We are still pinching ourselves! On January 24, 2026, Waktu Horology was featured in a deep-dive profile by CNA Women, titled "Unable to find a watch inspired by Malay heritage, this 30-year-old Singaporean launched her own brand." An adapted version of our story was also featured on Berita Mediacorp, bringing our mission to the wider Malay-speaking community.
For our founder, Dahliah Kamaru Zaman, this feature is more than just press—it’s a validation of the "leap of faith" she took nearly two years ago.
A Surreal Moment with Mdm Halimah Yacob
One of the most heart-pounding highlights of the article was Dahliah sharing her "nerve-wracking" encounter with former President Halimah Yacob. At a Jamiyah Singapore ceremony in August 2025, Dahliah stepped up to present Mdm Halimah with the Klasik: Hitam (Serial No. 60, in honour of SG60).
“She was like, ‘Oh, thank you, let’s take a picture.’ It was surreal,” Dahliah told CNA.
Moments like these give us the drive to keep pushing, proving that there is a seat at the table for Malay heritage in the world of luxury horology.
The "Why" Behind the Brand
The feature explores the lack of Malay representation in the global watch industry. While esteemed brands celebrate Japanese and Swiss cultures, Dahliah noticed a gap where Malay stories should be.
Inspired by her late grandfather’s life at sea and her great-grandfather’s Seaman’s Identity Book, Dahliah integrated these maritime roots into the brand’s DNA. This is why our logo sits at 9 o'clock—its western orientation pays homage to the history of seafaring, trade, and exploration that shaped the Nusantara.
Grit, Humour, and Resilience
The road wasn't easy. The article reveals a side of the story many might not know: a serious motorcycle accident Dahliah suffered during her notice period when she first decided to go full-time with Waktu Horology.
Despite a broken elbow and ankle, she kept her sense of humour and her focus. That experience only made her stronger. As Dahliah told CNA:
“I feel that if I don’t spend this amount of money to build this brand, and create a new medium of storytelling for Malay heritage, is anyone going to do it in future?”
A Heartfelt Thank You
We want to extend a massive thank you to Aaron De Silva and the team at CNA Women, as well as Berita Mediacorp, for telling our story with such depth and care. Most importantly, thank you to you—our community—for supporting this vision.
As Dahliah says, it’s not just about a watch; it’s about a legacy on your wrist.
Read the full article on the CNA Women website HERE or the Berita Mediacorp website HERE.