Malaysian Batik Heritage Design Image: Strengthening Cultural Heritage through Academia–Industry Synergy

SEPANG, 31 October 2025: Malaysian batik art continues to be elevated as an emblem of national identity through the launch of the Malaysian Batik Heritage Design Image Programme, held at Terminal 1, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

The launching ceremony was officiated by the Senior General Manager of Commercial Services, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Mdm. Hani Ezra Husin, who represented the Managing Director of MAHB, Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani.

In his speech, Dato’ Mohd Izani expressed his heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), particularly the School of Creative Industry Management and Performing Arts (SCIMPA), for their initiative and dedication in organising this prestigious programme.

According to him, this event stands as a clear manifestation of synergy and close collaboration between academic institutions and strategic industry partners. He emphasised that MAHB firmly believes airports are strategic and ideal platforms to introduce and promote Malaysia’s traditional arts and the cultural uniqueness to the world.

“Malaysian Batik is celebrated as a living art form that continues to flourish without losing its identity.

“This UUM initiative demonstrates how art and education can converge to nurture a creative and visionary generation,” he said through a speech text read by Mdm. Hani Ezra.

Meanwhile, UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, said that the Malaysian Batik Art Heritage Design Image programme exemplifies the synergy between academic institutions, industry, and the community which is the very backbone of socio-economic development and the preservation of the country’s cultural heritage.

He highlighted that SCIMPA has taken a proactive role as a catalyst in empowering local heritage art — a field rich not only in aesthetic value but also abundant with economic potential and national identity.

Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan further remarked that UUM takes great pride in its close collaboration with MAHB and other strategic partners in unveiling new dimensions of heritage innovation and creative economy. Such efforts, thus serve as a driving force in empowering the socio-economy of the local community through cultural heritage that “neither withers in the heat nor fades in the rain.”

“This strategic initiative is indeed a noble step that will shape the development of UUM’s upcoming academic program in Textile Fashion Industry Business Management to be offered at UUM.

“I urge that this commitment to be continuously strengthened through innovation and steadfast dedication to the arts, ensuring that our national cultural policy remains vibrant and relevant in today’s era of globalisation,” he said in a speech delivered by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Dr. Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani.

This programme also featured a host of engaging activities, including a contemporary batik design and batik colouring competition, a batik exhibition, and exclusive fashion shows by renowned Malaysian designers such as Rizman Ruzaini Couture and Dato’ Asfarena Samion Mon.

The Citra Reka Warisan Batik Malaysia programme, which also saw student participation, marks the beginning of SCIMPA’s tenth-anniversary celebrations in 2026. It also aims to elevate the legacy of Malaysian batik to the international stage through strategic collaboration among diverse partners.

In conjunction with the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Exchange and Letter of Intent (LoI) Presentation Ceremony was also held, involving Arisprop Capital Berhad (ACB), the Film Directors’ Association of Malaysia (FDAM), the Malaysian Film Producers Association (PFM), D’mainiza Pictures Two Sdn Bhd, J&Kel’l Jewellery, Rizman & Ruzaini and MAHB.

Also present were UUM Board of Directors Member, Mdm. Maizatulakmam Othman @ Ibrahim; Dean of SCIMPA, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Adzrool Idzwan Ismail; Programme Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syamsul Bahrin Zaibon and senior officials from MAHB and UUM.