In Sabah and Sarawak, rice is more than just sustenance, it is the heart of the harvest festival, a symbol of life, gratitude and unity. It carries the legacy of generations, from the dedication of farmers to traditions passed down over time, forming an unbreakable bond between the land and its people. Carlsberg’s latest Sabah and Sarawak artist-edition packaging brings this rich heritage to life, showcasing stunning rice art that celebrates cultural pride.
Carlsberg Smooth Draught will feature these intricate rice art designs on its cans and bottles throughout the year, while, back by popular demand, Carlsberg Danish Pilsner joins the collection for a limited time in April and May. Back for the 5th consecutive year, the artist-edition packaging reinforces Carlsberg’s commitment to honouring local traditions through design and craftsmanship.
Featuring four mesmeRICEsing designs “By locals, For locals”, Sabahan artist Nelson Lip and Sarawakian artist T. Bagak have meticulously designed these stunning creations, showcasing Borneo’s most symbolic icons. Each variant features two distinct designs, one inspired by Sabah and the other Sarawak, inspiring local pride in every sip.
Carlsberg Smooth Draught’s packaging brings Borneo’s essence to life, with Sabah’s design depicting the awe-inspiring Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s tallest peak, while Sarawak’s design features the regal Hornbill perched above a longhouse, a revered symbol of cultural heritage and good luck.
Carlsberg Danish Pilsner, on the other hand, embraces the region’s rich heritage with Sabah’s design highlighting the gentle Orangutan and the mystical Rafflesia, some of the world’s rarest sights. The other design celebrates Sarawak’s cultural traditions with hypnotic rhythms of the Sape and the welcoming warmth of the traditional longhouse.
“The essence of Gawai and Kaamatan is deeply tied to the harvest and rice. Carlsberg honours that heritage, embracing the unity, gratitude, and celebration at the heart of these festivals. We’re thrilled to once again ‘Raikan Kebanggaan Sabah & Sarawak’ with a stronger focus on local pride as we collaborate with two talented local artists, whose designs beautifully capture the spirit of Sabah and Sarawak, making every celebration #BestWithCarlsberg,” said Olga Pulyaeva, Marketing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia.
From 15 to 18 May 2025, at Farley Kuching, consumers can experience the vibrant fusion of traditional and modern celebration at the annual Carls Harvest Pesta. This four-day celebration will feature the finest brews together with captivating live performances, traditional music and dance performances by local artists. Attendees can indulge in Bornean delights and fusion cuisines while immersing themselves in interactive experiences from crafting rice art bracelets and rice resin art to mixology workshops at the CarlsBar, with free Tuak Bombs served every two hours to keep the celebrations going. Adding to the excitement, early birds will receive a free can of Carlsberg to welcome them to the festival.
And that’s not all, consumers can also get their hands on the collectable MesmeRICEsing plates, one celebrating the iconic symbols of Sabah and the other highlighting the essence of Sarawak via in-store promotions, while stocks last, and stand a chance to win Apple 16 Pros, 11 inch iPad Air or Apple Watch Series 10. Visit https://bestwithcarlsberg.my/harvest to learn more and follow @CarlsbergMY on Facebook and Instagram for more information and stay tuned for the upcoming Carlsberg’s special Harvest Song Music Video.
This is one celebration you don’t want to miss, so grab a can or bottle, raise a toast, and #RaikanKebanggaanSabahSarawak with Carlsberg! Remember to always #CELEBRATERESPONSIBLY, if you drink, don’t drive.