Imparts Basic Skills and Techniques in Batik Making

The beauty of Batik products that is exclusive to the region, in particular those produced by Malaysia and Indonesia, attracts Batik lovers from all over the world.  The fame of traditional Batik craft or art also attracted the interest of some parties in Brunei Darussalam to explore and join the Batik industry.

Although the batik making industry is relatively new in the Brunei Darussalam, various efforts have been taken by several parties to increase batik production.  Among them was the Batik Making Workshop organised by the Youth Development Centre.  During the workshop, participants were taught the basic skills and technique of making Batik, starting from sketching the designs up to the colouring process.

It's not easy to produce the fine and perfect Batik designs.  It takes a lot of time, patience and diligence.  The existence of Batik provides its lovers access to designs or patterns that encompass beauty, quality and exclusiveness.  Batik is produced in varying motifs, including in patterns depicting flora and fauna. These are chosen based on their uniqueness. The conductor of the Batik Workshop, Hajah Che Yam binti Che Ibrahim said making Batik required time and creativity.  It includes life-learning process, and for Brunei Darussalam, local ideas, ways and creativity are important, in order to come out with the art in Brunei, Brunei Batik.

Batik is not only synonym with Malaysia or Indonesia, but also has a universal character. It's the patterns that differentiate them.  In Malaysia, the products of this handicraft or art are a national heritage that Malaysian communities are proud of, because of the creativity and skills involved. Normally when one speaks of Batik Lukis or drawn or sketched Batik, it reminds of one Batik Kelantan or Terengganu. Meanwhile, among the most popular cultures of the Javanese of Indonesia is the craft of written Batik that contributes to their economy. This has motivated sections of the Javanese community to take measures to preserve and protect the traditional heritage.  In Brunei Darussalam, parties involved in the local Batik industry should diversify it and explore new trends if they want to continue developing and strengthening. They should also be sensitive to the needs and demands of the global markets.

source :

http://www.rtbnews.rtb.gov.bn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16106%3Aimparts-basic-skills-and-techniques-in-batik-making&Itemid=80

Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim Brunei's Batik Designer

"My main interest in doing this kind of business, is not just to survive, but to give contribution to the people and society on what I'm doing" -Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim

Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim is the sole proprietor of the batik desamas and one of the leap grant receiver who has given the opportunity to expand his business from BEDB (Brunei Economic Development Board).

Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim Brunei's Batik Designer

He was a teacher, an artist, a graphic designer before when he started doing the batik business. Fueled by the love and motivation of his family and friends, he started doing batik in the year 2000.

How do you describe your background?

I worked in an advertising company before. I am an artist, I do teachings in school. I worked also in Kuala Lumpur before as a Graphic Designer.
What made you decide to do batik as a business?

The basic thing about batik is I learned it from my own, well it's also because of my background as an artist and designer I guess, that is why when my friends saw some batik designs in Malaysia and Indonesia, they asked me to do batik here in Brunei, but it's not that easy, because you need to consider a lot of things, until I met one guy who are looking for a designer who can do batik, and I am then looking for a team, and then we merged, that was how we started

Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim Brunei's Batik Designer

Who motivated you to do the business? Or do you have any mentors?
My friends, they helped me to remain still on what I am doing, and of course through the motivation and love of my family.
What were the major challenges that you face in the process of starting up your business?

During the time I started, the biggest challenge then was my financial resources; I almost give up doing the business, but my friends helped me to come back, they gave me money to start again the business. And that is what keeps me moving until now.
One of the challenges I am currently facing right now is on the marketing side, how we promote and market our products.

Brunei Batik

How do you describe the support from your family?

My family doesn't rely on my income; they are the one who's supporting me.
How do you promote your business?

Currently we are using word of mouth to promote our products, also conducting demonstration to various institutional organization and by attending exhibitions. Promoting product on big scale need some solid planning and teamwork, and I am working to build a team to come together on common vision.
Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?

Batik is my expertise, so definitely my vision is to bring Brunei's Batik to international market. I am planning foreign collaboration to set up production units. International batik textile is my vision for next 5 years time.

Brunei Batik

Brunei Batik

Whom you will crown the success of your vision?
It will always be the teamwork, because I cannot work alone, I cannot stand alone, there will always be people right behind you who will support you whatever you do.
Do you have any competitor here in Brunei doing the same thing?

Yes. There are also other people here in Brunei doing and designing batik. But still, I don't see anything wrong about that. For me, there is no competition here, because I would like to see more creative people who can do and design batik as well.

Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim Painting

Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim Painting

Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim Painting

What kind of advice would you like to give to the society and to the new entrepreneurs who wants to start their own business?
First, I would like to encourage more of the Bruneian to support the batik productions here in Brunei. I would like them to support and market our own local product. And also, I would like to see more batik designers and batik industry here in Brunei. That is actually my vision, that is my I am really trying my very best to teach others so that at least they can understand what is batik. And to the new entrepreneurs, I want them to create something that will give us our own identity, something that is really for Bruneian.
Every entrepreneur has a story to tell, there are stories of both success and failures, stories of how you deal with and overcome all the challenges in life just to be able to reach your goal and vision for the business.

Indeed, Mr. Zainal Abidin has really come very far in his passion for batik business.. In spite of all his hardships in keeping his business grow, he managed and remained still in designing batik

He always make it a point that all his work come from his heart, from his desire to inspire and motivate others.

It's not basically how successful you are right now, it's about how you inspire and motivate other people towards reaching their dreams.

Brunei Batik

Brunei Batik

Brunei Batik

Brunei Batik

source :

http://www.brudirect.com/world/sme-s-corner/10238-brunei-s-batik-designer-mr-zainal-abidin

Techniques of Producing Batik Design by 'Chanting'

One of many techniques in producing making Batik design is by using a tool called 'CHANTING'.  By incorporating natural resources, such designs are produced more creatively.  In this regard, local youths are encouraged to identify potential opportunities in Brunei Darussalam to develop the demand for Batik as a high-value and world-known product in the future.

The Embassy of Republic of Indonesia in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport had organized ' The Batik Workshop With Natural Dyes ' held here for the first time. According to the embassy's Counsellor, the workshop was well received by the participants and he hoped that it will provide more ideas as well as expanding Brunei's economy through creative field. Deny Tri Basuki added, the nation has great potential in further developing its economy especially in terms of blending natural colours for textile materials.

Deny Tri Basuki also observed that Brunei Darussalam have vast areas of rain forests with its rich flora, hence they believed economic potential in this field can be achieved. This was evident with their recent discovery of yellow-coloured sap found inside a small tree branch which can be used as  a natural Batik dye, all in once proved that Brunei's natural resources are indeed possess the said potential for natural dyes in textile manufacturing industry. He further explained that the workshop explores the idea of integrating natural dyes in Batik textiles without using chemical colours is made possible.

The two-day programme was conducted by a professional expert from Indonesia to guide the participants on how to learn to produce a good Batik design as a valuable product by using only natural colours extracted from plants found abundantly in the country. Workshop instructor and researcher, Venny Afwany Alamsyah provided an insight on producing great Batik designs using Chanting technique which is actually one of the tools used in creating Indonesian Batik. She went on to say that participants got the chance to know and learn all about the whole process of making Batik as well as explored possible ways to make good use of the nation's natural resources for natural dyes.

It is hoped that the sharing of information to make good quality batik as reflected in this workshop, local community and youths will be able to give new input in expanding creative arts in Brunei Darussalam.

source :

http://www.rtbnews.rtb.gov.bn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13732%3Atechniques-of-producing-batik-design-by-chanting&Itemid=80

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

Batik Artwork On Display

THE Brunei Museums Department launched its collection of batik exhibition yesterday featuring acclaimed Asian artists Ramsay Ong, Sarkasi Said Tzee and Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim.

A total of 45 pieces of batik artwork, produced between 1960 and 2004, are showcased at the art gallery overlooking the capital's waterfront. The latest pieces were created by local amateur artists during a series of batik workshops, while the earlier work belong to Ramsay Ong, Sarkasi Said Tzee  and Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim.

Batik workshops were conducted in 2004 for secondary school students as well as a one-off session for adults resulting in 29 amateur artwork.

According to Noraidah Hj Nasir, executive officer at the Brunei Museums Department, the exhibition aimed to promote batik among the wider public in line with the department's efforts to preserve traditional artwork.

"The earlier pieces of art were chosen, because they haven't received much exposure lately. We hope visitors to the art gallery will develop a deeper appreciation for the art of batik," she explained.

Until January 14, members of the public are invited to view the batik exhibition. The art gallery is open daily from 9am to 5pm except on Fridays when it is open until 11.30am. On Saturdays the art gallery will open from 9.45am to 5pm.

The Brunei Times.
http://www.bt.com.bn/2012/12/19/batik-artwork-display-waterfront-gallery

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

BAF's Sunday Seni comes to a close

Expatriates and locals alike trying their hand at batik art during Brunei Art Forum's art exhibition at the BSB Waterfront. Picture: BT/Zatty Joanda

LOCAL young artists from the Brunei Art Forum (BAF) gathered together once again after a three-weekend hiatus to put together an exhibition to continue the art exhibition that was launched last month at the Waterfront Gallery to commemorate this year's National Day.

The art exhibition featured a number of art works that were on display ranging from traditional oil and acrylic paintings of the local scenery to abstract and installation art that was set up by the Brunei Art Forum BAF. 

The artists have drawn their inspiration from 10 chosen words in accordance with the exhibition's theme.

These words include "tradisi" (tradition), "keamanan" (peace), "alam" (nature), "kesegaran" (vibrant), "dongeng" (tales), "kekayaan" (wealth), "tekstur" (texture), "kedaulatan" (sovereignty), "rakyat" (people) and "kehidupan" (life). 

Yesterday's event was dubbed as "Sunday Seni" or loosely translated as "Sunday Art" as not only did visitors of the exhibition had a first-hand try at batik artwork but were also treated to a different kind of art which included poetry-reading and music.

The batik art had an encouraging response from visitors as the batik art classes were held from 10am to 2pm and according to a member of BAF, the visitors still kept on coming to try out the batik art. "We cannot say no to them and we will continue on while our resources are available," said a member who opted for anonymity.

Visitor Lee-Ngee who works for a local private company was at the batik classes accompanying her son, said, "I think it's a really good event. It's definitely a good avenue to promote the talent, their passion and their skills."

Lee-Ngee found out about the event via social site, Twitter and made it a point to pay a visit to the exhibition and stated that she was impressed by the exhibition. 

"To actually organise something like this and to promote it to the community is an achievement, something we should applaud the volunteers. I have learned something that I've not known how to do (batik design) before. You get to appreciate the work but more importantly to get to know the young people with so much talent and wanting to show to the community, it is a culture," she said.

The art exhibition also saw a number of expatriates as friends, Wendy Haldane and Sue Longstaff also had a go at the batik art class.

Wendy Haldane said to The Brunei Times, "We've only lived here for a few months. It's clearly a much smaller place than the UK so we have to look a little harder to look for it (art scene). I can see the country wanting to make an effort to have new and, especially, artistic things. I think think there is a long way to go but there are more ideas that can be contributed by us (expatriates) to help the art scene here."

Agreeing to her friend's comment, Sue Longstaff added, "The woven silk (songket) is absolutely beautiful here in Brunei. That can definitely be made into pieces of art. My son came here during christmas and he is currently doing 'A'-Level Art. He took loads of photographs of the water village and he is, at the moment, translating it into his paintings back in Britain. He is inspired by Brunei."

Yesterday was the last weekend for the BAF's art exhibition. According to the exhibition coordinator, Syen Sofian, "The exhibition has been going from the middle of December and for February since it is in conjunction with the National Day, it is called 'Art Warisan, Heritage Seni' under BAF art exhibition."

He added, "We want people to understand that art is not just what we are doing, painting, sculptures, we have opened a pathway for installation art and other mediums. We invited other groups involved in the poetry scene and music scene to participate today, that's why we call it "Sunday Seni". This is a very casual set-up so they can perform their poetry and music."

The Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/happenings/2012/02/20/bafs-sunday-seni-comes-close

Brunei Handicrafts on Show in Bali

BRUNEI handicrafts were on display at the Asean Textile Exhibition here in Bali in the country's bid to showcase its traditions and prowess in folk handicraft.

Showcased at the Bali International Convention Centre, three Bruneianentrepreneurs who were flown to the tourist island courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT) have been minding the Brunei exhibition stall since Wednesday.

A senior official from the MoFAT's Department of International Trade who agreed to speak to The Brunei Times on the condition of anonymity said that the ministry collaborated with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports to promote Brunei's local handmade products during the exhibition.

"We're giving opportunities to local SMEs to market their products here as they would be able to promote their products through the exhibition. At the same time, they would be able to establish business network with producers from Malaysia and Singapore for example," said the official.

"The local SMEs could also use the exhibition as a platform to share and listen to experiences from fellow producers in region."

Asmad Hj Umar of Asnika Enterprise, one of the exhibitors, has made a name for himself in producing quality traditional fabric which is highly sought after in Brunei.

Asmad said the exhibition was an opportunity to educate the community of Asean on Brunei's identity through the art of weaving.

"Although the artworks (have some semblance) of Malaysian and Indonesian influences, Brunei's design has an identity and motif of its own, which makes it unique to the eyes of those who appreciate the art of handicraft making," said Asmad.

He said a number of delegates from various countries have visited his booth, as well as VVIPs which included Indonesia's first lady.

Sharing the booth with Asnika was another local firm Batik Desamas, owned by batik designer ZainalAbidin Ibrahim.

Eyeing overseas markets, Zainal was hoping to seize the opportunity to promote his Batik products through new channels knowing that delegates from the US and Brazil would be visiting.

Zainal Abidin recently developed an innovative system that will allow his batik to be mass produced in order to capitalise on the regional and possibly global market.

The innovation, he said, is "Digital Batik", in which he applies advanced software and engineering todigitalise his hand-drawn work, which can then be replicated to produce a whole range of Batik products from apparels to bedsheets. A prototype of a few of his products were displayed on the Brunei booth.

Meanwhile, Hjh Robiah Hj Ampal, designer and proprietorof woven Brunei handicrafts (under her company Hikmah Enterprise) showcased her signature sinjang, a cloth Malay males normally wear around their waists to complement the national costume, baju melayu.

Hj Robiah, who has participated in a number of expos in various countries over the years, said that the textile fair was an opportunity to not just promote her products, but also to get inspiration from foreign exhibitors on new design ideas for her future designs.

Unlike the trade expos whichshe has participated in Malaysia in recent years however, Hj Robiah said that the current exhibitionhas not gained much consumer traffic.

"The Summit is held near here, hence the security has been very tight around this compound, and the venue is not open to the public except for Asean delegates and officials with passes," she said.

The exhibition was aimed to broaden the visitors' insight on the cultural similarities between the Aseannations through the art of hand woven textiles. It was also a one-stop-shopping avenue for the delegates of the Asean Summit looking to bring home quality souveniers from the Southeast Asian countries.

Through handwoven products, the exhibition showcases the diversity of the Asean's cultural heritage and also the similarities of national history, culture and the community of the region.

Around 150 textile exhibitors from Asean countries participated in the exhibition, with more than 1,200 handcrafted products being showcased on the exhibition floor.

The Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/business-national/2011/11/20/brunei-handicrafts-show-bali

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