Curtin Malaysia students and indigenous women weave knowledge and heritage through community workshop

Miri, Sarawak – 6 November 2026 – Bringing financial literacy and indigenous craftsmanship together, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) students and local women entrepreneurs recently embarked on a unique exchange of knowledge and skills that celebrated traditional heritage while creating meaningful learning opportunities for both communities.

This was the spirit behind Heritage in Motion: Indigenous Weaving Workshop, an initiative by Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Business that brought students and indigenous women entrepreneurs together to learn from one another through an exchange of practical knowledge, skills and cultural experiences.

Held in September, the workshop was organised in collaboration with Kelab Wanita Berwawasan Baram, led by its president, Mujan Lah, with support from Curtin Malaysia’s Office of Learning and Teaching. The initiative was led by Yip Ka Yii, Academic Lead of Business Clinic (Accounting), under the Curtin Malaysia Community Engagement Fund.

Bringing together students enrolled in the Business Clinic unit and indigenous women entrepreneurs, the workshop offered a distinctive two-way learning experience that connected classroom knowledge with traditional craftsmanship.

As part of the engagement, the Business Clinic students shared their accounting and financial knowledge with participants, focusing on financial scams and ways to protect themselves against increasingly sophisticated fraudulent schemes.

Through practical and accessible discussions, the students introduced common scam tactics, highlighted warning signs and shared preventive measures to help the women make more informed financial decisions and safeguard their finances.

In return, the women entrepreneurs introduced the students to the art of traditional weaving, demonstrating the techniques and craftsmanship involved in producing handmade woven items. The hands-on experience offered the students more than an opportunity to try a traditional craft; it gave them a glimpse into the cultural significance of weaving as a form of indigenous knowledge and heritage passed down through generations.

The informal, interactive sessions also encouraged conversations and closer connections between the participants. The students gained insights into the women’s entrepreneurial experiences while developing their communication skills, cultural awareness and appreciation of the knowledge and capabilities within local communities.

Yip said the initiative reflected the Business Clinic’s commitment to making learning relevant beyond the classroom while creating tangible benefits for the wider community.

“Education should not be confined to the classroom. Through the Business Clinic, we want our students to recognise that the knowledge and skills they acquire at university can make a real difference in people’s lives,” she said.

She added that the workshop was particularly meaningful because of its reciprocal nature, with both groups contributing knowledge and learning from one another.

“While our students shared their financial knowledge, the women entrepreneurs generously shared their traditional weaving skills and cultural heritage. It was a wonderful reminder that learning is a two-way process, and everyone has valuable knowledge and experiences to contribute,” she remarked.

Mujan said the collaboration underscored the important role of indigenous women in preserving traditional craftsmanship while creating opportunities for community-based entrepreneurship.

“Traditional weaving is not merely a handicraft but also a reflection of cultural identity, creativity and entrepreneurial potential. By providing a platform for knowledge exchange, the initiative sought to promote greater appreciation of indigenous craftsmanship while recognising its potential to contribute to sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment,” she said.

The workshop is part of the Business Clinic, a work-integrated learning initiative that enables Curtin Malaysia students to apply their academic knowledge and professional skills to real-world business and community challenges. Through engagement with clients and community partners, students develop practical competencies, problem-solving abilities and professional confidence while contributing to society.

Heritage in Motion demonstrated how university-community partnerships can create opportunities for meaningful learning while celebrating cultural heritage and strengthening local capabilities. It also reflects Curtin Malaysia’s broader commitment to developing socially responsible graduates who combine professional expertise with empathy, cultural awareness and a desire to make a positive difference in their communities.

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Curtin Malaysia lecturers and students with Mujan Lah (seated, 3rd right) and members of Kelab Wanita Berwawasan Baram.

Students learn about traditional weaving techniques from an indigenous woman entrepreneur during the hands-on session.