Olivia Ling, the founder of Poppies and Poppies  Exclusive, has dedicated her efforts to preserving and uplifting the heritage of the Penan community through her innovative CSR initiative. As a passionate advocate for cultural sustainability and women’s empowerment, Olivia’s work bridges the gap between tradition and contemporary design.
Poppies Exclusive, a collaboration between Olivia’s brand and the Penan Women Project, redefines  traditional  Penan  weaving  with  a modern touch. This initiative provides Penan women with sustainable income opportunities while preserving their intricate weaving techniques, which have been passed down for generations. Known for her keen eye for style and design, Olivia has expanded the collection to offer a wide variety of handcrafted items, from totes and clutches to storage baskets, feature walls, and decorative home pieces, all meticulously made in over 30 vibrant colors and bespoke patterns.
Her latest project, the Artist Series, is a groundbreaking collection that ties the craftsmanship of Penan weavers with the creativity of Sarawak artists. This collaboration fuses art and tradition, creating a series of unique pieces that celebrate both Penan cultural heritage and Sarawak’s rich artistic landscape. Every purchase from Poppies Exclusive not only empowers the weavers but also supports remote Penan communities, strengthening their cultural and economic resilience.
These unique items are available at Poppies and her restaurant , Wonderboom, where Olivia seamlessly integrates her passion for community upliftment with her commitment to excellence in all her endeavors. Through her innovation and dedication, Olivia continues to foster positive change, empowering local communities and making a lasting impact on Sarawak’s cultural and artistic identity.