PETALING JAYA, July 14 - The Kraf Selangor: Piala Tengku Permaisuri Selangor contest offers prizes worth RM90,000 in an effort to empower the creative industry and uplift Batik Selangor as a state identity, said state executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi.
He said the contest, themed “Heritage, Identity and Innovation”, is among the most prestigious batik and craft competitions held in Selangor, adding that Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin assented to Her Royal Highness’ name being used as Kraf Selangor’s official identity.
“This contest is a strategic platform to stimulate the production of new designs, product innovations, and improve Batik Selangor’s commercial value without neglecting artistic integrity and batik-makers’ traditional skills and cultural heritage.
“In line with the state government’s aspirations, this contest also carries a hope to democratise Batik Selangor so it becomes the people’s choice in daily life, not just for formal or exclusive wear.
“It is hoped that this initiative can foster pride in the state’s heritage and strengthen the cultural identity of (our) people of many races and backgrounds,” he said after the launch of Kraf Selangor: Piala Tengku Permaisuri Selangor here today.
Najwan added that registrations are open, with two categories - Batik Selangor Fashion and Batik Selangor Artwork - that are open to all.
“The contest is in line with the Selangor creative economy development agenda, which sees the arts and culture sector, through the fashion and textile subsector, not only as a heritage that must be preserved, but as a new economic growth driver that can generate jobs, produce creative entrepreneurs, and strengthen Selangor’s position as the country’s creative economy hub.
“The state government is confident that through this collective effort, Batik Selangor won’t just continue to be preserved as a state cultural heritage, but could grow to become an international-level creative brand that can make Selangor and Malaysia proud,” he said.
Najwan added that current changing trends show that batik is becoming more popular among youth, but designs must be fresh and cater to the younger generation’s taste.
“If we want to highlight it to youth, batik design must be more modern and innovative so they see batik as something attractive and close to their lives,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Kraf Selangor: Piala Tengku Permaisuri Selangor programme manager Mohamad Nor Imran Mat Shah said the competition’s best piece could be used as a Batik Selangor pattern for official state events, including at schools, to ensure the craft holds its own among numerous other batik designs in the market.
In 2022, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari launched Batik Selangor with a nine-petal tanjung flower pattern to symbolise the state’s nine districts.
He had said that the batik pattern, produced by the Selangor Malay Customs and Heritage Corporation (PADAT) and Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation, would be worn by state executive councillors, assemblymen and civil servants.