Talks & Workshops

Craft x Design: Let's Weave - Traditional Malay Basket Weaving

by Anita Tompang

8 - 9 May • 05:00pm

Come weave with us at this special Singapore HeritageFest edition of Craft x Design! Kickstarting at Armenian Street, a dedicated Craft x Design hub, the programme then travels to HOMEGROUND @ ACM Green - bringing craft experiences across the festival. Led by contemporary artists and craft practitioners, “Let’s Weave” invites you to step into the rhythm of weaving through captivating live demonstrations and hands-on workshops. Feel the textures, learn the techniques and create your very own woven piece to take home. Discover heritage reimagined through craft, design and creativity.

CxD-LetsWeave-Traditional-Malay-Basket-Weaving

Purchase for Singaporeans and usage of Culture Pass credits: https://go.heritage.sg/4tkfPT3
Purchase for non-Singaporeans and non-Culture Pass credits holder: https://go.heritage.sg/4tjCSOq

*Programme tickets will go live on 22nd April 2026 12pm

Friday (8 May): 5pm - 10pm
Saturday (9 May): 5pm - 10pm

Dive into the vibrant world of Malay basket weaving with craftsperson Anita Tompang. In this session, Anita will guide you through the timeless art of working with natural coconut leaves to create functional beauty. Using a specially curated craft kit, you will learn step-by-step how to shape, fold, and weave raw materials into a traditional basket. Along the way, you’ll uncover fascinating insights into the cultural significance of the craft and discover how intricate weaving patterns reflect different historical eras. Whether you are a curious beginner or a heritage enthusiast, this workshop promises a meaningful, hands-on journey into the heart of Malay craftsmanship.

About Craft x Design: Let's Weave
Come weave with us at this special Singapore HeritageFest edition of Craft x Design! Kickstarting at Armenian Street, a dedicated Craft x Design hub, the programme then travels to HOMEGROUND @ ACM Green - bringing craft experiences across the festival. Led by contemporary artists and craft practitioners, “Let’s Weave” invites you to step into the rhythm of weaving through captivating live demonstrations and hands-on workshops. Feel the textures, learn the techniques and create your very own woven piece to take home. Discover heritage reimagined through craft, design and creativity.

Anita Tompang

Mdm Anita Tompang started learning the skills of ketupat weaving at the age of 9, and now has nearly 50 years of experience with it. She has been featured in Berita Harian for her commitment to this tradition, having woven ketupats by hand every Hari Raya for over 20 years. Although ketupat weaving has become less common, she has persisted in her efforts to keep this craft alive in Singapore, including by teaching and promoting ketupat weaving, and by experimenting with and applying a range of different ketupat weaving forms and techniques.

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