Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim Showcases Childhood Memories at Panaga Club Brunei

Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim with his painting of Sightseeing in Brunei a nodding donkey in Seria town. The painter, who is also a full-time batik designer, held an exhibition called ‘Nostalgia Brunei 2014’ 
at Panaga Club Brunei, Seria, over the weekend. BT/Ikhwan Salleh

VISITORS at the Panaga Club, Seria, were treated to a window to Brunei’s past through art in Brunei, the works of local painter Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim.

Sightseeing in Brunei, Scenic views of landmarks such as the mosques in Kg Ayer and the nodding donkeys in Seria town were vividly captured on canvas with oil and acrylic paints.

The 63-year-old held a a three-day exhibition called “Nostalgia Brunei 2014” (Nostalgic Brunei 2014) in the Belait District where art lovers had the opportunity to study and purchase his works.

Zainal, a full-time batik maker, told The Brunei Times that it had been 10 years since he last painted seriously.

“I started this project early this year due to the interests of the Brunei expatriates and foreigners living in Brunei,” he said, adding the scenes he painted were of the memorable places from his childhood.

“I was born in Seria and I grew up here in 1955/6 before moving to Bandar (the capital) in 1959,” he recalled. “I want to depict the golden days, especially the monuments that still bring back special memories (for me) like the Bolkiah Cinema and the boats in Kg Tamoi.”

Aside from that, Zainal said that he is keen to meet other batik and painting collectors in Brunei and overseas.

If you wish Visiting Brunei to get in touch with Zainal and view his batik creations, visit his gallery, Batik Desamas, at Sg Akar Central, Brunei-Muara District one of tourist attractions in Brunei, , which opens 8am-5pm. If you prefer calling for information first, just call 889 6463.

The Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/happenings/2014/06/30/painter-showcases-childhood-memories-panaga-club

Learning to Make Batik From Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim Master Craftsman

A TOTAL of 32 Year 11 students from Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Secondary School, accompanied by their teachers, made an educational visit to Desamas Batik factory yesterday, where they were given an opportunity to produce their own Batik.

At Desamas Batik, they met local batik master craftsman, Brunei's batik designer, Haji Zainal Abidin bin Hj Ibrahim who taught the students how to utilise heated candles to wax their drawings, using a toolset called “canting”. Before “chanting”, the students designed their “motif” (artistic drawings) on the four-metre long fabric using pencil.

The group also learnt about Haji Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim’s research on using natural ingredients such as local plants as opposed to synthetic ingredients for the batik.

According to one of the teachers, Rose, the practical trip was very relevant for their Art as well as English classes. Concerning their Art classes, the trip gave the students a chance to practice and experience the making of batik as well as meeting the master craftsman.

It also provided an opportunity for their English classes where the school’s English Department had recorded an interview with Hj Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim for their English listening practices.

“I like to do this kind of things with the students, because it gives them something that is more real and practical. It also gives them confidence in what they can do and the batik they produced will be valued.”

Rose added that the students have already started doing their batik design at school, thus their trip to Batik Desamas was a valuable experience. She stressed that it is important for the students to explore what is happening in Brunei rather than relying mostly on stocked recordings at the school.

In an interview, Hj Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim was delighted to host the workshop for the students at Batik Desamas. He believed that the batik making will not only enhance the creativity of the students but can also teach valuable lessons such as teamwork and coordination.

Brunei Students waxing Batik’s motive at Batik Desamas

Although the programme with students yesterday involved the usage of synthetic ingredients, Hj Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim believed that with the introduction of natural colours in the making of batik, more people will be attracted to purchase batik for its natural appeal.

He also emphasised that batik is a good medium to promote local identities through its motif or pattern designs.

Hj Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim is also providing a workshop on how to use natural resources for making batik at the Indonesian Embassy in Brunei Darussalam today (August 28) and tomorrow. He hoped that through the workshop, more people will be aware of the beauty of batik’s natural colours.

According to Rose, the top three students will be invited to attend the workshop. The students were selected by the school’s Art Department, based on their mid-year examination results and also how far they have progressed in preparing for their respective portfolios on batik.

Apart from making batik for local gowns, Batik Desamas is also trying to make batik for Kimono and other foreign traditional clothing. In his upcoming trip for an exhibition in Korea, Hj Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim will use natural colouring to demonstrate the process of making batik.

source :

http://borneobulletin.brunei-online.com.bn/?p=110722

Pembudayaan Pemakaian Kain Tenunan

BERAKAS, Selasa, 23 April. - Pameran Kain Tenunan : Budaya dan Ekonomi anjuran Akademi Pengajian Brunei, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) yang berlangsung di ruang legar Airport Mall dihasratkan untuk mendedahkan dan meningkatkan kesedaran mengenai kepentingan pembudayaan pemakaian kain tradisi.

MENTERI Perindustrian dan Sumber-Sumber Utama, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar menyaksikan kain tenunan di pameran tersebut. (Foto: Ihsan Media Permata)

Pameran tersebut dirasmikan oleh Menteri Perindustrian dan Sumber-Sumber Utama, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar.

Pengerusi Pameran, Awang Muhd Azri bin Haji Razab dalam ucapan alu-aluannya semasa majlis perasmian itu menjelaskan bahawa pameran tersebut merupakan projek berkumpulan yang di ungkayahkan oleh lima orang mahasiswa/mahasiswi tahun akhir program BA Major Pengajian Brunei dan adalah kesinambungan dari modul PB-4307 yang ditawarkan oleh Akademi Pengajian Brunei sebagai sebahagian syarat untuk menyempurnakan program tersebut.

Menurutnya, inisiatif 'pembudayaan Kod Pakaian Rasmi kain tenunan setiap hari Khamis bagi pegawai-pegawai dan kakitangan KPSSU' yang diumumkan oleh Yang Berhormat Menteri Perindustrian dan Sumber-Sumber Utama pada tahun lalu telah menarik perhatian mereka untuk membuat kajian bagi mengetahui pandangan para pegawai dan kakitangan mengenai dengan inisiatif berkenaan.

Daripada kajian yang dijalankan selama tiga bulan itu tambah beliau, hasilnya mendapati bahawa sambutan majoriti pegawai dan kakitangan KPSSU adalah tidak menggalakkan atas sebab tiga faktor utama yang menyumbang terhadap ketidaksetujuan tersebut iaitu faktor harga, keselesaan dan nilai sentimental terhadap kain tenunan itu sendiri.

Pameran itu tambah beliau dikelolakan sebagai salah satu inisiatif bagi memberikan kesedaran dan membuka minda masyarakat awam khususnya para pegawai dan kakitangan yang berkhidmat di sektor kerajaan dan swasta.

Pendedahan penginovasian kain tenunan itu ujarnya perlu dilakukan sebagai salah satu usaha untuk memartabatkan kain tenunan sebagai budaya material yang mempunyai nilai kebudayaan yang tinngi dan seterusnya mendokong dalam menjana ekonomi pengusaha-pengusaha tempatan.

Pada majlis tersebut, Yang Berhormat Menteri turut menyampaikan sijil kepada para peserta dan penaja pameran dan seterusnya menyaksikan pameran yang dianjurkan.

Pameran dua hari itu disertai oleh lapan buah pengusaha dan syarikat-syarikat tempatan antaranya Butik Batik Desamas, Syarikat Asnika, Perusahaan Hikmah, Perusahaan PZS, Syarikat S Aisya, Syarikat Sukmaindera, Perusahaan Aiman dan Syarikat Rosnawey.

Ianya mempamerkan dan memperlihatkan hasil-hasil produk kain tenunan yang telah dinovasi seperti kemeja, tali leher, beg tangan, kasut dan sebagainya.

Pameran bertemakan 'Inovasi Pemangkin Produksi dan Konsumpsi Berkekalan' membawa maksud bahawa inovasi atau pemodenan adalah merupakan pemangkin dalam pengeluaran produk-produk baru yang mampu mengekalkan dan memenuhi kehendak pengguna-pengguna secara berterusan.

Antara objektif utama pameran ialah bagi memperlihatkan dan mededahkan inovasi yang dapat dilakukan terhadap kain tenunan terutama kepada pegawai-pegawai dan kakitangan di KPSSU dan memberi kesedaran terhadap kepentingan pembudayaan yang dilaksanakan di kementerian berkenaan.

Selain itu, ia juga untuk memberi peluang kepada pengusaha-pengusaha dalam mempromosikan produk-produk yang dihasilkan dan seterusnya akan menjadi pemangkin kepada mereka agar lebih berminat, kreatif dan berusaha dalam menghasilkan serta mempelbagaikan produk inovasi kain tenunan.

Dalam hubungan ini, orang ramai adalah dialu-alukan untuk berkunjung ke pameran dua hari ini yang dibukakan bermula jam 9 pagi hingga 9 malam selama dua hari iaitu 23 April dan 24 April 2013.

http://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/nasional/item/2439-pembudayaan-pemakaian-kain-tenunan

Batik Maker, Export is Capital Intensive

A salesperson arranging the batik on display at Batik Desamas' booth at the Made in Brunei Expo at the Airport Mall recently. Picture: BT/Al-Haadi Abu Bakar

A LOCAL batik textile company is seeking extra funds to expand into the export market after establishing itself here for many years.

Batik Desamas, the firm that has fused tradition with modern technology in its production of batik, is hoping to expand into the export market with additional funding from government sources.

The proprietor of Batik Desamas, Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim, said that he would not be able to meet global demand without additional financial assistance, even though the business has been export-ready for some time.

"The demand is there. The people out there now recognise Brunei's batik as one of the best in the industry, in terms of design," he said in an interview with The Brunei Times.

Batik Desamas is one of the several companies that is taking part in the "Made in Brunei" Expo at the Airport Mall.

Recently, Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim has been experimenting with new fabric, particularly a new type of cotton that has textural qualities akin to silk, and since then has drawn interest from his customers.

In addition, the textile has grabbed a lot of attention from tourists, particularly at its kiosk at Muara Port where international cruises dock.

But, with increased interest comes the challenge of supplying beyond his current capacity, which produces about 300 to 1,000 metres of Batik daily.

A pioneer in Brunei's batik scene, Brunei's Batik Designer, Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim had started hand-printing batik since 2000.

The Batik Designer said his business has been doing well in the local scene following its introduction of his Digital Batik system.

His Batik is well sought-after among participants in events and national occasions, such as the National Day celebration.

The system, developed by Zainal through financial assistance from the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) two years ago, applies advanced software and engineering to digitalise his hand-drawn work, which can then be replicated to produce a whole range of Batik products. 

The new system is aimed to allow mass production of his Batik designs, as traditional method of producing Batik is not enough to meet the global demand.

Production has been outsourced to Indonesia and recently, to South Korea, which according to Zainal, has drawn criticisms from some locals.

"Often, the mindset of Bruneians is that when we say that we outsource our production overseas, they made the assumption that we import our products," he said.

Zainal said he has been actively clarifying the misconception, adding that his approach is more cost-efficient, rather than having the whole business operations entirely in Brunei. In his current capacity, the cost of bringing the production facility to the Sultanate would be very expensive.

"A lot of successful companies out there, such as in America and South Korea, actually outsource their production to countries like China and the Philippines, and then export to the rest of the world," he explained.

He said his business model has a better value proposition than his competitors', which mainly focuses on selling imported Batik, as he has full control of design and production.

Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/2013/04/15/export-capital-intensive-batik-maker

BEDB announces The Launching of the LEAP Grant Program

Bandar Seri Begawan, 8 September 2012. The Brunei Economic Development Board (“BEDB”) is pleased to announce the launching of the LEAP (Local Enterprise Applications & Products) Grant Scheme for 2012. It is a program aimed at providing financial assistance to local SMEs, students and researchers to develop prototypes or pilot projects that have innovative technological content, commercial practicality and export potential in both ICT and non-ICT industries.To assist those eligible to prepare their grant applications, the BEDB in collaboration with Coaching Specialist ‘Money Tree’ will be conducting a LEAP Business Plan Workshop at the iCentre on Tuesday, 11th September 2012. More information about LEAP Grant Scheme will also be available during the workshop. Following this workshop, grant applicants approved by the LEAP Program Committee will be required to attend Financial and Intellectual Property (IP) Workshops to attain the necessary financial management skills as well as to develop an appreciation of IP and to manage it effectively for innovation and creativity to flourish. Registrations for those participating in the Workshop will commence at 8:00am on Tuesday, 11th September 2012 and the program will commence at 8.30 am. The Workshop is a full day event with lunch provided. For details on how to participate in the Workshop, please call Diana at 2230111 ext 146 or email to leap.program@bedb.com.bn stating your name, contact details and the name of your company/ organization. There is no registration fee for Brunei SMEs. Application form for the LEAP Grant Scheme is downloadable online at www.bedb.com.bn . The application is open from 15th August 2012 and all completed applications should be submitted no later than 3pm Monday, 8th October 2012 to: LEAP Secretariat The Brunei Economic Development Board Block 2K, Bangunan Kerajaan, Jalan Ong Sum Ping Bandar Seri Begawan, BA 1311 Negara Brunei Darussalam The LEAP Grant Scheme was introduced in August 2010 and to date almost B$2 million have been disbursed to 14 companies. One of the recipients under LEAP Grant Scheme, Syarikat Batik Desamas had its unique digital Batik Brunei designs have been featured on Korean stamps. Discover Brunei for the iPad by MeSixty Sdn Bhd is an official tourist guide for Tourism Brunei featuring social media integration is now available in the App Store. IKAN System by M& G Sustainable Aquaculture, a project to develop an urban fish farm to fit the budget of micro and small enterprise based on Re-cirulating Aquaculture System (RAS), has already received interests from Malaysia and Singapore. The BEDB is also pleased to note that most of the LEAP Grant recipients have already secured their first customer and some have also received international recognition for their products delivered under the LEAP Grant Scheme. <End of Press Release> Hj Ideris Hj Ali   Senior Business Development Manager   Local Enterprise Development The Brunei Economic Development Board Tel: +673 2230111 ext 182 / 8713170 Email: ideris.ali@bedb.com.bn Diana Ramli Assistant Manager Innovation and New Initiatives Division The Brunei Economic Development Board +673 2230111 ext 146 diana@bedb.com.bn

Art students visit Batik Desamas Sinaut

A total of 30 Art students from Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Mentiri Secondary School yesterday made a visit to the Batik Desamas Factory in Kampong Sinaut, Tutong.

Among the objectives of the visit was to learn more about the art of batik design and to do some batik painting with Zainal Ibrahim, one of the successful entrepreneurs under the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) LEAP Grant.

The students were led by their teacher, Ms Rose.

During the visit, the students were briefed on the history of batik and its development.

It was then followed with a group tour to take a closer look on the batik arts in Brunei.

source :

http://www.brusearch.com/news/113394

Brunei Batik Maker Jumps Into Digital Age

FOR the past five years, local batik maker Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim is so far the only one in Brunei to venture into digital batik making where unlike traditional batik making, digital batik does not require hand-drawing or the molten wax process.

Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim admits that there has been some debate on the authenticity of digital batik as it is not hand-drawn the traditional way. 

"There is a movement away from traditional batik to digital batik, but some people debate about the orgininality of a digitally-made batik as the patterns are made through the computer, which is considered a machine," said Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim.

Overriding such arguments, Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim believes the step towards digital batik is just a revolutionary development of batik since its existence hundreds of years ago in Asia. Digital batik making has allowed Zainal's local batik business, Batik Desa Mas, to expand by being innovative using digital designs. Batik Desa Mas was formed in 2000, 12 years ago.

The Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/features/2012/05/13/batik-maker-jumps-digital-age

Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim A Pioneering Digital Batik Artisan

Local batik maker Zainal Abidin checking his batik designs

LOCAL batik maker Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim has made a name for himself when he became one of the few who pioneered into digital batik making. Unlike traditional batik making, digital batik does not require hand-drawing or the molten wax process.

"What was holding back my batik business in the past was the need for batik pattern artists and the ingredients needed to produce the patterns such as candle wax and material. With digital batik I do not need any of these," said Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim.

Zainal assures that digital batik making is the same as the traditional batik-making process where the only difference is the design of patterns via digital technology.

"Once the patterns get printed off, we still need to use the fixing of colours onto the material through a steaming process to ensure the patterns and colour will stay. It is a more commercial and technological process than the traditional one," said Zainal.

At 61 years old Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim is able to master software such as Photoshop Illustrator to come up with his digital batik designs. Zainal comes up with his own designs while he prints and produces them outside of Brunei.

"I can say digital batik has allowed me to bypass the traditional needs of batik making process. It ensured the survival of my batik business," said Zainal.

During the 12-year period in batik business Zainal has learnt that batik designs evolves according to the country where batik thrives. Zainal believes and encourages Bruneians to come up with its own unique batik designs that can be developed through instilling local motives and identities. His batik business has been aspiring to do so.

"Batik is not part of the local tradition but we can come up with our own batik designs with our own identity and values. This is what I am trying to do, offering made-in-Brunei batik," said Zainal.

Zainal realises that it is obvious Brunei would not be able to develop batik at a level which transpires into its culture and tradition such as in Indonesia where batik patterns have been noted to exist since the 12th century or even earlier depending on different sources.

"Indonesia has made batik as part of its tradition. Different patterns are given different names. They have a stock file of their own original designs. Batik is part of the Indonesian tradition which would be very hard to fade," said Zainal.

In 2009, UNESCO designated Indonesian batik as a "Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity".

Zainal underlined the birth of Malaysian batik in the seventies when it was introduced as a form of art in educational institutions like the then Institute Technology Malaysia (ITM) or presently known as MARA University of Technology(UiTM).

It has been contested whether the origins of batik in Malaysia were brought and taught by Indonesia. However when it was introduced to such institutions it was emphasised the batik designs was to be developed based on more Malaysian designs to ensure more original patterns.

"Young Malaysians then were vigorous towards the aim of creating their very own batik where they instilled designs from the villages around Malaysia," said Zainal.

In terms of batik, Malaysians were more innovative in trying to create their own designs.

Zainal is confident that Brunei has the traditional designs that can be incorporated into local batik designs especially with more alternatives. The batik-making process now is more accessible to wider groups of people with the presence of digital batik making. Zainal now produces his batik design through four different processes; the melting wax process, the batik stamping process, the batik screen printing process and the batik digital making process.

The Batik Desa Mas boutique can be found at the Sumbangsih Mulia Building along Jalan Beribi.

The Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/features/2012/05/13/pioneering-digital-batik-artisan

Batik Desamas Goes Digital Designs

Some of the batik products are displayed at Batik Desamas' Brunei exhibition booth during a recent exhibition in South Korea. The company is using technology to mass produce its designs. 

INNOVATION does not necessarily have to be in the form of a product or service; it can be a system in the production process, and this is the idea behind digital batik, an innovation introduced by a local batik producer and designer Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim.

Under his firm Batik Desamas, Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim. hopes to design his way out of Brunei into the world, through a system he created which applies both the traditional method of hand-drawing as well as computer-generated graphics.

A pioneer in Brunei's batik scene, Zainal Abidin had started hand-printing batik since 2000. However, it was only during the last five years that he became more active in the business, during which he had participated in a number of international textile exhibitions such as Shanghai and South Korea, where he was able to attract the attention of the international audience of his batik artwork.

His goal is to mass produce his designs for the international market. However, he said that the traditional method of producing Batik is not enough to meet the global demand. 

He revealed that hiring more workers remain a challenge for the batik business, as there are only a handful of batik designers who are up to the tasks. Traditional methods of preparation also requires more time and effort in order to produce a certain amount of batik.

"The times have changed. We need to innovate if we want to grab the worldwide market. We cannot just sit and rely solely on the traditional process," he said.

However, Zainal Abidin was unable to meet the criteria to sustain a profitable trade with global partners due to the lack of facilities for mass production, and hence turned to the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) for aid. 

The firm received funding from the BEDB under its Local Enterprise Applications Products (LEAP) programme, a grant worth $150,000 to aid the firm in the development of a prototype of its intended innovation. The firm was one of the eight recipients who were successfully shortlisted for the grant earlier this year.

"The funding allows me to easily explore to other places and discover new ideas and technologies which can be applicable for this system," he said.

Using advanced software and engineering which he was able to outsource to another country, Zainal Abidin was able to transform his hand-drawn work into digital form, which allows his artwork to be replicated for mass production.

"Every batik designers and enthusiasts agree that the best batik are the ones that are traditionally hand-drawn by its artists, and so that essence is still preserved in this system," he said.

He also said that the Batik needs to have its own identity, not just to preserve the authenticity, but also to promote the origins of the product and giving it a distinct Made-in-Brunei brand.

"Our designs must be distinct to that of the Javanese and Malaysian batiks, and must possess the motifs of our Bruneian culture," he added.

He said that one advantage of going digital is that it allows for low-cost production of batik textile, and thus bringing costs down for consumers.

"When hand-drawn, it takes a lot of effort, and so the batik has to be sold at a premium. Furthermore, going digital enables us to reach all market sectors, and majority of them are price-sensitive. That's the market we are after," he said.

He said the technology will also allow his digital batik to be applied for the creation of a variety of other products imbedded with his design.

He said that most foreigners were mainly impressed with his batik designs and there was demand for the designs to be imbedded into a wide variety of products such as shirts, scarfs, neckties and bedsheets, among others.

"There is a high demand for that in the outside market, particularly in South Korea," he said. 

He said that the prototypes of his products are already in production, and he is now looking at potential markets for distribution, with South Korea already expressing strong interest.

Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/business-national/2011/11/16/batik-desamas-goes-digital-designs

The Traditional Baju Melayu, kain Sinjang

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam - Brunei-made Sinjang, a short-sarong worn over the men's traditional "Baju Melayu", is usually made from a woven material that still preserves its traditional make with the Brunei motifs as its design. However, a local entrepreneur has introduced a new innovative idea for the sinjang, by producing a Brunei batik sinjang made from cotton material. He is Awang Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim, owner of Batik Desamas, that is known for producing Brunei batik materials for men's and women's wear.

Awang Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim first came up with the idea to produce Brunei batik sinjang using cotton material, after receiving feedbacks and encouragement from his customers especially the men who want to keep the sinjang with the Brunei traditional cultural attire, that suits the person who wear it, and that is practical and easy to maintain compared to other kinds of fabric such as silk and woven material. He still preserves the Brunei design in producing his batik by using the same motifs found on the Brunei woven cloths apart from experimenting on the use of local plants for his designs.

According to Awang Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim, he received encouraging response from the local customers whenever he showed the samples of the cotton material with the new designs he created for the sinjang. Many of his customers urged him to increase his production with further improved material and design quality. He adopted the new idea for the sinjang as it is something that reflects the beauty of the Brunei traditional culture.

Awang Zainal Abidin said he felt proud when the batik with the Brunei traditional designs he produced were welcomed not only by the local community but also at the international market. He began promoting the Brunei batik sinjang through Expos and Art Exhibitions in and outside the country and had also marketed them two months ago. He is currently producing the designs for the Brunei Batik Sinjang using the digital technology that does not need too much manpower.

Aside from that, he combines his skill as a batik designer with the computerised technique that has assisted him greatly in producing his new product in the required quantity. Batik sinjang costs 60 dollars and above a piece and are available at the Batik Desamas at the Sumbangsih Mulia Building. Currently, Awang Zainal Abidin says he puts out about 15 to 20 designs on 100 metres of cloth, from which he can produce about 30 to 40 pieces of material for the sinjang.

source :

http://m.melayuonline.com/eng/news/read/12132/brunei-made-sinjang-a-traditional-baju-melayu

Brunei Batik Maker Plans Europe Foray

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.

Some of the batik products of Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim 

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 Abidin Hj Ibrahim, 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 Batik Desamas to invest in better infrastructure and facilities to meet demand once the deal with the Philippine firm goes through.

In the meantime, Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim,  is teaching a few students on the art of batik making.

Batik 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.

The Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/2007/12/29/brunei_batik_maker_plans_europe_foray

Malaysian Minister's Wife Visits Sumbangsih Mulia SME Complex

Social visit: Datin Seri Sharifah Aziah Syed Zainal Abidin (L), wife of Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs, visits one of the shops at Sumbangsih Mulia SME Complex. Picture: Saifulizam/BT

THE spouse of Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Datin Seri Sharifah Aziah Syed Zainal Abidin, yesterday visited the Sumbangsih Mulia at the Beribi Industrial Estate. 

She was accompanied by Sri Norizan Sulaiman, the wife of the secretary general at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia, and Datin Zakiah Dato Hj Alias, the wife of Malaysia's High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam.

On hand to welcome the group was the Sumbangsih Mulia Building Manager, Pg Kahar Pg Md Salleh.

The $2.5 million complex officially opened its doors to house local entrepreneurs in February this year. The building has a total of 122 shop lots, outside and inside the air-conditioned building. 

Outside, 108 stalls are used to sell food products, 14 lots for fruits and vegetables, and the other 10 lots are occupied by barbecue stalls.

Meanwhile,in the air-conditioned area, 30 lots are provided for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) selling various local products such as Brunei handicrafts and dry food. "So far, 19 out of the 20 slots are occupied at the ground floor. On the first floor, eight businesses had been set up, and there is another two coming soon," said Pg Kahar.

One of the main attractions at the complex was the 'Batik Desa Mas' boutique, owned by a local, Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim. 

Zainal Abidin told The Brunei Times that he had started hand-printing batik since 2000. However, it was only during the last two years that he became more active, and so far had produced at least 50 pieces of batik. According to him, the visitors gave him good comments about his products which he took as encouragement. Some of them even bought some batik pieces to take home. 

The visit was part of Datin Sharifah's itinerary during her three-day stay in Brunei. 

The Malaysian minister, Dato Seri Syed Hamid Albar, and his entourage were in Brunei to attend the friendly sports game with the Brunei Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. They are scheduled to leave the country today.

The Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/home_news/2007/10/30/malaysian_ministers_wife_visits_sumbangsih_mulia_sme_complex

Designing Nascent Brunei Batik Trade

HERE'S one business that need not worry about competition: Batik Desamas. Awg Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim is Brunei's sole batik producer and although he faces no local rivals, he wishes to see batik emerge from its tiny cottage industry shell into a sizeable sector.

It is, however, undeniably difficult to drive a batik industry into a recognisable at par with the lucrative batik markets of Malaysia and Indonesia when you are going it alone. 

 Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim started getting acquainted with batik painting in 2000, but due to his lack of knowledge in batik production he ceased his ambitious operation just a few years later. The attempt, nevertheless, showed him a sign that there was something in the venture that consumers would appreciate. During the initial period of his foray into batik production, he was invited to exhibit his art in a garment exhibition in Tokyo.

"I felt small next to the Malaysian and Indonesian businesses. But, surprisingly, a lot of Singaporeans and other foreign buyers were visiting my humble booth and some even bought my designs."

Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim rekindled his love for batik painting in 2005 and is now actively marketing his art to local consumers. During a trade exhibition, Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Awang Goh King Chin invited Zainal to set up shop at his building, the Sumbangsih Mulia Building in the Beribi industrial estate.

Batik Desamas is now the designated platform for  Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim to showcase his art and sell them to batik lovers. 

"Brunei needs to create the industry for batik, but our batik needs to seek its own identity. Our designs must be distinct to that of the Javanese and Malaysian batiks," Zainal said, adding that at the moment, for commercial interest, his batiks are Malaysian inspired infused slightly with Bruneian designs such as the air muleh and Simpur flower.

"I will slowly try ... to introduce my batik towards Bruneian motifs."

He has established his trademark by using a part opaque, part translucent cotton material.

Raw materials imported from China are not cheap, so he cannot afford to sell his art at a lower price. Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim imports cotton and silk from China because the materials available in Brunei are not suitable for batik painting.

Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim feels that it is his responsibility to teach the art of batik making to Bruneians and other interested groups. At the moment, he teaches tuition classes and according to him, most of his students are locals.

"I am trying to understand the Brunei market and I want to teach them the batik-making process in order to develop human resource for the batik industry."

In terms of the local market, he is confident that he is able to survive but does not have the capacity to develop bigger.

"Put simply, I can create the market and industry and I know Brunei has the potential (for batik making). However, the industry needs financial backing."

At the moment, to realise his dreams for the budding industry, Zainal is grooming a few people to the art.

The creative batik painter is able to churn out 10-15 garments a month (each garment measures two to four metres) and he caters to personal requests as well. Zainal is planning to introduce batik for interiors such as upholstery and curtains.

For a boost to Batik Desama's bottom line, Zainal looks forward to "Hari Raya (which) is usually a more profitable period for my business, much like other businesses in Brunei." 

The Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/business/2007/08/11/designing_nascent_batik_trade