2020 Olympics: Designer of tanjak takes pride his artwork catches world's attention

Faris Danial Razi
July 24, 2021 13:46 MYT

The stylish tanjak (headgear), designed by Sallehin Hussain (right), and worn by the male members of the Malaysian contingent at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics last night had certainly attracted the attention of many. - FB\MSN photo

KUALA LUMPUR: The stylish tanjak (headgear) worn by the male members of the Malaysian contingent at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics last night had certainly attracted the attention of many.

It is actually the handiwork of Astro AWANI employee, Sallehin Hussain, who is also a designer of tanjak from Tanjakfansuri.

The traditional clothes of the Malay heritage happened to be his great interest and Sallehin admitted to feeling excited on seeing the tanjak he had designed, being the focus of attention of millions of viewers from all over the world.

“At first, I felt like I couldn't believe the tanjak that I designed was chosen to be worn at the opening ceremony of the 2020 Olympics.

“The organisers had asked me to make two samples of the tanjak from the fabric they had sent me.

“After they had discussed with the relevant parties, they agreed with my design. Next, they contacted me to place an order for the number required,” he said.

Sallehin, who watched the live telecast of the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics from his home, expressed admiration when he saw the tanjak he produced worn by the Malaysian contingent’s male members.

"I was feeling flared up while waiting for our contingent’s turn at the parade. Since the beginning of the parade, me, my wife and our children were waiting in front of the television.

"My heart was pounding as if I am competing in the Olympics, it's hard for me to express it but it's really fun.

"When the time came for the Malaysian contingent, my whole house was noisy with my children and my wife were all cheering. I was really excited and proud when our traditional clothes were displayed on the world stage," said Sallehin.

Stylishly dressed, inspired by Laksamana Hang Tuah's dress for male athletes and complete with a figure and shawl for women's clothing, the national contingent, was a picture of pride.

Malaysia's identity was evident with the clothes that come from the designs of the Faculty of Art and Design, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam and the tanjak designed by Sallehin, Astro AWANI’s own.

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