KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian batik took centre stage in regional diplomacy as it became the official attire for leaders attending the ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 Gala Dinner on May 26, 2025.
Designed by Masterpiece by Masrina Abdullah, the attire was worn by heads of state and government officials from ASEAN Member States, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and China in a historic moment blending culture with diplomacy.
“As a brand, we have always believed in batik as more than just fabric; it is an identity, a legacy and part of the economy.
“By placing Malaysian batik on a regional stage, we are not only honouring our heritage but activating it as a force for economic resilience, cultural diplomacy and national identity,” said founder of Masterpiece by Masrina Abdullah, Masrina Abdullah.
The gala dinner marked one of the first major ceremonial events of Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship year.
It brought together dignitaries from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Timor Leste, and China.
“The batik design was selected through a multi-stage process led by Wisma Putra and Yayasan Budi Penyayang, via Batik Guild Sdn Bhd.
“Masterpiece by Masrina Abdullah was chosen from among seven alumni of the prestigious Piala Seri Endon batik competition,” she said.
Out of six original designs submitted, one was shortlisted and later refined with input from the Prime Minister’s Office, incorporating a colour palette personally chosen by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The final design was inspired by the traditional mengkuang mat, long used as a ceremonial gesture of welcome, with checkered motifs symbolising hospitality.
Subtle camouflage and crackle patterns reflect the meeting of land, sea and sky, a nod to the natural interconnectivity of ASEAN nations.
The design combines traditional hand-drawn batik techniques with block printing, offering both authenticity and scalability, reflecting the MADANI administration’s emphasis on fiscal responsibility and cultural elevation.
“Beyond formal wear, the batik creation represents Malaysia’s broader effort to promote local creative industries as vital contributors to soft power, national identity and economic development on a global stage.
“As designers, we carry the responsibility to bring traditional craft into the digital era, not to replace but to enhance it.
“This shift reflects how creative industries can support Malaysia’s broader digital aspirations under the MADANI framework,” said co-founder and creative director of Masterpiece by Masrina Abdullah, Mayamin Azlan.
Malaysia’s use of batik as official diplomatic attire reinforces shared cultural values within ASEAN, demonstrating how heritage can serve as a bridge for deeper regional collaboration and resilience in an evolving global landscape.
