Piala Seri Endon returns in search of new talent

Nancy (left) and Penyayang chief executive officer Datuk Leela Mohd Ali checking out an exhibition of batik handicrafts made by previous winners of the Piala Seri Endon Batik Design Competition.

AFTER a two-year hiatus, the 17th Piala Seri Endon Batik Design Competition has returned.

Present to launch the competition was Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Hajah Nancy Shukri, who also witnessed the signing of a sponsorship agreement between Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia and Bonia Corporation Berhad at Wisma Penyayang in Seri Kembangan, Selangor.

“This is a patriotic and sentimental gesture by Bonia,” said Nancy.

“There is a general perception that it is very challenging for the culture and heritage sector to get sponsors from private and corporate establishments.

“Unlike theatre and musical festivals that often attract sponsorship, there needs to be stronger support for long-term development of crafts and its communities from the private sector,” she added.

At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, she said the arts and culture sector was the first to be badly affected and calls to ensure Malaysia’s creative craft makers were protected grew stronger.

“I am glad that Malaysian culture and heritage has struck a cord with the private sector.”

Nori: The aim is to highlight batik by fostering new talents while injecting creativity and excitement into the industry.

Bonia group executive director Datuk Seri Daniel Chiang hoped that with its modest support, the country would be able to take the its premier batik-making competition to the international stage someday soon.

Piala Seri Endon is named in honour of Tun Endon Mahmood, the late wife of former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Organised by Penyayang and its subsidiary, Batik Guild Sdn Bhd, the competition introduced many new and up-and-coming batik designers over the past 16 editions.

“The aim of this competition is to highlight batik by fostering new talents while injecting creativity and excitement into the industry.

“The competition provides a platform for lifestyle product designers to compete in a professionally organised competition,” said Penyayang chairman Nori Abdullah.

Led by Prof Datuk D. Mohamed Najib Ahmad Dawa, the panel of judges will consist of academicians, entrepreneurs and designers experienced and knowledgeable in the field of batik-making.

The competition is divided into three different categories – fashion, soft-furnishing and handicraft – and is open to all Malaysians aged 18 and above.

There are three rounds.

Submission deadline for the first round is March 14.

Shortlisted candidates will qualify for the semi-finals from Aug 19 to 22.

The grand finals will take place on Sept 4.

Winners will walk away with cash prizes of RM30,000 (champion), RM10,000 (first runner-up) and RM5,000 (second runner-up).

There will also be five consolation prizes.