Brunei belongs to Borneo

Ngepan Modern explores the relationship between Indigenous identity, tradition and modernity. Inspired by the Terabai and the Baju Burung, I reinterpret Dayak motifs onto contemporary objects: a denim jacket and a skateboard.

By bringing traditional visual language into everyday life, the work asks how Indigenous culture can remain visible, relevant and evolving rather than confined to the past.

Outside the bubble

The work also reflects on Brunei's relationship with its wider Bornean identity. In an increasingly globalised world, cultural disconnection can occur alongside greater global connectivity. Ngepan Modern challenges the Brunei Bubble and serves as a reminder of Brunei's place within Borneo.

Conversations about Borneo often centre on Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan while Brunei remains less visible. Representation Matters set out to reconnect Brunei with its Bornean neighbours, through both shared histories and distinct identities.