Malaysian batik talents can make their mark in fashion world

The emergence of new and exciting talents from the batik industry could make their mark in the world of fashion, said Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (Penyayang) chairman, Nori Abdullah.

"It is our hope at Penyayang to see our batik industry integrate itself into the fashion industry and find for itself a niche in design and branding.

"In the past, we have seen some of Malaysia's finest batik fashion designers who have had spectacular success in creating their own brands," she said, here, today.

Five finalists were announced for the Piala Seri Endon (PSE) Batik Design Competition 2016 who will be participating in the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready To Wear (KLFW RTW) Fashion Show 2017.

They were Mohd Faizul Noorizan, Muhammad Ridzuan Alias, Mohd Hafiz Drahman, Syahmiza Razali and Yus Faizal Abdul Rahim, said KLFW RTW founder, Andrew Tan, at a press conference.

Nori in her speech also said that this was the second year that Penyayang, a foundation to help needy Malaysians in education, welfare, research, health and other charitable purposes, was collaborating with KLFW RTW for a special batik segment at the KLFW RTW Fashion Show in August, 2017.

She said the finalists could anticipate an exciting journey filled with opportunities, as the fashion show would be a significant platform for aspiring young talents to reach a broad spectrum of customers who could influence the world of fashion.

For designer, Muhammad Ridzuan Alias, 25, it is an honour for him to be chosen as one of the finalists as he is still a rookie in the fashion industry.

"Although I graduated as a fashion major, never in my life I thought I would receive this level of acknowledgement.

"I am very thankful to receive such a prestigious accolade and I've promised myself to work hard to promote batik art among the young," he said.

Ridzuan said he would take the opportunity to present more of his "Pengembara Jiwa"-themed creations at the fashion show next year. - Bernama