Venue: Rumah Panjang Selindong Ulu, Tr. Rimong

The Cultural Preservation and Handicraft Empowerment Programme by the Persatuan Kebajikan Masyarakat Asal Engklili, Lubok Antu, Skrang (PELASAR), in collaboration with the Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SDGA), continued into its fourth week with a focused Mentorship Clinic on Pricing, Packaging and Cost Strategy.

Held as part of the ongoing empowerment initiative, the session was led by Ms. Allie Jabing of Jabing Studio and brought together 25 participants from the local community. The mentorship aimed to equip participants with essential entrepreneurial knowledge to complement their traditional craft skills and prepare them for wider market participation.

During the session, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of calculating production costs, understanding cost structures and setting prices that are both fair and sustainable. Emphasis was placed on helping participants appreciate the true value of their craftsmanship while ensuring profitability and long-term viability.

Ms. Allie also guided participants through practical pricing simulations and cost analysis methods, allowing them to apply concepts directly to their own products. In addition, the session covered effective packaging strategies, highlighting how presentation, branding and product storytelling can significantly enhance market appeal and consumer perception.

Through hands-on demonstrations and interactive discussions, participants gained insights into aligning their products with current market trends without compromising cultural identity. The mentorship encouraged participants to view pricing and packaging not merely as business tools, but as extensions of their craft narratives and cultural expression.

The mentorship clinic marked another important milestone in the programme’s continuous efforts to build entrepreneurial capacity among local craft producers. By bridging traditional skills with modern market strategies, the programme continues to empower participants to navigate the creative economy with confidence while preserving the cultural heritage at the heart of their work.