Local Insights
Aishah Razak, Corporate Fashion Buyer

The Rise of Batik in Corporate Branding: Merging Heritage with Modernity

The Rise of Batik in Corporate Branding: Merging Heritage with Modernity

There is a renaissance of Batik in the Malaysian corporate sector. It used to be seen as 'traditional' or 'old-fashioned'. Now, thanks to government initiatives and a wave of young designers, it is 'chic'. As a fashion buyer for corporate uniforms and merchandise, I see a massive shift towards 'Modern Batik'.

The Technique: Block vs. Hand-Drawn

For mass corporate gifts (like a notebook sleeve or a lanyard), we use 'Batik Terap' (block print). It is faster and more consistent. A copper block is dipped in wax and stamped onto the fabric. It has a repetitive, geometric look that suits corporate branding. 'Batik Tulis' (hand-drawn) is too slow and expensive for mass runs, reserved only for VIP gifts.

Supporting the Artisan Ecosystem

When a bank orders 1,000 Batik pouches, they are not just buying a product; they are sustaining a village of artisans in Kelantan or Terengganu. We ensure that our supply chain supports these local craftsmen. We work with them to digitize their motifs so we can print them on modern fabrics like canvas or polyester for better durability, while paying royalties for the design. It is a perfect blend of CSR and branding.

Planning a Custom Notebook Project?

Check our detailed supplier capabilities guide to see what's feasible for your budget and timeline.

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