Ng with his collection of colourful bags with made from Malaysian batik. — Bernama
After nearly eight years of making bags using canvas and PVC (polyvinyl chloride), entrepreneur Ng Yak Khiang never imagined that his exposure to batik would open a new chapter in his business journey.
Ng, 60, developed an interest in batik after being captivated by the patterns and colours of textiles by local artisans.
It inspired him to use batik fabric for his bag designs.
“About 12 years ago, when I attended the National Craft Day and saw the works of batik makers, it truly opened my eyes to the beauty of batik.
“I thought that since we’re creating a Malaysian product, we should use Malaysian batik because it has its own identity and uniqueness that can attract foreign tourists,” he told Bernama at the Asean Arts & Crafts Bazaar in Petaling Jaya.
Ng said his Finders Keepers brand featured backpacks, sling bags, tote bags and document bags, all designed and sewn by hand in his small workshop in Kota Damansara.
Each batik motif is created using the wax block technique, a skill he learned from watching YouTube tutorials.
With guidance from experienced individuals, he managed to master the art in a month.
“Each bag takes between five and six days to complete, depending on the complexity of the design, while prices range from RM100 to RM300 per piece,” he said, adding that each bag was lined with water-resistant fabric for durability and practicality in various conditions.
Ng, who markets his products online and at events organised by Kraftangan Malaysia, said his favourite motifs are rubber tree leaves, papaya leaves and tropical patterns.
Indonesian craft entrepreneur Vita Sari, 42, said her participation in the Asean Arts & Crafts Bazaar was a meaningful opportunity to showcase the beauty of tenun rangrang from Lombok.
She said the uniqueness of tenun rangrang lay in its perforated patterns, symbolising openness and light in the lives of the Lombok people, while also blending Chinese cultural influences through the yin-yang motifs.
“This ‘mix culture’ motif (tenun rangrang) is a fusion of Chinese and Indonesian elements, making it distinct from other traditional weaves.
“It can also be turned into shawls, home decor, or clothing.”
The Asean Arts & Crafts Bazaar at Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre featured 12 Malaysian craft entrepreneurs selling textiles, ceramics and forest-based products, as well as eight participants from other Asean countries, showcasing the beauty and intricacy of regional handicrafts.
