ASEAN Day 2021

August 11, 2021

If there is one thing this year’s ASEAN Day reminds us of, it is how much we have missed connecting with our ASEAN family. When Destination GOOD was founded in 2017, our mission was to give beautiful ASEAN products their due. Through pop-ups, a physical store and now, an online store, we have won over many fans of the unique, delicate and high-quality creations of ASEAN makers who include weavers, silversmiths, carvers, farmers and even illustrators. We have sold thousands of products and sold out many brands which we are unable to restock now. 

Many of you may be wondering: Why not? We can order anything online now. The reason is that many of the items in Destination GOOD are made by communities living in remote areas. In the past, some of them, like the Murut weavers of Sabah, had to travel a distance to get to the nearest post office to send their woven place mats to us (SOLD OUT). Now, it is not safe for them to go to town and risk bringing the virus back to their longhouses.  Often, the items are carried back by our AirAsia Foundation team during their travels to assess grant applications. Not a few times, it resulted in some funny cargo - such as the bundle of Pringgodani black bamboo baskets from a village in the Central Javanese highlands, some 4 hours away from Yogyakarta by car (LIMITED UNITS LEFT). 

This ASEAN Day, we are determined to look forward. We are offering a store-wide 20% discount on all items so that we can get our current collections to good homes and begin planning for new ones. The last 18 months have been incredibly hard on craft makers but we continue to believe in them and we will continue to do our best to bring their best creations to you. 

Here are a few highlights that you must get before they sell out too!


Bhukram, Thailand

Just before the pandemic arrived in 2019, Bhukram delivered an exclusive collection of handmade shawls to Destination GOOD. 

This collection features organic cotton shawls woven in shades of indigo, earth and rust and hand-embroidered with Bhukram’s signature floral motifs. The shawls are warm, yet cool. They are a comforting weight, yet light. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and we only have a few pieces left.


 Photo credit: ANTHILL Facebook

ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, The Philippines

After a challenging 18 months, Cebu-based ANTHILL is ending its ready-to-wear line to refocus on it’s original mission, which is to preserve traditional Philippine weaves. This means, however, that we won’t be getting in any more of their cheery buckets, ANTHILL’s signature product from craft communities of the central Philippine islands. 

Made from abaca fibres and lined with cotton, the buckets are perfect as closet organisers or to hold an indoor potted plant. Take your pick from a bright pop of colour or muted neutrals.

 
Selaka Kotagede, Indonesia

Helping preserve the silversmithing tradition of Kotagede, Indonesia, is one of our most cherished tasks. Since 2014, we have embarked on a journey together with the silversmiths of Jagalan village to create a new label that showcases their skills and beautiful Javanese aesthetics. In 2017, we proudly join them in launching their label, Selaka Kotagede, featuring delicate handcrafted silver jewellery and ornaments.

The limited-edition silver birds and chickens in our shop are very much a part of Kotagede’s 500-year silversmithing heritage. Start your collection now.

 Photo credit: Zó Project Facebook

Zo Project, Vietnam

Zo Project was founded to preserve the dying tradition of mulberry paper-making in Vietnam through modernising its uses by producing charming notebooks, drawing books and paper jewellery. However, even before the pandemic drastically reduced tourist (and shopper) numbers, the social enterprise lost its flagship storefront along Hanoi’s famous Train Street when authorities closed access to visitors due to safety concerns. 

Not ready to give up, Zo Project is continuing to produce its paper products and finding new fans. For stationery lovers, we highly recommend the Summer Senses notebooks. Add on a postcard or two while you are at it too. It may still be some months before we can revisit the graceful Vietnamese capital.

 Photo credit: Tembaga Terengganu Facebook

Tembaga Tereggganu, Malaysia

The east coast of West Malaysia is well known for its batik but another craft that deserves just as much recognition is the brass-smithing of Kuala Terengganu. Although the industry had its origins in equipping fishing boats, the craft evolved over time to produce household and decorative items, especially ceremonial brassware. 

Our first partnership with the few remaining craftsmen of Kuala Terengganu sees the introduction of two traditional pieces, a small lidded brass bowl and brass urn, made in white brass, as perfect examples of Terengganu craftsmanship. 

 

So, shop these heritage pieces now for a unique memento of our home region. Happy ASEAN Day.