By Hadthiah PD Hazair
Bandar Seri Begawan - The proprietor of Batek Desamas, Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim, has struck a deal with a Philippine-based company to turn his designs into accessory items, such as handbags, for export to the European market.
The venture, which is still in the research and development stage, was developed during a trip arranged by the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources two months ago to attend a fair in the Philippines.
Prototype pieces have already been designed, incorporating Zainal`s batik by a manufacturing company in Cebu.
"Design-wise, Brunei`s batik is one of the best in the industry. Malaysian VIP`s as well as Japanese companies have shown keen interest in the batik I produce," Zainal, told The Brunei Times.
However, due to the lack of facilities for mass production, the pioneer in Brunei`s batik scene said, he was unable to meet the criteria in order to sustain a profitable trade with global partners.
There are plans for Batek Desamas to invest in better infrastructure and facilities to meet demand once the deal with the Philippine firm goes through.
In the meantime, Zainal is teaching a few students on the art of batik making.
Batek Desamas is also using batik on furniture to entice the public to purchase its creations.
"Batik can be commercialised very easily... Right now, we`re injecting batik into furniture pieces (such as) standing lamps and curtains," said Zainal`s student, Amir Hj Sapar, who has helped his guru seek new applications for batik designs.
"Brunei needs to create the industry for batik, but our batik needs to seek its own identity. Our designs must be distinct from that of the Javanese and Malaysian batiks," according to Zainal.
At present, he said for commercial interests, his batiks are Malaysian-inspired, slightly infused with Bruneian designs such as the air muleh (traditional Brunei design) and Simpur flower.
By educating the public on the art of batik making, Zainal is hopeful Brunei will be able to create its own distinct motif. This, he said, will make local batik more attractive in the export market.
Source: www.brudirect.com (29 Desember 2007)
