ZafigoX returned this year after a long hiatus and what a weekend it was. Held on 12 & 13 October 2024, we teamed up with many incredible partners to bring the public an event set to empower, inspire, and rejuvenate women. The two-day event – one day of workshops and another with inspiring talks and performances – was held at Menara Ken TTDI, Kuala Lumpur and created a space for women of shared passions to rejuvenate our love for all things related to travel.
Choosing a favourite part of the event is hard and unfair as both days brought their unique offerings. However, this year’s line of workshops saw participants buzzing with excitement, from travel journalling and planning a girl’s trip to Japan to travel writing and self-defence. There was also an intimate conversation with restauranteur Asma Khan, who had women leaving the room inspired and empowered.
Safe to say, the entire weekend was a rush, and we’re already itching for the next one. Here are some highlights from the ZafigoX 2024 workshop day.
Reclaim: Space. Time. Body. with January Low
With almost 30 years of experience in Odissi dancing, Kuala Lumpur-based January Low started ZafigoX’s participants through a slow morning with the language of movement. Attendees got to reconnect with their physical selves as January led them with a blend of movements that focused on the hip and leg joints. The workshop closed with slowness and silence that helped centre both mind and breath.
Chocolate Spice Making with Chef Sapna Nair
Cooking show host, chef, and a multi-hyphenate force in her own right, Chef Sapna brought out the best in participants’ cooking selves in this Chocolate Spice Making workshop. The session began with a short intro on spices, followed by a chocolate truffle-making demonstration. They learnt expert techniques from the chef and went home with a box of homemade chocolates courtesy of Chef Sapna Nair. What better way to start your day than on a sweet note?
Joshi-Tabi Adventures: The Perfect Girls’ Trip in Japan with Japan National Tourism Organisation
Thanks to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), workshop participants had a ball of time in the 45-minute session on Joshi-tabi, which Tan Hong Hong and Noora Ali guided. Through practical tips, recommendations to lesser-known places, and information on tailored experiences, guests of this workshop were able to gain better insight into the art of girls-only travel in Japan.
Women, Food, And Social Change: A Conversation with Asma Khan
Restaurateur, activist, one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024, UN advocate, PhD holder, and award-winning cookbook writer, Asma Khan led an insightful and inspirational conversation on food and women’s role in influencing social change. It’s safe to say that everyone who left the room learned valuable lessons and is motivated to make a change, whether in their own lives or in others.
Bringing Journeys To Life: Crafting Vivid Descriptions In Travel Writing with Sharon Bakar
We didn’t realise how many aspiring travel writers there were until we saw the line to the workshop, and many were personal fans of writer extraordinaire Sharon Bakar. The session took participants through ways of writing engaging and detailed stories from their personal adventures. It was an intimate session that helped aspiring and novice writers put pen to paper.
Travel Scrapbooking: The Art of Memory Keeping with Tercia Goh
From brand strategist to journaling queen, Tercia Goh graced participants and journaling enthusiasts with her unmatched skill in journal scrapbooking. The gleeful and ready audience gained better knowledge of mixing photos, paintings, and other vintage finds with stationary tools through guided techniques. It was indeed a very creative session!
Her Journeys: Mastering Phone Photography with Annice Lyn
Sponsored by Xiaomi, aspiring photographers got up close and personal with Annice Lyn. Yeap, we’re talking about the first Malaysian photographer accredited for the Olympic Games. Due to her talent in visual storytelling, Annice has gained worldwide recognition, and it is well-deserved. During the 150-minute workshop, participants learned how to capture beautiful images by simply using a mobile phone camera.
Building Your Capsule Wardrobe Using Colour Analysis with The Powderuum
Ever wondered what coloured clothing suited your skin tone best? Well, lucky (and quick) participants managed to snag a seat in this insightful workshop with The Powderuum, which is made up of Hanna Razali and Nabilah Nordin. The 90-minute workshop helped participants better understand the impact of colour on one’s appearance, differentiate colours, and learn how to pair them effectively. There was also a fun makeup demo to help our girlies look our best whenever, wherever!
Travel Safe with Self-Defence with Cassandra Poyong
As women, we are faced with a unique set of challenges, and one of the most common is being a victim of assault. Thankfully, a self-defence workshop led by Cassandra Poyong, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) athlete and coach at Hikari Martial Arts, saw many women leaving with functional movements should such an unfortunate incident occur. Some left the session excited to begin their BJJ journey.
Travel Light: A Yoga & Women’s Health Guide with Huda Ameran
This 60-minute workshop began with some yoga and breathing exercises guided by Women’s Health Coach and yoga instructor, Huda Ameran. She took participants into a world of knowledge on how to combat jet lag, ease body aches from long travel journeys, and ground you both mentally and emotionally when you are in a new and unfamiliar place. The session also included an interactive session post-yoga as she discussed health challenges like bloating, jet lag, and period discomfort. Attendees also left with a nutrition guide to help keep their gut health in check.
From Street to Sketchbook, An Urban Sketch Outing with Cassielelolea
With this workshop, participants took to the streets with Cassielelolea herself and practised their sketching skills. Known for her undoubtable talent and passion for capturing the world in ink and watercolours, Cassie taught attendees the fundamentals of urban sketching, harnessing keen observation, and drawing with limited supplies. We saw some incredible sketches come out of this session, so it’s safe to say that the workshop impacted both experienced and novice participants.
What an incredibly uplifting weekend that was and we’re already craving for more. If you attended this year’s ZafigoX, we’re keen to hear any feedback and suggestions. Get in touch with us at info@zafigo.com.
