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Paulini Pewter - Traditional Handcrafted Tin Jewelry
Amidst the throngs of people attending the fair, many visitors stopped at a small stall displaying gleaming tin bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Behind that display stand Salini Binti Idris, an artisan who has been dedicated to the craft for over 20 years and is the co-founder of the Paulini Pewter brand.
Ms. Salini Binti Idris, a Malaysian tin jewelry artisan, participated in ITE HCMC 2025.
“Our passion for tin craftsmanship is boundless, starting from a humble backyard in 2006,” she recounted, her voice slow as if recalling a difficult time. Without formal schooling, she and her partner Paul KCK patiently learned the craft by observing, experimenting, making mistakes, and then trying again. From there, their first products were born: Tepak Sireh betel boxes, traditional belts, and Kerongsang Tiga Serangkai brooches for the Kebaya costume.
Success continued when, in 2008, Paulini Pewter was selected to represent Malaysia at the World Handicrafts Council in Hangzhou, China. “That was the proudest moment of our lives when we were honored by the city mayor,” Salini recalled. From that milestone, the brand has been continuously invited by Tourism Malaysia to participate in numerous international events, carrying the mission of promoting culture through each piece of jewelry.
The Paulini Pewter brand has represented Malaysia at numerous international events, trade fairs, and exhibitions.
What makes Paulini Pewter special is that 80% of the entire process is handcrafted. The bracelets, earrings, and necklaces are all handmade, with only a small portion using machinery. “I put my heart and soul into every product, every design,” she says. Therefore, the brand doesn't take the mass market route: it's not found in shopping malls, doesn't sell online, and doesn't even have a distribution network. Buyers can only find it at the official store in Malaysia or at brand fairs Paulini Pewter attends, such as ITE HCMC 2025.
Paulini Pewter's jewelry pieces are almost entirely handcrafted and not mass-produced.
Each design is a cultural mosaic, inspired by nature: birds, flowers, and the distinctive Batik fabric. The fusion of three major cultures—Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian—creates a unique style unlike anywhere else. “The price of a Paulini Pewter piece of jewelry may be higher than average, but the spiritual value and durability in each detail make it a work of art rather than just an accessory,” Salini affirms.
Inspired by nature, Paulini Pewter jewelry focuses on spiritual values and sustainability.
Henna - the lucky color drawn on the skin.
While metallic finishes evoke a sense of luxury, the red hues of henna in the adjacent booth create a different kind of allure. Artist Surin, with small paper tubes filled with henna powder, can draw delicate flowers on visitors' hands in just a few minutes.
Ms. Surin - a henna artist at the Malaysia booth at ITE HCMC 2025
In Malaysia, henna originates from the cultural exchange between the Malay and Indian communities. The henna "ink" is made from ground henna leaves mixed with oil and lemon juice, then placed in a cellophane tube. The artist cuts off the pointed tip and applies the ink directly to the skin, creating delicate patterns. As the ink dries, the dye leaves a yellow color that gradually turns red naturally; these bright colors symbolize good fortune and happiness.
Special "ink" and "pen" for drawing henna
“Henna is often used in weddings or festivals. Malaysians believe that the red color of henna brings joy and good fortune,” Surin said, skillfully drawing on a young girl’s hand. In just five minutes, a gracefully curving flower appeared, a spiritual gift for visitors.
In Malaysian life, henna is more than just a design. It's a communal ritual. Before the wedding, the malam berinai ceremony – the henna night – takes place. The bride is adorned with henna to the sound of music, dancing, and blessings. These designs are considered amulets, warding off evil and welcoming good fortune into the new life.
Henna also features in many major festivals, where the vibrant colors on the hands create a joyful atmosphere. Visitors to the Malaysian booth not only get to try henna painting but also learn more about the spiritual value that henna has brought to the people of Malaysia for centuries.
Visitors learn about henna painting at the Malaysian booth at ITE HCMC 2025.
A miniature Malaysia in the heart of Saigon.
Spanning 250 square meters, the Malaysian pavilion at ITE HCMC 2025 not only showcased tourism but also recreated a vibrant cultural space. From the sparkling tin jewelry to the delicate henna designs, everything seemed to tell a shared story of a multifaceted country where tradition and modernity coexist.
Salini pours her heart and soul into each piece of jewelry to preserve a heritage from the 14th century, while Surin brings freshness through the art of henna – fleeting strokes that hold lasting meaning. Two artists, two artistic languages, but united by a common aspiration: to bring Malaysian culture closer to the international community.
Standing amidst the bustling atmosphere of the fair, visitors can realize that what makes Malaysia so appealing is not just its scenery or cuisine, but the depth of its culture, refined through the hands of skilled artisans. And sometimes, just a tin bracelet or a vibrant red henna flower on the skin is enough to carry a piece of Malaysia's soul with you.
