In collaboration with MTIB
A deep and abiding passion for wood fuels KWM Craft’s every project, allowing it to consistently produce exquisite pieces that meet all of its customers’ needs to the letter.
After completing his studies in architecture and using his knowledge to make significant contributions to fire prevention measures in a variety of jobs over the next few decades, Hj Isa bin Hj Saad was ready to retire at the age of 50. Driven by a love for wood, he decided to pick up woodworking despite having no prior experience as a way to pass the time. He built himself a small workshop behind his house and taught himself using videos posted on the Internet over the course of three days. This eventually led to him establishing KWM Craft in 2014 where KWM stands for ‘Kayu Warisan Malaysia’ (Malaysian Heritage Wood).
Today, the company is a family-run business with a total of 15 staff and a well-equipped factory that has been operational since 2016. It specialises in custom-made wood products which it builds based on the designs and instructions it has received from its clients. Using top-of-the-line laser cutting machines, it is able to make everything from furniture and wall decorations to mosque pulpits and wood panels. This ability to meet whatever specific needs its clients may have has made it a favourite among local interior designers and architects with extremely precise wood demands. Additionally, it is unafraid to explore uncommon business avenues as Hj Isa believes that every small task is a source of potential growth for the company.
Another related specialty of KWM Craft is the use of epoxy resin in combination with irregular wood pieces to create stunning masterpieces. A relatively new technique and trend in Malaysia, it has garnered a lot of attention due to the versatility that it offers especially when colours are added to the mix. The best results are usually obtained with the use of live edge wood as people have come to appreciate the beauty of natural flaws in wood. This trend has also been gaining in popularity due to its environmentally-friendly implications which stems from the fact that such pieces of wood are usually thrown away.
While most of the company’s clientele comes from its website which is known internationally, it has also seen a boost in its business since it began collaborating with the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB). The partnership began in 2016 when KWM Craft participated in an exhibit sponsored by the government body which allowed it to get noticed on a grander scale. Its wide selection of high-quality wood has seen interested buyers from all parts of the world including countries like Canada and the Middle East visiting the factory in person so that they can examine the wood for themselves.
Hj Isa bin Hj Saad, owner and Founder of KWM Craft
As a person who is passionate about wood, Hj Isa naturally hopes to cultivate this interest in others as much as possible. In fact, a love for wood along with a desire to challenge oneself is the main criterion he has when he looks for new hires who are usually degree-holders from a wide variety of fields. This has also inspired him to work towards turning his factory into an environment where people can learn more about woodworking and schedule tours. To that end, he is already preparing accommodations in the form of a dormitory where interested individuals can stay while they learn the craft from him and his talented staff.
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