Batik Day

Every Thursday is Batik Day

In support of the local batik industry of Malaysia, the then First Lady of the nation, Tun Endon Mahmood was instrumental in giving the industry a new face look both locally and internationally. There were more concerted efforts to introduce this local art ; some of which can be real master pieces for exhibition, wear and use.

With a local workforce that is creative and arty especially in the cottage industries of East Coast States of Terengganu and Kelantan, Malaysia like her surrounding neighbours has etched a niche in batik. The industry is as old as the country and batik is used in the home, hotel and tourism as well as typical elegant evening wear.

About a decade ago, all civil servants were encouraged to wear batik on Thursdays in tandem with the government's support for the industry.

Batik ranges from tens to hundreds of dollars depending on the quality of material ; from cotton to silk. For formal functions one would go for silk as it exudes elegance, style and taste. For ordinary use, the good old cotton is perfect for a tropical weather and the colourful prints is everlasting in beauty.

So the girls of the school take extreme care in putting on the batik each Thursday. Look at their great effort. One of the teachers, a local of one of the East Coast states suggested that they go batik in cheongsams! Measurements were frantically taken by Looi Chui Yean, materials picked, order sent in and within a couple of weeks we have them in real time show ! A bevy of not so young beauties in batik cheongsams ! How about that for fun and creativity?



The lady in the blue batik is Madam Chen Pei Li; a mother of 3. How does she keep that figure? I may starve myself over 3 meals a day and I still can't have it . Super envious. Madam Chow Mee Wah is in green, the Media Lady Madam Tan Geok Siew is next to her followed by Madam Ng Poh Choo. So happy for the day for the cost of the attire is a mere RM80.00 ; lock , stock and barrel.

Look at the way Madam Tan sits and the way Madam Chen smiles with that tilt in the head? Professional ! A good shot for the album.



So, on special functions and occasions of the year, the school team from all races and genders put on the silk batik of the school; a print specially created. A piece of motive but worn in different fashions and ways ; a mark for oneness. We try to create that in school for work and support.

Batik for oneness.