Kota Kinabalu: Sabahan craftsman Owen Tony, 27, has won third prize in the non-professional bow-making category at the 20th ANLAI International Violin Making Competition in Pisogne, Italy, marking an international milestone for the young artisan from Kampung Buit Hill, Putatan.
Owen, who was born and raised in Putatan, received the award for his handcrafted cello bow, becoming the first local bow maker from the state to achieve international recognition on this scale.
Having entered the field of lutherie and bow making only in 2023, his achievement of reaching the podium at an international competition in just over three years marks a significant early milestone in his craft.
An alumnus of SMK Datuk Peter Mojuntin, Owen grew up sketching and making wire jewellery by hand before developing a deeper interest in music.
Inspired by his late grandfather, who played the violin, he received his first musical instrument from his father in 2013 and taught himself to play entirely by listening and learning by ear.
Before venturing into lutherie, the art of making and restoring stringed instruments and bows, Owen spent more than six years working in the food and beverage industry in Kota Kinabalu before moving to Kuala Lumpur.
In June 2023, he joined the team at KS Strings, where he began setting up and repairing stringed instruments.
Under the mentorship and guidance of award-winning bow maker Wong Perng Kien, Owen subsequently expanded his skills into fine bow making, developing expertise in selecting suitable wood, precision hairing and the structural balancing required to produce bows for professional musical performance.
The ANLAI (Associazione Nazionale Liuteria Artistica Italiana) International Violin Making Competition is recognised internationally for its stringent standards in Italian and international violin and bow making.
Owen’s award-winning cello bow stood out for its structural precision, balance and artistic refinement.
“Starting out from Putatan with no formal music education to representing Malaysia in Italy has been a humbling journey. Fine bow making requires immense patience and respect for traditional woodworking techniques.
“I hope this achievement encourages other young Sabahans to pursue niche, hands-on artistic paths,” Owen said.
Owen continues to work as a bow maker and luthier at KS Strings in Petaling Jaya, where he is further honing his skills in instrument servicing, bow making and restoration.