Latest news with #HabibJewels
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
History told in art and jewellery
AMPANG: Blending tradition with contemporary styles, an artistic collaboration at Harta Gallery and the Heritage Jewellery Museum provides an opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia, showcased through glittering gold jewellery and dazzling diamonds. Launched in 2023 as part of a public initiative by Habib Jewels, Harta (short for Habib: Action for the Revival of our Traditions and Arts) was established to highlight Malaysian heritage, culture and artistic expression. 'Habib has always celebrated heritage through its jewellery, as each piece tells a story. By creating spaces like Harta Gallery and the museum, those stories transcend wearable objects and become immersive experiences,' its spokesperson told theSun. 'It's about honouring our traditions, preserving cultural narratives and creating opportunities for people to reconnect with Malaysian identity through art and history.' Curated by a team of experts, the museum features traditional kebaya ensembles and over 800 pieces of jewellery collected over six decades, with some dating back to the 1800s. Open to the public free of charge, the museum celebrates the rich heritage of the Chinese, Chetty and Jawi Peranakan communities, highlighting the stories behind their intricate motifs and distinctive materials. 'By revealing the human side of gold, we move beyond carats and purity. We (present) how gold is passed down through generations, worn at weddings and cultural rituals. 'Gold is not just a valuable object. It is something meaningful, alive and deeply woven into our identity.' As a family-founded business, Habib Jewels continues to interweave tradition with its evolving modern identity. While embracing innovation, the brand remains deeply rooted in enduring values such as trust, quality and respect for heritage. Through initiatives such as Harta Gallery and the Heritage Jewellery Museum, the brand honours the past while exploring new pathways for growth, always with an eye on its origins. 'It helps people understand where that legacy comes from. The museum gives us a sense of the techniques, symbolism and the evolution of design, connecting the dots between what is in our showcases today and the heritage that inspired it. 'It's like giving people a chance to see the roots of what we create.' Among the treasured artefacts at the museum is the Kerongsang Thoe, a traditional brooch worn by Peranakan women that holds deep cultural and emotional significance. A symbol of identity, femininity and heritage, it is typically crafted as a set of three intricately designed brooches used to fasten the front of the kebaya. In Peranakan culture, it embodies grace, status and ancestral connection, often passed down as a cherished heirloom through generations. 'Its presence in the museum reflects Habib Jewel's commitment to preserving gold and the stories intricately woven into it across centuries. 'This piece reminds us that jewellery is not only meant to adorn but to tell stories of families, traditions and the cultural richness that continues to inspire our work today.' Adjacent to the museum, the Harta Gallery offers a more fluid and dynamic space, with new exhibitions launched every few weeks, providing a platform for both established and emerging Malaysian artists. 'Art and jewellery come from the same place – a deep respect for craftsmanship, beauty and meaning. Habib Jewels doesn't just make beautiful things, we make things that lasts, that represent emotion and memories.'
The Sun
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
More M'sians investing in gold as safe-haven asset
AMPANG: As global uncertainties renew interest in safe-haven assets, more Malaysians are turning to gold – not just as ornamental pieces, but as a trusted form of savings and investment. Homegrown jeweller Habib Jewels has seen a steady rise in demand over the past five years, driven by strong cultural ties, surging gold prices and shifting consumer preferences post Covid-19. Group executive chairman Datuk Seri Meer Habib told theSun that gold remains deeply embedded in the purchasing habits of Malaysians, whether for milestone events, financial security or asset diversification. 'The motivation is deeply rooted in culture across all major ethnic groups in Malaysia. Long before formal banking systems were established, gold served as a trusted store of value. 'Families would buy gold to be sold later when funds were needed for the haj pilgrimage, children's education or property purchases. To this day, gold remains a symbol of security and trust for many Malaysians,' he said. He added that gold-buying behaviour changed significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The resulting global economic disruptions and rising national debts prompted many to turn to gold as a hedge against inflation. 'Since January 2020, gold prices have surged by approximately 126%. In 2023 alone, prices increased by about 28%, and this year has seen even more dramatic growth, with a 31% rise recorded in just the first few months. 'Overall, prices have climbed about 44% since early 2024, making gold one of the most stable and high-performing assets in today's financial climate.' He noted that while younger Malaysians were once more inclined towards cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, there is now a growing shift in preference towards gold. 'This is quite a rare scenario where you're able to purchase something, enjoy wearing it and later sell it for a profit. That's the unique advantage of gold jewellery.' During the pandemic, many Malaysians withdrew their EPF savings, but those who chose to invest in gold have since seen significant returns. 'Even with gold prices at record highs, public confidence remains strong. Despite my own caution that prices may have risen too fast, Malaysians continue to invest. Their confidence has even surpassed my expectations.' While digital gold investments are gaining traction, Meer said many Malaysians still prefer physical gold due to the sense of security and tangibility it offers. He attributed this preference to Malaysia's mature gold ecosystem, where gold remains highly liquid and can be easily sold at jewellery stores or even abroad. 'Habib's own gold bars, certified by the London Bullion Market Association, are internationally recognised and can be traded worldwide.' He described the current surge in gold prices as unusual, driven by global factors such as inflation, pandemic-related debt and ongoing geopolitical tensions. 'China and Russia are buying more gold as confidence in the US dollar drops, especially after sanctions during the Russia-Ukraine war. 'Recent US trade policies and political uncertainties have further accelerated this trend. In times of uncertainty, gold remains a reliable safe haven.' Habib Jewels also introduced collectible gold wafers – an innovation now widely adopted across the industry. He emphasised the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and its annual focus on promoting traditional Malaysian arts through limited edition 0.2-gram gold pieces. This year, the focus is on the wau (traditional kite), with Habib creating designs inspired by the cultural symbol. 'It's not just about the gold value, but also the collectability and uniqueness that people find appealing. 'Habib is a proud Malaysian identity. We're as good as, if not better than, international brands. It's time Malaysians recognise the value in local craftsmanship, and Habib is committed to putting Malaysia on the map with our world-class jewellery designs.'
