Keeping up efforts to preserve batik art

(From left) Mohd Yusri, Leela and Prof Mohamed Najib at the exhibition showcasing past winners’ artworks.

BATIK designers and producers can now showcase their talents at The Piala Seri Endon (PSE) 2023 Batik Design Competition.

In its 18th edition, the competition is organised by Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (Penyayang) under the Malaysia Batik Crafted for the World Movement in collaboration with fashion label Bonia.

It is an annual event that generates new talents and works towards the growth and development of Batik Malaysia.

The PSE 2023 was launched by Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry vice-secretary Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusof at Wisma Penyayang, Seri Kembangan.

Named after the late Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, who was the wife of Tun Abdullah Badawi – the fifth prime minister of Malaysia, it was first launched in 2003 and introduced the fashion category.

The PSE went on to include a soft furnishing category in 2004 and handicraft category in 2005.

Mohd Yusri said the competition was a catalyst for empowerment of the local batik craft industry.

“It opens up opportunities for entrepreneurs, craft communities and designers to produce a variety of batik products using new patterns, methods and materials to offer consumers the best product options.

“With diverse batik craft products created in the competition, I am confident that the batik industry will continue to thrive and be in line with current trends,” he said.

The panel of judges comprising academicians, entrepreneurs and designers, who are experienced and knowledgeable in batik-making, are led by Prof Datuk D. Mohamed Najib Ahmad Dawa.

The competition will focus on the creativity, originality and professional execution of batik designs as well as its commercial viability.

Penyayang chief executive officer Datuk Leela Mohd Ali, representing Penyayang chairman Nori Abdullah who could not attend the event, said the ministry had thrown its support behind the competition as an effective initiative to preserve the development of batik art.

“We hope to produce new artists, develop new designs and methods for producing batik, and hopefully get entries that attempt to embrace technology,” she added.

The competition, consisting of three categories – fashion, soft furnishing and handicraft – is open to Malaysians of 18 years and above.

Participants can be in a group of not more than four people or can enter individually. Each group or person can only enter one out of the three categories.

The prize for each competition category comprises a first prize of RM30,000, second prize of RM10,000 and third prize of RM5,000 as well as five consolation prizes of RM1,000 each.

The deadline for handing in the batik artworks sample is May 15.

Participants must submit their product samples or sketches for the first round.

Those who have been selected from the first round must present their products to the judges on May 18 for the second round.

If selected, then the artists will have to present their final product for judging.

The winners will be announced by Penyayang in August.

PSE 2017 soft furnishing category second-place winner Yus Faisal Abdul Rahim encourages all batik producers to join the competition.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t win, as long as you present your ideas and creativity to the world.

“The competition can become a platform to help participants gain recognition,” said the batik producer.

For details, call 03-8946 0222 or fax [phone].