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Malaysia's rich cultural heritage took centre stage at the ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 Gala Dinner, as Masterpiece by Masrina Abdullah was selected to design the official batik attire worn by leaders from ASEAN Member States, China, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The Gala Dinner, held on 26 May 2025, marked one of the first major ceremonial events under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship year. It showcased Malaysian batik as a symbol of identity, diplomacy, and regional unity, reflecting the country’s commitment to cultural elevation on the global stage.
Celebrating Craft Through Diplomacy
The attire was worn by Heads of State and Government representing Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, China, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Timor Leste.
Selected through a multi-stage evaluation process led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra) and Yayasan Budi Penyayang via Batik Guild Sdn Bhd, Masterpiece by Masrina Abdullah emerged as the chosen designer among seven Piala Seri Endon alumni.
Six original batik designs were submitted for consideration. One was shortlisted by the Prime Minister’s Office, refined, and finalised using a colour palette personally selected by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
A Design Rooted in Tradition and Innovation
The final batik design was inspired by the traditional mengkuang mat, a symbol of welcome in Malaysian culture. Its checkered motifs represent hospitality, while subtle camouflage and crackle textures symbolise the connection between land, sea, and sky. A visual nod to ASEAN’s interconnectedness.
The production process combined traditional hand-drawn batik with block printing, achieving a balance between artisanal quality and production scalability. This approach aligns with the MADANI administration’s focus on cultural sustainability and fiscal responsibility.
“We have always believed that batik is more than just fabric, it is a legacy, an economic force, and a tool for diplomacy,” said Masrina Abdullah, Founder of Masterpiece by Masrina Abdullah.“This opportunity reflects how heritage can evolve and serve the present. It shows how design can represent unity and resilience on a regional platform.”
Elevating Malaysia’s Cultural Narrative
By placing Malaysian batik on an international diplomatic stage, this initiative highlights the potential of local creative industries to contribute to nation branding, soft power, and economic development.
“Designers today carry the responsibility of bringing traditional craft into the digital era, not to replace, but to elevate it,” said Mayamin Azlan, Co-Founder and Creative Director.“Every piece is crafted with intention and timing. This reflects how the creative economy can support Malaysia’s regional leadership and digital aspirations under the ASEAN Chairmanship.”
The project underscores how cultural heritage can act as a bridge for regional collaboration, reinforcing shared values among ASEAN nations and showcasing Malaysia’s ability to lead through identity, inclusivity, and innovation.
