04/06/2025

LYFE WEDNESDAY | JUNE 4, 2025

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I N a significant move intertwining cultural heritage with regional diplomacy, Masterpiece by Masrina Abdullah was appointed to design the official batik attire for leaders attending the Asean Chairmanship 2025 Gala Dinner that took place last week, marking one of the first major ceremonial events of Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship year. The attire was worn by heads of state and government from Asean member states, Gulf Cooperation Council countries and China. The countries represented include Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Timor Leste and China. Selected through a rigorous multi-stage process led by Wisma Putra and Yayasan Budi Penyayang (via Batik Guild Sdn Bhd), Masterpiece by Masrina Abdullah was chosen from among seven Piala Seri Endon alumni. The Piala Seri Endon competition organiser Yayasan Budi Penyayang was the brainchild of the late Tun Endon Mahmood, wife of Malaysia’s fifth prime minister, the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Masterpiece by Masrina Abdullah submitted six original designs steeped in Malaysian identity and after several rounds of evaluation, one design was shortlisted by the Prime Minister’s Office, refined further and finalised using a colour palette personally selected by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The final batik design draws inspiration from the traditional mengkuang mat, long used as a ceremonial gesture of welcome, with checkered motifs symbolising hospitality. Subtle camouflage and crackle effects in the design represent the meeting of land, sea and sky, paying homage to the natural interconnectivity of Asean nations. Reflecting the Madani administration’s emphasis on fiscal responsibility and cultural elevation, the final production combined traditional hand-drawn techniques with block printing. This hybrid approach ensured quality and scalability, demonstrating how heritage craft can meet the demands of modern diplomacy. Beyond its function as formal wear, the design reflects a broader national effort to use Malaysian batik as a medium for cultural expression, economic development and international engagement. By showcasing artisanal techniques on a diplomatic platform, Malaysia aims to promote local creative industries as contributors to soft power and sustainable economic growth. “As a brand, we have always believed in batik as more than just fabric – it is an identity, it is a legacy, and it is part of the economy. By placing Malaysian batik on a regional stage, we are not

Anwar selecting the final batik design for the Asean Gala Dinner.

Batik bonanza o Local fabric takes centre stage in official attire for Asean Chairmanship 2025 Gala Dinner

Mayamin (left) showcasing batik fabric.

replace, but to enhance it. Since every piece must be manually crafted, timing is everything. We work side by side – balancing creativity, tradition and precision. This shift reflects how creative industries can support Malaysia’s broader digital aspirations under the Madani framework, especially as we take on a leadership role in the region through Asean Chairmanship 2025,” said Masterpiece by Masrina Abdullah co-founder and creative director Mayamin Azlan. This supports the demonstration of how cultural heritage can serve as a bridge in regional diplomacy, reinforcing shared values within Asean. It reflects the potential for member states to leverage shared traditions as a foundation for collaboration, economic development and regional resilience in an evolving global landscape.

only honouring our heritage but activating it as a force for economic resilience, cultural diplomacy and national identity. It reflects how tradition can inspire unity and resilience, positioning Malaysian batik not only as an art form but as a vital part of our story on the global stage,” said Masterpiece by Masrina Abdullah founder Masrina. This opportunity positions Masterpiece by Masrina Abdullah as part of Malaysia’s cultural narrative on a regional stage – using Malaysian batik to tell stories of heritage, unity and diplomacy. It is an opportunity not only to elevate local craft, but to introduce the intricacy of Malaysian batik to global leaders and audiences as part of the nation building movement. “As designers, we carry the responsibility to bring traditional craft into the digital era – not to

Brunei’s Sultan and Prime Minister Hassanal Bolkiah (left), Anwar (centre) and Indian politician Nabam Tuki (right) all wearing a batik shirt at the Asean Gala Dinner last week.

Malaysian doctor dazzles in songket at Cannes red carpet event Inspired by traditional jerunai carvings of the Melanau people, the gown is adorned with 999 Swarovski crystals. – PIC FROM DR NISHA THAYANATHAN

FORMER Miss Earth Malaysia 2021 Dr Nisha Thayananthan – one of the few Malaysians who attended the 2025 Cannes Film Festival – walked the red carpet on May 22 wearing an outfit reflecting the heritage of the Sarawak Melanau community. Her black and gold songket ensemble adorned with 999 Swarovski crystals was inspired by the traditional burial poles of the Melanau people. Nisha, who made her third appearance at the prestigious event in France, is currently serving as a plastic surgery resident in Dublin, Ireland. “By wearing this songket outfit, I was able to showcase the richness of our indigenous community’s (culture) to the world – not many know the Melanau community. I have spoken to many here about the dress, they are inspired and some would love to have the fabric to design other outfits. “It is important to bring Malaysia’s traditions to the world’s attention. I am proud to be the first woman to wear songket at the Cannes Film Festival red carpet,” she said. Nisha, who obtained her medical degree from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, said her dress was designed by Malaysian designer Rozie Khan,

adding that the process of creating it took nearly a year, with every detail symbolising the subtlety of Melanau culture. “This exquisite and elegant ball gown is inspired by the Melanau’s traditional tiang nisa or jerunai (burial pole), which symbolised the authority of the Melanau nobility in ancient times. “Adorned with golden thread motifs replicating the traditional jerunai carvings, as well as 999 Swarovski crystals, this gown embodies the highest rank ( pangkat 9 ) in Melanau society,” she said. According to Nisha, showcasing Malaysian heritage on an international stage is not merely a fashion statement, but also serves as a form of cultural diplomacy. Speaking about Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship this year, she said the nation can play a significant role in promoting cultural exchange, collaboration and innovation in creative industries. “By nurturing our creative industries, we can strengthen relationships within Asean and globally, fostering greater understanding, appreciation and cooperation among member states,” she added. – Bernama