Cover Grand prize winner of Batik Lestari Design Competition is Muhammad Nazri Mat Nasir, who took home RM30,000 in cash and a trophy (Photo: Fady Younis)
Grand prize winner of Batik Lestari Design Competition is Muhammad Nazri Mat Nasir, who took home RM30,000 in cash and a trophy (Photo: Fady Younis)
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Malaysia celebrates batik excellence at inaugural Batik Lestari Awards as the winning artisans weigh in with their views
The inaugural Batik Lestari Design Competition, championed by Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and MyCreative Ventures Group (MyCV), concluded with the announcement of its winners at the Malam Batik Lestari on December 6, celebrating three exceptional designers for their outstanding batik creations alongside other talented finalists.
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Grand prize winner Muhammad Nazri Mat Nasir took home RM30,000 in cash and a trophy, followed by the design duo Athirahjuhari x Shudd, and Elegen Dinamik, who received RM15,000 and RM10,000 respectively, along with trophies of recognition. Their works, judged for originality, cultural authenticity and sustainability, will stand as beacons of Malaysia’s heritage as the country prepares for its ASEAN chairmanship role in 2025. The winning batik designs is expected to be featured at the 2025 ASEAN finance ministers’ meetings and related meetings come February 2025.
Above Winner of the Batik Lestari Design Competition, Nazri masterfully combines traditional and modern motifs in his creations
Winner of the Batik Lestari Design Competition, Nazri masterfully combines traditional and modern motifs in his creations
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“My inspiration comes from the desire to preserve tradition while giving a fresh breath to batik designs,” Nazri shared. His work masterfully combined traditional and modern motifs. “Each batik motif carries its own meaning—some speak of spirit and resilience, while others emphasise the beauty of nature and our cultural heritage,” he explained. Nazri’s thoughtful approach reflects a desire to make batik relevant to contemporary audiences while honouring its storied past.
Above Design duo Athirahjuhari x Shudd, or Siti Athirah Mohd Juhari and Nur Shuhada Halim, received RM15,000 and a trophy as second-prize winners of Batik Lestari Design Competition
Design duo Athirahjuhari x Shudd, or Siti Athirah Mohd Juhari and Nur Shuhada Halim, received RM15,000 and a trophy as second-prize winners of Batik Lestari Design Competition
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The second-prize winners, Siti Athirah Mohd Juhari and Nur Shuhada Halim, who comprise the design duo Athirahjuhari x Shudd, infused their creation with regional influences drawn from Malaysia’s diverse heritage. “Our design is inspired by Malaysia’s heritage. We combined traditional motifs like Baba Nyonya, Sarawak batik motifs, and elements from Terengganu and Kelantan,” shared Athirah. A particularly captivating element was the crown motif, a symbol of the beauty and grace inherent in Malaysian traditions. Shuhada added, “We also drew inspiration from the structure of the KLCC Towers—its flower-like form reflects the flow of traditional cultural dances.”
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Sustainability was a core focus for Athirahjuhari x Shudd, who incorporated natural dyes into their design. “The process is more environmentally friendly and sustainable,” noted Athirah, emphasising the need for younger generations to appreciate batik’s deeper meanings and cultural significance.
Above Elegen Dinamik, comprising Nawal binti Abdul Kadir, Dr Tengku Fauzan Tengku Anuar, Mosalihah Mohamod and Wan Nor Azah Wan Khairul Asri, received RM10,000 and a trophy as third-prize winners of Batik Lestari Design Competition
Elegen Dinamik, comprising Nawal binti Abdul Kadir, Dr Tengku Fauzan Tengku Anuar, Mosalihah Mohamod and Wan Nor Azah Wan Khairul Asri, received RM10,000 and a trophy as third-prize winners of Batik Lestari Design Competition
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Elegen Dinamik, the third-prize winner, made up of Nawal binti Abdul Kadir, Dr Tengku Fauzan Tengku Anuar, Mosalihah Mohamod and Wan Nor Azah Wan Khairul Asri, embraced minimalism and functionality while maintaining batik’s timeless charm. “The design combines simplicity while maintaining a high level of aesthetic value,” they explained.
Their collection blended modern sensibilities with traditional craftsmanship, reflecting a vision of batik that appeals to contemporary tastes while preserving its identity. Elegen Dinamik also highlighted sustainability challenges: “We strive to incorporate eco-friendly practices, but it can be a challenge to balance tradition with modern expectations.”
Culture meets craftmanship
Above MyCreative Ventures group CEO Zainariah Johari
Above SC Chairman Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi
MyCreative Ventures group CEO Zainariah Johari
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The Malam Batik Lestari was a spectacular showcase of Malaysian artistry, attended by 400 cultural luminaries, government officials, and corporate leaders. The SC venue at Bukit Kiara hosted stunning batik installations in celebration of excellent craftsmanship the event sought to honour.
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MyCreative Ventures group CEO Zainariah Johari captured the evening’s spirit: “The Batik Lestari initiative is more than just a celebration of batik; it is a platform for artisans and designers to redefine its boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with contemporary innovation.”
SC Chairman Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi echoed this sentiment, emphasising the modern yet circular economy of Malaysia’s creative and cultural industries. “Batik Lestari echoes the broader values of Malaysia MADANI; the vision of a developed, inclusive, and compassionate Malaysia. One where our collective strength is reflected not only in our economy, but in the daily lives of our people and our art,” he said.
Shaping the future of batik
Above Models in some of the shortlisted contestants’ batik designs
Models in some of the shortlisted contestants’ batik designs
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While the evening celebrated remarkable achievements, it also highlighted the challenges facing the batik industry. Sustainability remains a pressing issue. As Athirahjuhari x Shudd noted, “Incorporating natural dyes and sustainable practices is essential, but it requires time, effort, and awareness.” Elegen Dinamik added that appealing to younger generations is vital to ensuring batik’s relevance in a modern world: “The younger generation often sees batik as outdated. Our role is to bridge tradition and modernity in a way that feels fresh and accessible.”
Nazri believes that innovation and exposure are key to the industry’s growth. “The batik industry has great potential, but we need to be more creative and leverage opportunities to showcase our work internationally,” he said.
Above Muhammad Nazri Mat Nasir
Above A model (right) wearing grand prize winner Nazri’s design
Muhammad Nazri Mat Nasir
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With designs set to feature at the 2025 ASEAN finance ministers’ meetings, Batik Lestari marks a pivotal moment celebrating the country’s heritage, innovation and sustainability—a powerful reminder of batik’s ability to transcend time and borders.
As Athirah aptly puts it, “This is a big opportunity to showcase our talents and promote Malaysian batik on the global stage.” Their words underscore the enduring power of batik as both a cultural artifact and a dynamic art form poised for a vibrant future.
Credits
Images: Fady Younis
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Lynette loves travelling and dancing to Latin music almost as much as she enjoys period films and pastry desserts. She is constantly in search of the perfect nude lipstick and finds her best ideas through walks in nature.
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As the Editor-in-Chief of Tatler Malaysia, Lynette leads the content teams for print, digital and social media platforms of the brand. She has over 20 years experience in media, having been editorial director and editor-in-chief for lifestyle titles such as Cleo, ELLE, Esquire, Men’s Health, and Women’s Health.
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