From Wayang Kulit to Seni Telepuk, Discover Malaysia's Living Heritage at CIMB Artober

When people think of Malaysia's traditional arts, it's often the finished products that get the attention. The intricate motifs of seni telepuk, the colourful patterns of batik, or the mesmerising performances of wayang kulit are celebrated as cultural treasures. Yet behind every piece lies something equally important: the people who have spent years, sometimes decades, mastering skills passed down through generations.

That's the story Yayasan Hasanah hopes to tell through its showcase at CIMB Artober 2026, taking place from 28 October to 1 November at Ombak KLCC. Featuring five traditional art forms, namely Wau Sobek, Batik Blok, Gasing Leper, Seni Telepuk and Wayang Kulit, the showcase goes beyond simply displaying heritage crafts. Instead, it highlights how preserving Malaysia's living heritage means supporting the artisans, performers and communities responsible for keeping these traditions alive.

Preserving more than just a craft

A recurring message throughout the programme is that heritage preservation should not stop at documentation. While recording techniques and traditions is important, it is equally crucial to ensure that future generations continue practising them.

Image Credit: Yayasan Hasanah

This sentiment was echoed during the panel discussion Beyond the Craft: Preserving Our Living Heritage, where practitioners from different cultural disciplines shared their experiences of safeguarding traditional knowledge. 

Their stories demonstrated that preservation can take many forms, from reviving nearly forgotten techniques and documenting local practices to adapting heritage for modern audiences and nurturing the next generation of practitioners.

The revival of seni telepuk

Among the featured heritage arts is Seni Telepuk, a traditional Malay textile art known for its intricate gold-leaf stamping techniques. Once considered a fading craft, it has gradually been brought back through years of historical research, experimentation and hands-on training supported by Yayasan Hasanah.

Image Credit: Yayasan Hasanah

The process has highlighted just how specialised the craft remains. Although around 1,000 people have undergone training over the years, only a small number have developed the level of mastery required to produce highly skilled telepuk work. Today, five artisans are creating contemporary textile pieces inspired by traditional methods and historical artefacts, showing how recovered heritage knowledge can evolve into both artistic expression and commercial opportunities.

Their works are currently being showcased at CIMB Artober, with selected pieces available for purchase, giving visitors a chance to appreciate the amount of skill and dedication required to produce each piece.

Discovering the stories behind gasing leper, wau sobek & batik blok

Another highlight comes from Lambo Sari, a community-led initiative based in Terengganu that works closely with local practitioners to preserve and promote traditional crafts.

Among the traditions being showcased is gasing leper, a distinctive spinning top that requires remarkable craftsmanship and precision balancing. Capable of spinning for more than an hour under the right conditions, it reflects the level of expertise involved in creating and playing with the traditional game.

Image Credit: Yayasan Hasanah

Lambo Sari is also introducing visitors to wau sobek, known for its intricate paper-cutting techniques and decorative motifs, as well as batik blok, a traditional batik-making process that uses carved blocks and wax to create patterns on fabric. 

Through interactive workshops, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation of the creativity, patience and craftsmanship behind these art forms rather than simply admiring the finished product.

How wayang kulit is reaching a new generation

Keeping heritage alive does not always mean preserving it exactly as it was. Sometimes, it means adapting it in ways that help new audiences connect with it.

This philosophy is central to Fusion Wayang Kulit, an initiative founded by Tintoy Chuo and Teh Take-Huat that works alongside master puppeteer Pak Dain. The group has become known for blending traditional Kelantanese shadow puppetry with modern pop culture, including Peperangan Bintang, a Wayang Kulit production inspired by the Star Wars universe.

Image Credit: Yayasan Hasanah

While the performances offer a fresh take on a traditional art form, they also serve a larger purpose. With Hasanah's support, Fusion Wayang Kulit has developed structured learning modules for aspiring Tok Dalang, helping introduce younger Malaysians, including teenagers, to an art form that has traditionally been difficult to learn and sustain.

Experience Malaysia's living heritage at CIMB Artober

For those looking to experience these traditions firsthand, Yayasan Hasanah's showcase offers a packed programme of workshops, demonstrations and performances throughout the event. Highlights include seni telepuk workshops, wayang kulit demonstrations by Pak Dain and a live Fusion Wayang Kulit performance on 31 October.

Visitors to Hasanah's Booth B1 can purchase heritage-inspired products including batik shirts, sarongs, batik painting kits and batik wau kits. Contemporary Seni Telepuk artworks are also on display, with selected pieces available for purchase and commission enquiries.

The showcase runs until 1 November 2026, from 10 AM to 10 PM daily at Level 1, Ombak KLCC, and admission is free.

Featured Image Credit: Yayasan Hasanah