Visitors taking a closer look at the Humee Akee dolls on display in the Chanteek Borneo Museum.
Modest Sabah textile venture rises to global fame
WHEN Anne Antah (pic) founded Chanteek Borneo 13 years ago, she had a different vision. However, as time passed, she chose to “just follow the flow”.
Today, what began as a modest venture crafting hair accessories from sarong fabric has grown into a brand of international repute.
Driven by a deep passion for Sabah’s cultural heritage, Antah now focuses on designing and producing authentic ethnic textiles that seamlessly blend tradition with modern lifestyle.
As the sole owner of Chanteek Borneo, she is also committed to empowering local fashion entrepreneurs to establish their own unique brand identities.
“By 2030, our mission is for every Sabahan around the world to own at least one piece of clothing produced by Chanteek Borneo,” Antah stated.
The Chanteek Borneo Museum houses over 300 Humee Akee dolls – essentially their own version of Barbie dolls dressed in various traditional attire.
Her journey started with a simple idea: to create products that would showcase Sabah’s rich cultural heritage.
While Antah recognised that her initial dream had limitations, she also saw an abundance of resources and ideas waiting to be transformed into something meaningful.
The 48-year-old Sino-Kadazan from Kinarut, Papar, admits that much of her early work was a process of trial and error.
A blouse and patio with traditional Sabah motifs by Chanteek Borneo.
For example, the Chanteek Borneo Museum, which houses over 300 Humee Akee dolls – essentially their own version of Barbie dolls dressed in various traditional attires – did not become the tourist attraction she had hoped for.
“I thought the museum would be a hit among tourists, but it wasn’t. Clearly, perception is very different from market demand,” she reflected.
Antah (right) entertaining Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew at the inaugural Borneo Fest 2024 in Singapore recently.
Although the museum didn’t achieve its intended objective, it did earn Chanteek Borneo a place in Malaysia’s Book of Records for creating the first miniature indigenous costume museum, showcasing around 300 different traditional costumes from North Borneo.
Today, Chanteek Borneo’s bestsellers include fabric by the yard and the sandai, the traditional sash worn as part of the Kadazandusun costume.
Antah is now expanding her designs globally, with promising results from her recent participation in the Borneo Fest 2024 in Singapore. At the festival, her products, particularly the 100% silk twilly scarves, attracted significant attention.
Chanteek Borneo’s ties with traditional Sabah motifs.
“The vibrant prints and unique motifs on our fabrics were a hit. Visitors appreciated the bold, colourful designs that they hadn’t seen before,” she said.
Antah’s success in Singapore was further supported by the Mama JaRum programme, a Chanteek Borneo initiative that involves local housewives and micro-enterprises in tailoring services.
The 100% silk twilly scarves that garnered significant attention at the inaugural Borneo Fest 2024 in Singapore recently.
“We currently have 20 housewives under Mama JaRum, and we’re looking to expand this number to 40 by the end of next year,” she explained.
Looking ahead, Chanteek Borneo aims to continue its upward trajectory, with plans to showcase Sabah’s cultural motifs at the World Expo Osaka 2025.
The company also seeks to increase local appreciation for ethnic designs by incorporating them into everyday fashion.
“This inclusive business programme, supported by SME Corp Malaysia, not only provides a steady income for those involved but also ensures that Sabah’s cultural legacy lives on through our textiles.
“Our success depends on the support of the community, and we are grateful for the ongoing encouragement from the government, the private sector, and our loyal customers,” she said.
Antah (centre) introduced the Mama JaRum programme, an initiative that involves local housewives and micro-enterprises in tailoring services.
