Batik Art & Wood Carving: Creative Endeavour To Foster ASEAN Unity

By Yasmin Ahmad Zukiman

LANGKAWI, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- Batik painting, which is seen as a way to express love for nature, has encouraged the natives of Langkawi to be involved in the creation of decorative items and souvenirs for the past 10 years,

This creative endeavour aligns with the spirit of ASEAN, where cultural exchange and the promotion of regional craftsmanship play a key role in fostering unity and shared identity among member nations.

Muhammad Hakim Iskandar Jasni, 20, developed a stronger interest in the field after receiving encouragement from his parents, who also run the business at the Langkawi Craft Complex.

“For me, painting and colouring batik, particularly those depicting flora and fauna, serves as a form of therapy for the soul. It allows me to work on my masterpiece freely, while also helping me stay focused and attentive to detail.

“Each batik painting I create is like a 'gift' from me to the buyers or art enthusiasts, especially tourists and delegates, to take home as a cherished memory," he told Bernama when met at the booth during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat (AMM) at the Langkawi International Convention Centre.

Sharing further, Muhammad Hakim said the batik paintings, made with wax as the main material, take about two days to complete, depending on the complexity of the design, with prices starting from RM100 depending on the size.

Among the paintings displayed at the booth by the eldest of five siblings are Teluk Yu Fisherman's Village, the heliconia plant (also known as sepit udang), and the Great Hornbill (a species of Hornbill).

Meanwhile, a marketing officer for wood crafts, Azrizal Abd Aziz, who was also promoting souvenirs at the booth, said this was a good initiative to celebrate Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.

“At the same time, we can attract the interest of delegates to explore local wood carvings made from teak and mahogany sourced directly from Langkawi," he said.

He also mentioned that these souvenirs, including wall decorations, candle holders, coasters, and handbags, can be shipped overseas for delegates wishing to place orders.

The AMM Retreat is the first meeting in the annual ASEAN calendar at the Ministerial level under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025.

Over 200 delegates from the 10 ASEAN Member States, as well as the observer country Timor-Leste, are attending the retreat.

-- BERNAMA