Navigating Indigenous Identity as a Mixed Heritage Artist

What defines indigenous identity? Is it a birthplace? Is it lineage? Is it the practice of customs and traditions? For the mixed heritage person, it is hardly straightforward and far more complex, layered, nuanced and at times even contradictory. Come listen to how Allie Jabing, an indigenous craft design expert of Iban-Chinese heritage and Bethany Luhong Balan, a graphic designer, visual artist & poet of Kayan-Canadian heritage navigate these complexities and contradictions through their art.

Artist Profiles:

Allie Jabing: 

Indigenous Craft Design Expert (Sarawak)Allie Jabing is a Kuching-born fashion designer and creative designer whose work is often described as neo-culture chic. She draws inspiration from her Iban-Chinese heritage and the rich cultural landscapes in which she was raised, with textiles frequently serving as her primary medium. Her creative portfolio spans multiple disciplines, including curating wardrobes for film, voice acting, and producing her inaugural art installation in conjunction with the first-ever Rajang River Music Festival in 2025. These projects reflect her commitment to celebrating local culture while blending traditional elements with contemporary design. Through her work, Allie continues to explore the intersections of heritage, innovation, and self-expression, using fashion and art as platforms to showcase culture, engage communities, and inspire the next generation of creatives in Malaysia and beyond.

Bethany Luhong Balan:

Graphic Designer, Visual Artist & Poet (Sarawak)Bethany is a freelance multimedia designer, poet, and self-taught visual artist based in Kuching, Sarawak. She holds a bachelor's degree in graphic design and has been involved in creative pursuits in various forms for as long as she can remember. Her journey towards becoming a full-fledged artist began in 2016, when she started performing spoken word poetry with the Wordsmiths of Kuching. Since then, she has taken part in numerous performances, poetry anthologies, art exhibitions, and even a virtual artist residency. She draws inspiration from the duality of human nature and the many contradictions that shape individual identity. As a multidisciplinary artist, her work seeks to blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy. Her playful and subversive approach brings a touch of magical realism to each piece—whether in poetry, clay, or digital art.