Malaysia’s rich textile heritage is taking centre stage at the CIMB Art & Soul Artober 2025 exhibition, where Yayasan Hasanah, a purpose-driven foundation under Khazanah Nasional, is showcasing endangered traditional crafts and advocating for their integration into modern lifestyles.

At the heart of the exhibition is a call to action: Malaysians should embrace local textiles like batik, telepuk, and handwoven fabrics not just for special occasions, but as part of everyday wear. 

This cultural shift, according to Yayasan Hasanah Managing Director Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki, is essential to ensure the survival and relevance of Malaysia’s craft heritage.

“Batik should not be confined to official events. It should be worn daily. By fostering a culture of batik-wearing, we encourage artists and entrepreneurs to create more batik products that reflect our identity.”

Siti Kamariah emphasised the importance of supporting hand-drawn batik over printed versions, noting its superior artistic value and the role it plays in sustaining artisan livelihoods.

“We are moving from factory-made items to products crafted by artisans in workshops. It’s about valuing the hands behind the heritage,” she added.

Heritage crafts on display

Yayasan Hasanah’s booth at MITEC Kuala Lumpur features a vibrant showcase of traditional crafts from across Malaysia:

• Keringkam (Sarawak): Gold thread embroidery once worn by noblewomen.
• Kelingkan (Kelantan): Intricate silver or gold thread embroidery on fine fabrics.
• Kain Dastar (Sabah): Handwoven textile by the Iranun community, now reimagined into fashion accessories through the brand Cipela.
• Telepuk (Terengganu): A royal textile art involving gold leaf stamping, historically used in coronation attire and ceremonial garments.

Telepuk crafter Mohd Azwarin Ahmed, a recipient of the Hasanah Gold Threads Awards, shared insights into the labour-intensive process behind the art, which includes weaving, carving wooden stamps, calendering, and gilding.

“Telepuk is deeply rooted in our royal traditions. My hope is that it remains authentic even as we innovate,” he said.

Interactive experiences

Running from Sept 26 to 28, the exhibition offers live demonstrations, interactive workshops, and free admission for all visitors.

Visitors can also explore Manik Nyonya beadwork, iconic batik pieces, and award-winning textiles from the Hasanah Gold Threads Awards (HGTA).

Featured Image Credit: Rojak Daily