KUALA LUMPUR: The Securities Commission (SC) and Kumpulan MyCreative Ventures have collaborated to launch a batik design competition to profile the Malaysian batik heritage on the global stage.
As Malaysia gears up to assume the Asean Chairmanship in 2025, the SC will lead this initiative to elevate Malaysian batik within the Finance Track which is led by the Ministry of Finance.
Themed "Batik Lestari", the competition seeks to uncover the diverse talents across the nation.
It also aims to promote sustainability, encouraging participants to explore eco-friendly practices and materials in their design and production.
The regulator said winning designs will be embedded in various elements to the leaders and delegates at the Asean 2025 events, embodying Malaysia's image on the international stage.
SC chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi said the competition in in line with the SC's goals of fostering inclusive growth and supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
"It is also an opportunity for the SC to nurture the creative economy and champion local artisans."Entries for the competition opens on September 16, in conjunction with Malaysia Day, to all Malaysians aged 18 and above.
The closing date for entries will be Oct 18, 2024.
Entries will be judged on overall presentation, cultural authenticity and creativity in adopting Malaysian motif elements.
Other criteria include theme interpretation, design creativity and colour combination.
Out of the total submissions, top 40 designs will be shortlisted, with winners to be announced in early December this year.
Cash prizes await the top three winners in addition to consolation prizes.
A special recognition will also be given to artisans who incorporate eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices, such as natural dyes and waste reduction.
Kumpulan MyCreative Ventures chief executive officer Zainariah Johari said the Batik Lestari initiative is a golden opportunity to reimagine and bring Malaysian batik to the next level.
"MyCreative Ventures plays an important role in bringing the necessary expertise in reaching out to the creative industries and supporting the competition through its database and experience in supporting the creative industry since 2012," she said.