Cultural Concept in Furniture Design: Perceptions, Issues and Challenges

Sarawak Borneo has long been known for its diverse culture and multi-ethnicity, which is reflected in its arts and crafts. Pua Kumbu and Orang Ulu are famous visual motifs that can be seen on many products from Sarawak, including textiles and paintings, which could potentially be integrated into furniture design as cultural elements. The purpose of this study was to identify the perception, issues and challenges of cultural concepts embedded in furniture design from the perspective of manufacturers, designers and the public. In-depth interviews, surveys and observation were the three qualitative research methods applied in this study at MIFF 2018 and MIFF 2019. In general, the findings from the surveys done in 2018 and 2019 show that manufacturers, designers and consumers agree that cultural elements can be a unique feature and a competitive advantage for furniture design. A range of furniture designs that feature different cultural elements, such as local materials, colors, stories and history, are discussed in this article, which is expected to inspire designers and manufacturers to experiment and explore this approach in furniture. However, to achieve this, manufacturers and designers have to have their own views and strategies on how they interpret cultural-related elements in furniture, based on their consumers’ interests and global market needs

Cultural Concept in Furniture Design: Perceptions, Issues and Challenges

Sarawak Borneo has long been known for its diverse culture and multi-ethnicity, which is reflected in its arts and crafts. Pua Kumbu and Orang Ulu are famous visual motifs that can be seen on many products from Sarawak, including textiles and paintings, which could potentially be integrated into furniture design as cultural elements. The purpose of this study was to identify the perception, issues and challenges of cultural concepts embedded in furniture design from the perspective of manufacturers, designers and the public. In-depth interviews, surveys and observation were the three qualitative research methods applied in this study at MIFF 2018 and MIFF 2019. In general, the findings from the surveys done in 2018 and 2019 show that manufacturers, designers and consumers agree that cultural elements can be a unique feature and a competitive advantage for furniture design. A range of furniture designs that feature different cultural elements, such as local materials, colors, stories and history, are discussed in this article, which is expected to inspire designers and manufacturers to experiment and explore this approach in furniture. However, to achieve this, manufacturers and designers have to have their own views and strategies on how they interpret cultural-related elements in furniture, based on their consumers’ interests and global market needs

THE DESIGN ELEMENTS OF THE JATTI MIRIEK’S HEADDRESSES IN MIRI, SARAWAK

Jatti Miriek is a minority ethnic group from Miri, Sarawak. This article intends to discuss the principle of design elements of Jatti Miriek’s headdresses. Their traditional clothing is to match with distinctive headdresses and other accessories. The headdresses worn by the male and female of the Jatti Miriek are called tekulok and sikong, respectively. The design and method of wearing these headdresses are unique, and this heritage needs to be inherited and preserved. Nevertheless, specific research on Jatti Miriek headdresses had never been conducted and sources for reference are minimal. Therefore, this research aims to document the uniqueness of the tekulok and sikong; unravel the historic and aesthetic values of the Jatti Miriek headdresses. This study used a qualitative method such as field study, interview, and observation conducted in Miri, Sarawak. Data analysis is based on six elements: the design, form, fabric materials, colours, motifs, and accessories of the headdresses. The finding revealed that the distinctive design features of the headdresses are meant for different purposes and symbols. In conclusion, the Jatti Miriek wears their costume that manifests their identity and heritage. It is hoped that the finding from this study will make other people appreciate more about the Jatti Miriek ethnic group. Keywords: Jatti Miriek, material culture, headdresses, traditional clothes, heritag

Research on the Balance Efficiency of the Intelligent Hanging System for Jeans Production Line

Intelligent manufacturing is an important strategic direction for transforming and upgrading China’s manufacturing industry, and the study of balance efficiency is the core of intelligent production. The introduction of intelligent hanging in the jeans production line is imperative to help balance the production line. Based on the information system success model, this paper explores the impact factors of introducing the intelligent hanging system on the balance efficiency of the jeans production line. According to the 2696 valid questionnaires obtained and the structural equation modeling, research has found that (i) information quality has a significant positive impact on user satisfaction and usage intention; (ii) user satisfaction positively affects usage intention. (iii) Both user satisfaction and intention to use positively impact balance efficiency. Finally, combined with the results of data analysis, practical suggestions were made for introducing intelligent equipment in jeans production lines to promote production line balancing

The Influence of Employee Emotional Behavior and System Factors on the Organizational Efficiency of Trouser Automatic Hanging System

Background: The trouser production industry is in the transformation and upgrading of the attack period. Intelligent manufacturing is an important strategic direction for the transformation and upgrading of China's manufacturing industry, the emotional behavior of employees affects the organizational efficiency of the trouser production line, and the study of organizational efficiency is the core of automated production in the face of the new pattern of industry development, the trouser production line managers fully consider the emotional behavior of employees, the introduction of automated equipment to help improve the organizational efficiency of the production line It is imperative to do so. Subjects and Methods: This paper explores the factors influencing the introduction of an automated hanging system in trouser production lines in four dimensions: employee emotional behavior, i.e., intention to use, user satisfaction, and system quality and organizational efficiency, and constructs a theoretical model of organizational efficiency of an automated transfer hanging system. This study was conducted with 268 front-line employees in a Chinese trouser manufacturing company and analyzed by structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The results showed that (i) system quality had a significant positive effect on employees' emotional behavior, i.e., intention to use and user satisfaction; (ii) user satisfaction had a significant positive effect on intention to use. (iii) Employee's emotional behavior, i.e., intention to use and user satisfaction, positively affects organizational efficiency. Conclusions: This study addresses the results of the study, fully considers the direct and positive impact of employees' emotional behavior on the organizational efficiency of the automatic hanging system, and puts forward practical and feasible guiding suggestions for trouser manufacturing enterprises to introduce automated equipment and enhance their automation and intelligent development capabilities based on meeting employees' emotional needs. Keywords: Emotional behavior, intelligent manufacturing, hanging production line, production efficiency, system quality, structural equation modelin

Exploring The Birth of Modern Art in Borneo, Post-War Era 1945 to 1970 : Meneroka Kewujudan Seni Moden di Borneo; Era Pasca-Perang dari 1945 ke 1970

This paper describes the development of modern art in Borneo particularly in Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei, after the Second World War until the 1970s. This was the period when British Colonial government dictated the education system, which consequentially inculcated visual art through art and craft subject imposed on all vernacular schools in Borneo. British influence within the state governance, social and education system designed with Western ideology, created not only westernized society and mind-set, but at the same time generated artistic opportunities for emerging local painters to be involved in the initiation of Modern Art in Borneo. Through historical method and analysis of primary and secondary data, it was obvious that the existence of colonial government departments and institutions such as museums and teaching colleges, and other social organization in Borneo at that time, contributed significantly to artistic movement? The similar structure and motivation of development in other areas of Borneo, confirmed that artistic affirmation of modern art advanced homogenously. Their understanding of easel painting as well as unique interpretation of culture once distanced from traditional art, resulting in a new visual image that transcended their ethnicity and identity through new medium and tools. These meticulous interventions modestly visualized in each painting as discussed in this paper, hopefully will give a deeper understanding and appreciation towards the history of modern art in Borneo

Innovation In Orang Ulu Indigenous Crafts

The rapid depletion of raw materials in Belaga, Sarawak due to extensive timber extraction, land clearing for oil palm plantation and inundation of river valleys for hydroelectric power dam construction as well as changing lifestyle and values; consequences of development have affected the production of Orang Ulu rich material culture such as mats, baskets and other utilitarian items sustainable. Arrays of new emergence of Orang Ulu material culture assemblage reflects forms of their adaptation to a dynamic change in culture dictated by the scarcity of raw materials, global taste and acceptance of readily commercialized materials. Although it requires new knowledge and skills in the new reproduction; that is the way their rich material culture can survive. This paper discusses the innovation in the Orang Ulu indigenous material through the introduction of plastic as an alternative material used in traditional crafts and utilitarian objects reproduction; and its implication on values and authenticity of the new reproduction to the indigenous culture as a whole

Conflicting Environment at Workplace: UiTM Sarawak's Lecturers

AbstractThis paper examines possible causes of conflicts that might arise when UiTM Sarawak's lecturers were dealing with their Course Coordinators at the workplace, their effects and conflict management styles. Adapted questionnaire was given to 76 randomly selected subjects. The findings indicated that many respondents did not face many problems in the six areas of conflicts. As professionalism was sustained, conflict was seen not to interfere with the work flow and the existing unity and harmony in the organisation. As for conflict resolution, a majority of the respondents preferred‘collaborative style’ which gives emphasis on working together to resolve conflict

The Jatti Miriek Traditional Clothing

This study discusses the Jatti Miriek traditional clothing for men and women. The main purpose of this study is to analyze the pattern design, materials used, and the process of producing the Jatti Miriek traditional clothing. There are very restricted comprehensive studies and documentations on the traditional clothing that might lead to extinction of these valuable traditional details. The data in this study were collected through fieldwork involving interviews and visual observation. The findings of this study have shown that Jatti Miriek traditional clothing has its own uniqueness that should be documented for its influence on the design of Baju Melayu and Baju Kurung since the assimilation of Jatti Miriek ethnic. Therefore, this paper highlights the design of Jatti Miriek traditional clothing through discussions on visual comparison in order to generate empirical data on the details of the design. Furthermore, through this study it is expected to conserve the Jatti Miriek traditional clothing and serve as a guideline for future researchers

Cabaran Dan Peranan Pembuat Kraf Dalam Pelestarian Budaya Benda Masyarakat Orang Ulu Di Belaga Sarawak (Craftmakers' Challenges And Roles In Sustaining Material Culture Among The Orang Ulu In Belaga Sarawak

Orang Ulu is comprised of many ethnic groups; Kayan, Kenyah, Bhukat, and Penan. These groups were known for fine craft makers in the past. They took advantage for the diverse species of natural construction materials such as rattan, Pandanus, bamboo, and donax within their environment to produce a range of craft objects. Modern lifestyle and changing livelihood influence Orang Ulu’s needs and the necessity for materials. Traditional objects are seemed impractical and redundant to their contemporary subsistence and socio-economic activities, religion practice and global trend and taste. On the other hand, the changing of the physical landscape due to development projects in the region has caused a scarcity of construction materials, both in quantity and diversity. All of these factors affect the traditional craft-making activities and have become the main challenge for the Orang Ulu craft makers to sustain their tradition and heritage. This paper discusses the roles and challenges faced by the Orang Ulu’s craft makers in their effort to sustain the craft-making activities and traditional material objects among the Kayan, Kenyah Badeng, Bhukat and Penan communities in the Sg. Asap resettlement scheme of Belaga. Different approaches and strategies were adopted by the craft makers within the individual community to overcome the adversities