Sustainable Development and Challenges of Iban Handicrafts in Enhancing the Local Economy
The abstract is a summary of the thesis, which consists of a brief introduction, problem statement, investigation methods, results and the general conclusion. The abstract should be informative and clear as reference to others. It should be written in a single paragraph and the maximum page nu...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English English English |
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University Malaysia Sarawak
2025
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| Online Access: | http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/49887/ |
| Abstract | Abstract here |
| Summary: | The abstract is a summary of the thesis, which consists of a brief introduction, problem
statement, investigation methods, results and the general conclusion. The abstract should be
informative and clear as reference to others. It should be written in a single paragraph and
the maximum page number is 2 pages. Font type is Times New Roman and the font size is
12. Line spacing is double-spacing with a maximum of two-page long. Keywords of up to 5
words should be provided. For a thesis written in English, a translated version of the abstract
in Malay should be provided and vice versa. The translated version of the abstract should
have the thesis title.
The Iban community in Sarawak is renowned for its intricate handicrafts, deeply rooted in
cultural heritage and identity, yet the sustainability and economic viability of this traditional
craft face significant challenges. This study explores these obstacles from an economic
perspective, focusing on marketing constraints, competition from mass-produced imports,
limited business acumen, and inadequate government support. Through qualitative research
involving interviews and observations, data were gathered from artisans, government
officials, and experts in Sarawak, revealing that limited market access, insufficient
promotion, and competition from cheaper imports significantly undermine the industry.
Additionally, gaps in government assistance such as funding, infrastructure, and training
programs exacerbate the problem, while many artisans lack essential business and financial
management skills, further hindering their ability to market and sustain their craft. The
research highlights promising efforts by organizations like the Sarawak Craft Council to
formalize support structures, but these require robust implementation to be effective. This
study underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to empower artisans, including
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enhanced government policies, targeted training programs, and innovative marketing
approaches, to revitalize the Iban handicraft industry and ensure its cultural preservation and
contribution to economic development in Sarawak |
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