overseas.
Agreeing with Ng’s call, Mustasha said the whole idea of industry collaboration would help to enhance awareness of this dying art.
“This collaboration could ensure the enduring impact of Malaysia’s design heritage continues to resonate, merging contemporary style with the timeless value of heritage craftsmanship.
“At the same time, it could also foster design talent, enhance brand value, encourage sustainable practices and empower Malaysian artisans in gaining due recognition,” Mustasha said, adding that collaboration with the property sector enables the incorporation of sustainable, locally sourced materials and artisanal craftsmanship into property developments, creating more environmentally responsible and culturally rich spaces.
