KAJANG, SELANGOR, 24 August 2026 — Final Year students from the Bachelor of Corporate Communication (Honours) program, Faculty of Creative Industries at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Sungai Long Campus have successfully wrapped up their cultural campaign, “Batik Merdeka: Colours We Share-sia”. Organized by 11 Year 3 Semester 3 students under the guidance of Ms. Khor Gee Khing and Dr. Cynthia Lau Pui Shan, and sponsored by ZEPHYR Creative Advertising Agency, the event welcomed 25 enthusiastic participants for a hands-on cultural and fashion experience.
Collaborative Officiation & Cultural Vision
During the officiation ceremony, Deputy Dean Dr. Kenneth Lee Tze Wui, Special Guest Lecturer Dr. Thanaseelen a/l K.P. Rajasakran, supervisors Dr. Cynthia Lau Pui Shan and Ms. Khor Gee Khing, Batik Instructor Mr. Tony Lai, and Chairperson Ms. Sau Zhi Xin jointly painted an opening batik canvas to mark the official launch.
Remarks: Pictured in the first row, from left to right: Ms. Sau Zhi Xin, Ms. Khor Gee Khing, Mr. Tony Lai, Dr. Thanaseelen a/l K.P. Rajasakran, Dr. Kenneth Lee Tze Wui, Dr. Cynthia Lau Pui Shan
In Dr Kenneth Lee’s opening address, he commended the committee for transforming their vision into reality and championing United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4: Quality Education) by engaging youth in cultural preservation. Dr. Thanaseelen, celebrated as the campus “Batik Ambassador” among students, praised the campaign for breaking the stereotype that Batik is outdated, highlighting how tradition seamlessly enters modern everyday life.
Masterclass with Batik Artist Tony Lai
Remarks: Pictured from left to right: Mr. Tony Lai, Ms. Sau Zhi Xin
A major highlight of the day was the Syok Batik Colouring Workshop, led by Mr. Tony Lai, a professional batik artist with two years of industry experience. Mr. Tony began with an attentive demonstration on the traditional wax-resist canting technique, explaining how wax lines prevent liquid textile dyes from bleeding and mixing together.
He further demonstrated advanced gradient colouring techniques using batik dye, adding depth and visual appeal to each piece. Participants eagerly applied these techniques to intricate Malaysian motifs, including the Wau Bulan, Hibiscus flower (Bunga Raya), and Wayang Kulit.
Syok Batik Glow-Up Runway Show
Remarks: Pictured from left to right: Ethelind Tay Shu Yun (left), Goh Yoke Kie (right), Tay Yu Xian (unable to attend)
The spotlight then turned to the Syok Batik Glow-Up Show, which featured original handcrafted accessories and apparel designed by student designers:
● Goh Yoke Kie (New Era University College): Overcame initial design anxiety to create a modern necktie and a pearl-detailed belt, specifically styled to complement the contemporary all-black outfits favoured by today’s youth.
● Ethelind Tay Shu Yun (Sunway University): Crafted an elegant 3-piece accessory set consisting of a hairband, a bracelet, and a signature necklace inspired by the Malaysian Wau Bulan.
● Tay Yu Xian (Raffles College): Showcased a bubbly Cheongsam silhouette with design concepts drawn from vintage garments in her grandmother’s wardrobe.
The runway items drew widespread praise from attendees. Participant Heng Yi Min expressed admiration for the craftsmanship of the belt and necktie, surprised to learn that the intricate necktie was completed in just one day, while the pearl-accented belt took two days of detailed work.
Through interactive learning and modern styling, Batik Merdeka 2026 demonstrated that traditional Malaysian heritage remains vibrant, dynamic, and ever-evolving in the hands of the younger generation.
