Batik makers and storytellers, the Batik Lestari Competition, in conjunction with a programme of the same name, is a collaborative initiative in the quest for fresh and reimagined Malaysian batik designs. A thrilling journey awaits as we uncover diverse talents nationwide, inviting local artisans to share their unique interpretation of Malaysian batik!

As Malaysia gears up to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the Securities Commission (SC) leads this initiative to elevate Malaysian batik within the Finance Track which is led by the Ministry of Finance.

Themed Batik Lestari or Sustainable Batik, the competition seeks to uncover the diverse talents across the nation, inviting local artisans to contribute their unique interpretation of Malaysian batik designs.

The competition also aims to promote sustainability, encouraging participants to explore eco-friendly practices and materials in their design and production. The winning designs will be embedded in various elements to the leaders and delegates at the ASEAN 2025 events, embodying Malaysia’s image on the international stage.

Entries for the competition has opened on 16 September 2024 in conjunction with Malaysia Day. It is open to all Malaysians aged 18 and above. The closing date for entries will be 18 October 2024.

Entries will be judged on overall presentation, cultural authenticity and creativity in adopting Malaysian motif elements. Other criteria include theme interpretation, design creativity and colour combination. Out of the total submissions, the top 40 designs will be shortlisted, with winners to be announced in early December 2024. A special recognition will also be given to artisans who incorporate eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices, such as natural dyes and waste reduction.

Attractive cash prizes await the top three winners in addition to consolation prizes:

First, second and third prize winners will receive RM30,000, RM15,000 and RM10,000 accordingly as well as a trophy each. Five consolidation winners will receive RM2,000 each. Additionally, two winners will receive a special mention prize for sustainable batik with RM5,000 each.

Commenting on the competition and Batik Lestari initiative, SC Chairman, Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi has emphasised the SC’s commitment in empowering local artisans and entrepreneurs: “This is in line with the SC’s goals of fostering inclusive growth and supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” he says. “It is also an opportunity for the SC to nurture the creative economy and champion local artisans.”

Kumpulan MyCreative Ventures’ Chief Executive Officer, Zainariah Johari says that the Batik Lestari initiative is a golden opportunity to reimagine and bring Malaysian batik to the next level. “MyCreative Ventures plays an important role in bringing the necessary expertise in reaching out to the creative industries and supporting the competition through its database and experience in supporting the creative industry since 2012,” she says.

Join now and read more about Batik Lestari through this link.

Read more stories like this on BASKL via the links below: