In Sabah and Sarawak, rice is more than a staple food — it’s the essence of the harvest festival, symbolizing life, gratitude, and unity. It reflects generations of heritage, from the tireless work of farmers to age-old traditions passed down through time, creating a deep-rooted connection between the land and its people. Carlsberg’s latest artist-edition packaging for Sabah and Sarawak captures this cultural richness, featuring captivating rice-inspired artwork that pays tribute to local pride and legacy.
Carlsberg Smooth Draught will showcase these intricate rice art designs on its cans and bottles throughout the year. Meanwhile, due to popular demand, Carlsberg Danish Pilsner returns to the lineup for a limited time in April and May. Now in its fifth consecutive year, the artist-edition packaging underscores Carlsberg’s dedication to celebrating local traditions through thoughtful design and craftsmanship.
This year’s collection features four mesmeRICEsing designs created “By locals, For locals.” Sabahan artist Nelson Lip and Sarawakian artist T. Bagak have crafted these visually stunning pieces, highlighting some of Borneo’s most iconic cultural symbols. Each variant includes two unique designs—one representing Sabah and the other Sarawak—bringing a sense of local pride to every sip.
Carlsberg Smooth Draught’s packaging captures the spirit of Borneo, featuring a design from Sabah that showcases the majestic Mount Kinabalu—Malaysia’s highest peak—while Sarawak’s version highlights the iconic Hornbill, perched above a longhouse, symbolizing cultural pride and good fortune.
Carlsberg Danish Pilsner, meanwhile, pays tribute to the region’s rich heritage with a Sabah design that spotlights the gentle Orangutan and the rare, mystical Rafflesia. The Sarawak edition celebrates cultural traditions through the captivating rhythms of the Sape and the inviting charm 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, head over to Farley Kuching for the annual Carls Harvest Pesta, where tradition meets modern festivity in a four-day celebration like no other. Enjoy Carlsberg’s finest brews alongside electrifying live performances, traditional music, and cultural dances by talented local artists. Festivalgoers can savour Bornean delicacies and fusion cuisine while diving into hands-on activities like rice art bracelet-making, rice resin art, and mixology workshops at the CarlsBar—plus, free Tuak Bombs will be served every two hours to keep the party vibes going strong. Early birds will even receive a complimentary can of Carlsberg as a warm welcome to the festivities.
But that’s not all—shoppers can also snag exclusive MesmeRICEsing collectable plates, featuring iconic symbols of Sabah and Sarawak, through in-store promotions (while stocks last). Plus, stand a chance to win amazing prizes including the Apple iPhone 16 Pro, 11-inch iPad Air, or Apple Watch Series 10. Learn more at https://bestwithcarlsberg.my/harvest and follow @CarlsbergMY on Facebook and Instagram for updates, including the upcoming release of Carlsberg’s special Harvest Song Music Video.
This is a celebration you won’t want to miss—so crack open a can or bottle, raise your glass, and #RaikanKebanggaanSabahSarawak with Carlsberg! And as always, #CELEBRATERESPONSIBLY
If you drink, don’t drive.
