Fauzi and Faiz flanked by grand prize and sustainability award recipients (Photo: Patrick Goh/The Edge)
The trope of the “struggling artist” is well proliferated. It dramatises a figure who selflessly pursues one’s passion while forsaking the material gain of more lucrative occupations. Poignant yet romantic, this stereotype speaks not only to a greater reality surrounding the lack of financial support for the industry, but the general dismissal of the artistic field’s economic viability — a tragic yet enduring truth for the creatives of today. Acknowledging this absent recognition for the potential of one of Malaysia’s most historic and traditional crafts, the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and MyCreative Ventures’ (MyCV) collaborative Batik Lestari initiative convened its inaugural design competition as part of a greater effort to profile and promote the field to the country’s financial track.
Having received over 80 entries, the winners from the shortlisted 20 were unveiled at the Malam Batik Lestari gala on Dec 5, an evening hosted at the SC headquarters in Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, that immersed guests in rich colour and colourful artistry. Alongside this sartorial soirée was the ongoing two-day festival, featuring a retail market with local brands like Bujins Batik, The Mokara and Kawi; workshops for block and canting batik hosted by master craftsmen; as well as screenings of award-winning animated short film Batik Girl by R&D Studio. The top submissions were also displayed in the atrium and foyer areas of the building, with each piece of fabric suspended on large wooden frames to showcase the immaculate detail behind the works. Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of the Prime Minister and guest of honour for the occasion, inaugurated the official launch with the ceremonial striking of the gong.
After a light dinner (where charming multicoloured confections and thematically appropriate kek batik were served), the crowd of roughly 400 invited attendees entered the main hall to take their seats around the runway — a surely unfamiliar sight to those who frequent the statutory body’s main office, quipped SC chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi in his address. “Hopefully next year, you’ll see the amazing colours, patterns and lestari-ness of the batik that all our ministers will be wearing,” he spoke on the legacy of the project.
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Turning his attention to the practice’s economic performance, Faiz remarked that the issue derived from a lack of demand and willingness to pay for batik, resulting in underpricing. The chairman hopes to pursue initiatives such as having the product more readily available in airports to fully showcase the heritage and artistry of the Malaysian craft, especially given the expected rise in tourism next year as we assume the Asean chairmanship. Speaking on the importance of getting the materials, inks and processes used in batik green certified, he added, “Ultimately, it’s about also making the whole process sustainable, creating that ecosystem that enables young people to come in and learn this craft.”
Zainariah Johari, group CEO of MyCV, framed the initiative as “a platform for artisans and designers to redefine [the boundaries of batik], blending timeless craftsmanship with contemporary innovation”, further echoing the chairman’s insights by assessing how the orange economy has shown a positive impact on our GDP. “We aim to empower a new generation of talent to carry forward this rich heritage onto the global stage, inspiring the world with the vibrant stories that would leave a lasting imprint on our minds like that of the batik block prints,” she emphasised.
The opening showcase of 20 top designs, part of the contest’s final judging, had each model in unsettling black full-body skinsuits, adorned with golden headdresses and accessories. The cloths, each reprinted versions of the original designs, were presented draped over the shoulder and attached to the wrist, allowing spectators to take in the complexity of the patterns while appreciating its fluidity as the figures paraded the entries. Fashion shows by participating vendor brands followed, spotlighting a breadth of casual and formal wear that ranged from simple silhouettes with large floral prints by Batik Boutique to Ruzz Gahara’s seamless head-to-toe patterned looks.
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The grand winner of the night was revealed to be 34-year-old Mohammad Nazri Mat Nasir from Kota Bharu, whose entry sported a brilliant myriad of highly intricate natural and mineral patterns. “Saya rasa amat bertuah kerana dipilih untuk memenangi pertandingan Batik Lestari walaupun saya berhadapan dengan pelbagai rintangan dan halangan semasa menyiapkan produk ini,” said Nazri, who was awarded RM30,000 for his submission, in the afterglow of his victory. He explained his piece, which took him three days to complete, was chiefly inspired by pamor keris: delicate, metallic striations on the blade of the traditional dagger that are achieved either deliberately or accidentally through pattern welding during forging.
The inaugural champion described incorporating natural elements, namely earth, water, fire and air, alongside a host of incredibly localised motifs, including the Malayan tiger and pucuk rebung (bamboo shoot), in order to achieve a modern yet contemporary kain sarung. Nazri, who trained at the National Craft Institute for three years, entered the competition alongside his brother, who also made it to the shortlisted 20. Although the elder did not place, he remained incredibly proud that their family was represented among the champions.
While Nazri noted creating a unique and contemporary work with such fine detailing was a definite challenge, the brothers cited the tribulations that came as a result of the floods, whereby damp and uncertain weather conditions hindered their projects’ completion. The impact of the natural disaster, particularly in the east coast of the peninsula, was stressed during Faiz’s speech as he pointed out many of the adigurus giving demonstrations at the exhibition have had their homes submerged in water. “It’s quite sad what we’re seeing, and I hope, in some way, we can help these people.”
“Apabila dapat call daripada staff Suruhanjaya Sekuriti [seminggu sebelum pertandingan] … macam-macam saya fikir, dapat hadir ke tak, sebab ini satu peluang,” reflected Nazri on the effects of the dire flooding. Fortunately, the kindness of a friend with a four-wheel drive delivered the siblings to the capital in time for the monumental night.
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Despite his magnificent achievement, Nazri remained ever humble, insisting he still has much to learn, and there is plenty of competition. Still young, he observed the saturation of talented entrepreneurs in Kelantan, famous for its batik, and the obstacles he faced attempting to carve out a space among the multitude of established artisans, stating this as the motive behind his eagerness to find success in KL. Looking to the future, he offered, “Harapan saya [adalah untuk] lebih maju ke hadapan dan ke peringkat yang lebih tinggi.”
The brothers expressed immense gratitude for the consistent support they received from their family through their ups and downs, despite not coming from a well-to-do background. “Saya juga berterima kasih kepada keluarga saya,” conveyed Nazri with tears of happiness. “Sebelum menang pertandingan ini, saya dah masuk pelbagai competition. Alhamdulillah, malam ni,
rezeki saya.”
The grand prizes were presented by Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, secretary general for the Ministry of Communications. Group contestants Athirahjuhari x Shudd and Elegen Dinamik placed second and third, receiving RM15,000 and RM10,000 respectively for their efforts. The latter, who also claimed the special prize for sustainable practices, communicated their surprise and elation surrounding their unexpected placement.
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Elegen Dinamik, who are mainly involved with producing textiles, has been working with Orang Asli, namely the Jahai of Kampung Sungai Rual in Jeli, Kelantan, since 2018 to create natural dyes from plants such as indigo, ketapang (Indian almond) and senduduk (melastoma). “Our hope is for most batik practitioners to use warna alam, because there is a lot of pollution [resulting from chemical colours. Employing natural dye is not that hard, and we hope it will be sustained throughout the next generation,” the group affirmed.
A second sustainable practice commendation amounting to RM5,000 was awarded to Rozi Mohammad Nor, while five consolation prizes worth RM2,000 each were also given out. Several of the winning pieces will be featured at the 2025 Asean Finance Ministers’ meetings and related events.
This article first appeared on Dec 16, 2024 in The Edge Malaysia.
