Vale has joined the International Ipoh Fashion Week (IIFW) 2023 as the event’s largest sponsor, with a RM50,000 sponsorship.
In its fifth season, the IIFW 2023 which ran for three days from Dec 1-3, 2023 is aimed towards becoming one of the leading fashion programmes in Perak state, celebrating culture and heritage with a line-up that featured local designers and international names.
The event featured designs and collections from designers, including Farel Mikhail and Batu Gajah Community College from Perak, Dreamwear Fashion by Manju Dhakal from Nepal, Puan Aspekraf from Indonesia, and Lucky Seven and FM@Cheongsam from China
In a press statement, Vale Malaysia CEO Leonardo Paiva said: “Fashion, as a form of self-expression, has the potential to bring people together, promote inclusivity, and inspire positive change. Through this event, undiscovered talents from all over especially Perak will showcase their craft, giving them an opportunity to shine on a larger stage.
“This aligns with Vale’s broader commitment towards community empowerment whilst creating avenues for individuals to develop and showcase their skills.
“We hope the public will enjoy the various showcases that marry local fashion with heritage and support these amazing homegrown talents.”
IIFW 2023 was launched at a charity gala dinner at the Royal Perak Golf Club in Ipoh on Dec 1, followed by a street fashion showcase at Jalan Bandar Timah in Ipoh Old Town on Dec 2, and another showcase at Lumut Naval Town Waterfront Maritime on Dec 3.
The dinner showcase was graced by Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, members of the Perak royal family, Perak tourism, industry, investment and corridor development committee chairman Loh Sze Yee, local dignitaries and ambassadors from several foreign embassies.
A portion of the funds raised by IIFW in collaboration with sponsors and partners will be used to purchase new medical equipment for the Paediatric High Dependency Unit (PHDU) of Hospital Seri Manjung in Lumut, Perak.
Vale’s recognition of the importance of fashion as part of the textile and apparel industry is not new. Through its collaboration with Single Mothers’ Association (Lumut Parliament), Vale piloted an upskilling programme ‘Manjung Menjahit’ to improve livelihoods and empower single mothers community in the Manjung district.
As part of the programme, Vale furnished 10 units of portable sewing machines and engaged a professional seamstress to teach sewing as a form of trade to single mothers that are interested to pursue home-based sewing businesses.
“Overall, Vale has invested close to RM60 million to support inclusive community development in Perak. The IIFW is one such initiative that aligns with our commitment which is to continue building on socio-economic development initiatives across various communities, close to the company’s operations at Teluk Rubiah,” Paiva added.
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