Malaysia hosts 28th Congress of Asian Master Tailors

The prestigious 28th Congress of the Federation of Asian Master Tailors (FAMT 2024) has returned to Malaysia, bringing together over 300 master tailors, designers, and fashion enthusiasts from six European and ten Asian countries. Organized by the Federation of Tailors’ Guilds Malaysia, the congress aims to showcase individual skills and talents while promoting exchanges among industry professionals worldwide.

YBhg. Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors at Tourism Malaysia, highlighted the tailoring industry’s significant contribution to Malaysia’s economic development and its cultural heritage. “I believe that most people in these industries are self-reliant entrepreneurs or have inherited their businesses from their ancestors. They undoubtedly have their own stories of struggle and experiences. These stories and experiences can serve as good lessons or reference materials for the younger generation,” Yeoh remarked at the opening ceremony.

Yeoh also proposed that government departments consider producing documentaries on the business struggles and management practices within the tailoring industry. These documentaries could serve as supplementary teaching materials for students in schools and universities, enriching the educational landscape with real-world business insights.

Competitions and shows

The opening of FAMT 2024 marks the beginning of a five-day event filled with a variety of activities designed to inspire and foster growth among tailoring professionals. Highlights include seminars, international fashion shows, master cutting competitions, and the prestigious Golden Scissors competition. These events aim to promote the development and innovation of the tailoring industry, both domestically and internationally.

Sam Ng Teck Yau, President of the Federation of Tailors Guilds Malaysia, expressed hope for future collaborations with the Malaysian government and tailoring professionals from various Asian countries. He envisions the creation of a “Fashion & Design Hub,” which would expand the market and enhance the visibility of Malaysia’s tailoring, design, and fashion industries.

Celebrating Malaysian culture

A special highlight of the congress is a fashion show dedicated to showcasing Malaysia’s most iconic and unique Batik, Kebaya, and Songket garments. “This fashion show will not only display our traditional costume features but will also be presented innovatively, with key opinion leaders (KOLs) and models performing on a street stage,” said Gen Ng, Organizing Chairman of the 28th Congress FAMT KL.

The congress will also attempt to set a record in the Malaysia Book of Records for the largest number of people walking in suits. On August 5, 500 participants and 20 KOLs will start from the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur and walk to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, creating a grand event for the Kuala Lumpur International Fashion Walk. The public is invited to join and witness this unique spectacle.

The successful hosting of FAMT 2024 underscores Malaysia’s commitment to promoting bespoke tailoring, encouraging industry collaboration, and showcasing new talents on the global stage. For more information, visit the official website at Federation of Tailors Guilds Malaysia.