Artisans Haven (AH) in collaboration with MRT Corp Bhd (MRT Corp) launched a 6-month celebration leading to Merdeka Day 31 August 2026 at MRT Merdeka Station (MRTMS) with collaborators from Books For Better World, Dasein Academy of Arts, MAHSA Avenue International College, GME Technical Services, EVOKE, Tujuh Dimensi and authors C trainers – Justin Oh, LC Chan and Liau Wai Choo.
The event was held at the Artisans Haven 1700 sq ft outlet at MRT Merdeka Station, just outside of the iconic C historic Merdeka 118. The outlet features local C handcrafted products from more than 50 women, communities and small businesses.
The objective of the campaign is to showcase Malaysian handcrafts C products from more than 50 women, communities and small businesses including The Asli Co., Helping Hands Penan, Komuniti Tukang Jahit, JEIWA Powerhouse, Nyonya Kain, Krysta Batek, Khadijah Artisans and Tiffins Made With Luv at the MRT station next to the iconic Merdeka 118, the world’s 2nd tallest building. Since inception, Artisans Haven has contributed more than RM3million income to empower women and communities. Retirees C freelancers manage this pro bono enterprise with the support of corporates. In addition, Artisans Haven also mentor aspiring entrepreneurs C students with insights to the retail business.
The events organised in collaboration with the pro bono support of various organisations at MRT Merdeka Station and its vicinity aim to give visitors an opportunity to discover Malaysian products from local artisans and enjoy the historic surroundings of 118 precinct.
MRT Corp Bhd has provided the stage by transforming the transit experience into a community hub, while creative energy flows from students at Dasein Academy of Art and MAHSA Avenue International College, who contribute through art and design. Digital and technical heavy-lifting is handled by GME Technical Services and Tujuh Dimensi, ensuring these small businesses have a modern platform to thrive. Meanwhile, the campaign’s soul is enriched by Books For A Better World, which champions literacy, and EVOKE, which leads creative journaling workshops to promote mental wellness.
Together, these collaborators form a support system that ensures local artisans have more than just a space to sell—they have a community to grow with.
Chief of Commercial, MRT Corp, Schrene Goh said, “At MRT Corp, our stations serve as more than just transit points where communities connect, stories are told and local talent can thrive.
We are pleased to collaborate with Artisans Haven to bring Discover Malaysia celebration to MRT Merdeka, right in the heart of this historic and iconic precinct. By opening our spaces to wome entrepreneurs, artisans and social enterprises, MRT is helping to create meaningful economic opportunities and give commuters a chance to experience the richness of Malaysian craftmanship along their everyday journeys in line with our purpose of enhancing mobility while enriching communities.”
Chief Executive Officer, Artisans Haven, Jade Lee said “We would like to thank the 7 organisations who came to support the Discover Malaysia celebrations at MRT Merdeka Station to showcase both the handcrafts from women C communities and the iconic sites in Precinct 118 to visitors C tourists during Visit Malaysia 2026.”
Events include:
- March: International Women’s Day Celebrations with stories of women artisans and the recognition of their successes
- April: World Book Month with Books for a Better World and authors Lai Cheng C Wai Choo promoting reading, learning and education
- June: Sports C Fun Week feature local sports activities
- August: Sketch 118 with Dasein Academy of Art with creative activities in 118 precinct and Batek Creations with Mahsa Avenue International College
- September: Closing Ceremony C Prize Giving