BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Students of Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) have received numerous inquiries from delegates at the Asean Traditional Textile Exhibition about the similarities between Brunei and Sabahan cultures.
Four UTB students — Nurul Iffah Adriana Izzati @ Wafa Liyana Razali, Nurhaziqah Irdina Nasib, Ahmad Amir Syukri Ghazali and Mohammad Syauki Irfan Bahrin Halimi — were assigned to manage a booth at the exhibition, which concludes today (Saturday).
Nurul Iffah said Bruneians typically donned their ethnic attire during cultural celebrations.
However, at nationwide events, the majority preferred standardised outfits, with women wearing baju kurung and men for baju Melayu.
The booth highlighted the traditional clothing of seven ethnic groups in Brunei — Melayu Brunei, Kedayan, Dusun, Tutong, Belait, Murut and Bisaya — showcasing the rich diversity of the sultanate.
Nurhaziqah said visitors had noticed the similarities in colours, designs and ornaments of the Bruneian Dusun, Kedayan and Murut traditional attires with those in Sabah and Sarawak.
"Given Brunei's close proximity to these Malaysian states, it's likely that these traditional attires also share common elements," she said, adding that Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak were connected culturally and economically.
Brunei and Sabah shared a deep historical connection, shaped by centuries of cultural, economic and familial ties.
Geographically, the two regions are neighbours, with Brunei nestling between Sabah and Sarawak.
This proximity had fostered a natural exchange of traditions, languages and customs.
The exhibition, which also involved nine other Asean states, was held in collaboration with Asean Diplomatic Missions here to promote cultural heritage and foster regional unity.
Tomorrow (Sunday), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysian delegates are expected to attend the 25th annual leaders' consultation between Malaysia and Brunei.