KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 18): The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Ministry of Finance-owned MyCreative Ventures have launched a batik design competition to elevate the cultural heritage as Malaysia gears up to assume the Asean Chairmanship in 2025.

The competition, dubbed Batik Lestari Competition, opens for submissions from Sept 16 on Malaysia Day to October 18, 2024, the two organisers said in a joint statement.

"The winning designs will be embedded in various elements to the leaders and delegates at the Asean 2025 events, embodying Malaysia’s image on the international stage," the statement said.

Out of the total submissions, the top 40 designs will be shortlisted, with winners to be announced in early December 2024, it added.

"Themed 'Batik Lestari' (Sustainable Batik), the competition seeks to uncover the diverse talents across the nation, inviting local artisans to contribute their unique interpretation of Malaysian batik designs.

"The competition also aims to promote sustainability, encouraging participants to explore eco-friendly practices and materials in their design and production," the statement said.

Cash prizes await the top three winners and consolation prizes for other participants.

Special recognition will also be given to artisans who incorporate sustainable practices, such as the use of natural dyes or waste-reduction methods.

SC Chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi emphasized the importance of supporting local artisans and promoting sustainable practices.

"This initiative aligns with the SC’s goals of fostering inclusive growth and supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” he said.

Kumpulan MyCreative Ventures CEO Zainariah Johari echoed these sentiments, highlighting the role of MyCreative Ventures in promoting the creative industry.

“MyCreative Ventures plays an important role in bringing the necessary expertise in reaching out to the creative industries and supporting the competition through its database and experience in supporting the creative industry since 2012,” she said.

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