My name is Ridhwansabri (Duen), and I come from a background in Design and Creative Industries with a strong interest in sustainability, upcycling, and textile based practices. Beyond design, I have always been drawn to work that involves people, community, and shared learning, especially when creativity can be used to create positive environmental and social change.
I chose to work with CORMIS because I genuinely admire its values and the people behind the organisation. The members and volunteers have kind hearts, and being around them has taught me what it means to be more mindful, not only in my work but also in how I reflect on myself and treat others. Through CORMIS, I learned that sustainability is not only about materials and waste, but also about care, empathy, and being present for the community.
During my time with CORMIS, I have been involved in supporting sustainability initiatives, developing creative ideas, and facilitating upcycling workshops with communities in Vietnam. These experiences have given me many opportunities to grow and learn, whether it was understanding challenges on the ground, finding solutions when things did not go as planned, or learning how to prepare, adapt, and support others without leaving anyone behind. Participants often shared how the workshops helped them feel more confident, valued, and connected, while also becoming more aware of textile waste and sustainable practices.
Being part of CORMIS has also empowered me to bring these values and practices back home to Brunei, where I now feel more confident initiating and facilitating community-based upcycling workshops. The journey has shown me that impact does not stop in one place; it continues through the people we become and the communities we return to.
I am deeply grateful to see people beginning to acknowledge my work and my brand, daun.co, and to have others reach out to join and collaborate with me. These connections remind me that positive change grows stronger when it is shared, and that collective effort can lead us toward a more mindful and sustainable future.
Overall, being part of CORMIS has been a grounding and transformative journey for me. It has shaped not only how I approach design, but also how I strive to be a better and more mindful person. Someone who plans with care, stays resilient in challenges, and continues to lead with compassion in both work and life.