Modernising The Batik Industry In Malaysia
MIDA Encourages Batik Manufacturers to Automate During the Batik Week 2021
Kuala Lumpur, 29 October 2021 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), in collaboration with the Malaysian Batik Association, Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (PENYAYANG), Federation of Malaysian Fashion Textiles and Apparels (FMFTA), and Kraftangan Malaysia, hassuccessfullyorganised a Batik Week from 25 to 29 October 2021. The five-day virtual programme with the theme mooted on “Revitalising Malaysian Batik Industry”, aimed to elevate the Malaysian Batik through adoption of new technology and developing green business models. The Malaysian Government recognises the importance of the cottage industry as the national heritage and the nation’s pride, while the expertise of local craftsmen should be preserved and further enhanced.
YBhg. Dato’ Lokman Hakim, the Secretary General of Ministry of International Trade and Industry said, “The batik industry must be transformed through the adoption of green practices for it to stand out globally. This is critical as it aligns with the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles stipulated in various Government’s policies such as the Twelfth Malaysia Plan, National Investment Aspirations and National Trade Blueprint.”
He added, “Batik designers must strive to marry their creativity with innovation, to ensure our Malaysian batik is more marketable worldwide. Sustainability including technology adoption are strong value propositions that appeal to the international audiences.”
Mr. Arham Abdul Rahman, the Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, highlighted in his welcoming remarks, “Companies should automate and modernise in their bid to reduce overall costs and improve efficiency to compete better, while diversifying their operations into new market”. In line with Malaysia’s IR4.0 initiative, the event explored pathways for local manufacturers, especially the SMEs to embrace technology into the processes of batik making.
He explained, “The Twelfth Malaysian Plan outlines measures to reset the nation’s economy and to build a more resilient nation. In this context, industries’ growth depends upon stronger and comprehensive ecosystem with the right talent, skills and innovation. Moving forward, the Industry 4.0 technologies will be a rudimentary necessity for both the front-end as well as the back-end operations.”
The event showcased pioneer batik entrepreneurs through ‘Batik Showcase’ and Virtual Factory Tours to display their products and brand identity. The sessions created a platform for participants to understand the manufacturing process flow of the Malaysian Batik and its profound opportunities.
“The Batik Industry in Malaysia has set its evolution in place; the industry has matured and has inspired the production of new motifs and has established more new research methods in the batik production. Over the years, it has propagated and promoted the green principles in the batik technology and has diversify in terms of producing more innovative products”, reiterates Ms. Nori Abdullah, Chairman of PENYAYANG.
The event successfully brought together prominent industry stakeholders and more than 500 registered participants including the textile and apparels industry players over the 5 days of Batik Week. In the recent 5 years, MIDA has approved 122 textile and apparels projects with total investments of RM3,174 million, generating 7,538 careers, including skilled positions for engineers, specialised quality controllers and skilled technicians.
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About MIDA
MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube channel.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Najihah Abas, Director, Building Technology and Lifestyle Division, MIDA
Tel.: 03- 2267 6717| Email: [email protected]
