The New Tradition of Batik Brunei

HAJI ZAINAL Abidin Hj Ibrahim laughs quietly, his hand swatting away my presumptuous question. “No, no. Batik was never a traditional art in Brunei,” he says. I knew that, of course, from his statements in the past about his art but I wanted to hear it for myself. It’s a strange admission, given that batik is fiercely contested as a traditional art in the region.

HAJI ZAINAL Abidin Hj Ibrahim

Indonesian batik has won that “contest” – listed by UNESCO in 2009 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanityowing to its proven origins centuries ago in Java, much to the chagrin of Malaysian batik proponents, some who still lay claim as owners of batik and deny any influence from Indonesian batik.

In any case, it’s unimportant to Hj ZAINAL Abidin Hj Ibrahim. He has previously gone on record to pinpoint Malaysian batik’s emergence to its introduction in the 1970s through formal educational institutions. Its ongoing development and emphasis on Malaysian-inspired designs for originality are also how Hj ZAINAL Abidin Hj Ibrahim hopes to grow Brunei’s own fledgling batik industry, an industry that invariably turns to the Bruneian entrepreneur for guidance.

He is, after all, the one that started it all here. The pioneering man has been making batik in Brunei for over a decade. The latter part of his time has been invested into a designing process that uses digital technology, enabling mass production and, therefore, giving more people access to his products.

However, it is still the traditional methods that appeal to him the most. And when students from Pehin Dato Seri Maharaja Secondary School (SMPDSM) came to visit Hj ZAINAL Abidin Hj Ibrahim’s production site in late August, it was the traditional methods that they learnt.

the Brunei student learn how to batik canting

“My preference is this traditional method. It is only after you master the traditional methods can you explore Batik technique. When I design, I mix both and that’s my edge, whether in terms of printing, technique or execution. It’s very rare to find masters of both,” he says.

Naturally, the only way for my trade to be profitable is to reach outside markets, and the response has been very encouraging. In the past three years, interest has just grown, through exhibition requests both local and international. But the nature of digital is mass production and there is some missing aspects from traditional batik. How does batik last for hundreds of years? From traditional wisdom that gives enduring strength,” adds Hj Zainal.

He tells about his latest research that draws on traditional strength: the use of natural dyes. “Even in Indonesia, it’s only starting. Here, I have some knowledge but no practical development yet. Tomorrow will be the first formal discussion about it.”

He refers to his participation in the “Batik Workshop with Natural Dyes” organised by the Indonesian embassy, where he and Indonesian batik researcher would discuss the use of natural dyes in batik design.

“It’s important for us as we can explore our untapped forests in Brunei. Natives of the rainforests have used the “nutrients” of plants to make colours that stay. You can’t replicate the colours from natural dyes. They’re so vivid... I’ve had people from Japan and Korea who love the effect I’ve tried so far.”

But after so long in the business, and with all the interest in his art from Bruneian youth, I ask if his work has truly inspired more Bruneians to pick it up.

“We’ve done many activities to support the efforts of the ministries... while a form of recreation for the youth, it can also show them batik as more than a hobby,” he says.

While I certainly found all the 30-odd students there to be very interested in the event, none of them seemed to express any desire to take up batik seriously.

Rozana Abdul Rahman is the sole “success” of Hj Zainal’s efforts. Rozana, 38, is his assistant, and spends most of the time by the side of his mentor, teaching others and helping Hj Zainal with all of the intricate processes of batik design.

“I’ve been working with Hj Zainal since 2006. My interest in art started from school... you can see my name in the papers, I was champion in many competitions when I was a kid! My hope is that, one day I can start up my own workshop and my own batik. I’ve actually submitted a proposal to an authority,” he reveals.

His seven years working beside Hj Zainal have built up his skill considerably, and he designs small patterns at his own home, using them for his family and even selling a few designs to friends. His involvement has also spilled over into the next generation.

“My first three children are all interested. My eldest (19-year old daughter) although working helps me a lot with my own batik at home.”

If Bruneian batik cannot be truly called a traditional art form, it can in its own right, be considered as a new tradition. And while 12 years of Bruneian batik hasn’t exactly resulted in an explosion of enthusiasts, perhaps the few consummate individuals are enough to carry this tradition into Brunei’s future.

Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/features/2013/11/07/new-tradition-brunei-batik

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

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

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

Seven Bruneian Artists Feature in Exhibition

Batik Print By Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim Pictures by BT/Sharleen Othman

VETERAN artist, Khalid Othman (picture) explaining his painting yesterday. He was among a group of seven veteran local artists who were featured at an art exhibition to give the public a glimpse of Brunei's culture and ethnicity through their works.

Some 60 pieces of artworks by seven artists have been put on display at the Main Hall in Panaga Club, Brunei Seria.

Besides Khalid, the other artists are Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim, Dr Baharuddin Md Arus, Hj Osman Mohammad, Hj Rahim Ahmad and Dr Zahari Hamidon are veterans in the Brunei art scene and each has his own unique artistic expertise.

The works on display represent several different art techniques including batik painting, oil painting, acrylic painting, sketches and digital prints.

Having already showcased their works in a number of other exhibitions, the group eventually decided upon setting up an exhibition showcasing works that represent the Sultanate's unique culture of different ethnic groups.

Uniting their works under the singular theme of "Brunei Ethnic and Culture", the artists said the pieces show not only the different techniques, but also the culture behind them.

"We want to expose the different motif designs of ethnic groups in the country", said Zainal Abidin who organised the private exhibition. For foreigners, this is one way to expose the local culture, he said.

Khalid Othman who has six pieces of work on display said his artwork focused on the the study of movement and features sceneries from Tasik Merimbun and Temburong.

Zainal said he especially wanted youths to see the exhibition as "it is during youth that you develop your ideas of expression".

" This is especially for the youth who are fast forgetting the culture, we want to highlight to them," he added.

The art exhibition which was officially opened to the public yesterday will end today. It is open from 10am until 6pm.

Visitors, particularly budding artists and art aficionados, will have the opportunity to interact and discuss with the artists regarding the works during the exhibition.

According to the artists, their next exhibition will be in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which will feature new works with a different theme.

The Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2011/06/26/seven-bruneian-artists-feature-exhibition

Funding Issue Hampers Batik Export Dreams

GAUGING from the interest expressed by foreign buyers, a batik textile entrepreneur is hoping to expand into the export market with additional funding from government sources. Without this extra financial assistance, Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim said he would not be able to meet demand although the business is export ready.

Batik prints from Batek Desamas. Pictures: Courtesy of Batek Desamas

Bringing in a bit of modernity and maintaining quality standards is helping the proprietor of Batik Desamas maintain his share of the niche market of batik textiles. With two months to go before his new designs are launched, the entrepreneur is confident he will be able to make the sales. To meet the demands of foreign buyers, however, Zainal said the business needs extra funding. 

In an interview with The Brunei Times, he said, "The demand is there; the people outside especially, (they are interested by the ) uniqueness of design and probably, they can see the difference in the design (compared to) other countries." 

He added, working with the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) has enabled him to gain more exposure to foreign markets; but with increased interest comes the challenge of supplying beyond his current capacity. "The response was good (from foreign buyers) but this is only in terms of the demonstration, not selling," he said. "What I can see (however) is the demand, the opportunities." 

His outlet is located in Sumbangsih Mulia Building, Gadong but Zainal also has a space to sell his products at the Cruise Ship Centre in the Muara Port Terminal, giving him exposure to tourists, particularly European passengers. "They buy some of my material, so that is how I can evaluate (whether) they like the quality. To me it's quite interesting, because they went to so many places in the country, and of course they are very familiar with the material (and) what they want."

A majority of his customers say they are drawn to the quality of his batik products, he said.

He noted that the business hasn't made any "positive transactions" yet in terms of European foreign exports, but there are enquiries about price and how the designs differ from other batik products. Because he is operating in such a limited niche market, Zainal admits that in relative terms, his sales volumes may be mistaken for lack of good business. "I don't do volume, because my strength is quite limited so of course (with) the financing, I'm quite limited in that, I do whatever I can afford. But hopefully if I get help from other sources, probably, the production can increase." 

The businessman is now looking to experiment with new fabrics, in the hopes that international and regional buyers will be caught by the batik 'bug'. 

Zainal said that he is now experimenting with a new type of cotton that has textural qualities akin to silk. "The cotton that I use ... will be more interesting; the material is outsourced from Europe," he said, adding that he was also "quite interested to see it, because I've never seen it before". 

"When I bought this material, and I tried to make my product into the batik (and) it looks quite interesting. I'm really quite surprised. That's why I feel, if (this product is) already in the market, it would be sellable - this would be something people are looking for and it's suited to the community here in Brunei." While the imported material would add to his costs, Zainal is confident he can make the necessary adjusments in other areas. The important thing right now is to plan for expansion into the export market. 

The Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/business-national/2010/06/13/funding-issue-hampers-export-dreams

Brunei's Art Showcases by Batik designer

Brunei's batik designer Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim (R) being filmed by China Central Television (CCTV), while decorating his 'batik' in the Brunei Pavilion

A BRUNEIAN batik artist plans to design the traditional textile made from wax-resist dye for the Brunei Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo.

Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim, who was invited by the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) to the Shanghai Expo, said that he is still coming up with a concept on the batik's design.

"I know that there are some specific landmarks that Shanghai is identified with, and there are also landmarks that Brunei is identified with," Zainal told The Brunei Times at the Brunei Pavilion yesterday.

"I think it will be fitting to design something that merges the two cultures on one piece of batik, especially now that Brunei is introducing itself to the whole world in Shanghai. A batik that has both Brunei and Shanghai on it will suit the occasion perfectly," he added.

The batik designer further said that he plans to present the cross-cultural batik to the Brunei Pavilion as a gift, so that it displayed to reflect the friendship between Brunei and China.

"This design will be especially for the Brunei Pavilion, and for the expo. It symbolises the point where Brunei meets Shanghai," he said.

Besides showcasing his products and design, Zainal also hopes that the expo will provide the opportunity for him to not just expand his business, but also broaden his creativity.

BEDB's other invited guest to the Brunei Pavilion is Hj Sabli Hj Omar, who is attracting many visitors to his counter while he displays his skills and dexterity with his carving knives.

Asked of his goal or objectives for participating in the Shanghai Expo, Hj Sabli expressed his aim to do Brunei proud.

"I feel very proud to be representing Brunei, and I hope I will make Brunei proud in this world event as well," said Hj Sabli.

Many visitors to the Brunei Pavilion have been asking if his works are for sale, but currently they are not sold at the moment.

"Many people wanted to buy my works, but we're not selling them now. We might sell them later during the expo, but for the moment, the visitors should just enjoy the art of Brunei," he added.

The experienced woodcraft artisan is hoping that he can expand his artistic works into other markets, beginning with the World Expo, which expects to attract about 70 million visitors in six months.

With the Brunei Pavilion welcoming another 15,000 visitors yesterday, the stage was set for both Bruneian artists to showcase not just their skills, but also Brunei's arts and traditions to the world.

The Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2010/05/07/batik-designer-showcases-bruneis-art

Shanghai Expo, Brunei Arts and Tradition on Display

THE Brunei Pavilion at the Expo 2010 Shanghai was busy yesterday making preparations to showcase the Sultanate's arts and tradition to visitors today.

Encountering a quiet day at the Brunei Pavilion with just over 6,500 visitors yesterday, probably due to the rainy weather, the staff of the Pavilion welcomed two craftsmen from Brunei, specially flown in by the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) to let the world in on the arts and tradition of Brunei.

Hj Sabli Hj Omar and Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim, a wood carver and a batik producer respectively, are the men Brunei will rely on to show the world what the Sultanate has to offer in linking tradition to trade. 

Both are business owners who shine brightly in their own industries, but both are also better known as designers or artists in Brunei, where their works are seen as valuable artistic creations, and of course, much sought after.

For batik producer and designer, Zainal Abidin Hj Ibrahim who has a glorious record of holding several fashion shows, he certainly hopes to design his way out of Brunei into the world.

He will use both the traditional way of hand-drawing and also computer generated graphics to show interested viewers how the traditional batik of Brunei is produced. Various finished batik products will also be on display at his counter.

As for Hj Sabli, his art works are already on display at the Brunei Pavilion, and he will demonstrate his skills to the expo crowd on how he produces the exquisite carvings.

Both men will begin displaying their skills today, on Day 6 of Shanghai Expo, and hopefully make a name for Brunei and themselves on the international stage. 

The Brunei Times
http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2010/05/06/brunei-arts-and-tradition-display-shanghai-expo

Unissa poll : Tourists Splurge On Handicrafts, BATIK

A woman weaving. A poll says handicrafts and batik are among the popular purchases of tourists visiting Brunei. Picture: BT file

HANDICRAFTS and batik were the two most popular purchases that tourists make in Brunei, according to a study conducted by scholars at the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (Unissa).

The study, conducted by Dr Mohamed Sharif Bashir, dean of the faculty and colleague Hjh Nur Annisa Hj Sarbini, showed an increase of $10 million in tourist expenditure last year from $475.5 million in 2008.

In 2009, tourist spendings in Brunei amounted to $485.3 million, based on figures from the World Travel and Tourism Council.

The study was conducted last year to identify the spending patterns of tourists in the Sultanate.

"We wanted to do this study because Brunei has plans to diversify the economy away from oil and gas and tourism is slated to be one of the industries to help this diversification," said Dr Mohamed, in an interview on the sidelines of the recent International Islamic Conference organised by Unissa.

He added that his findings provided a general overview of the Brunei tourism sector. It sought to examine factors to improve Brunei's tourism sector, investigate tourists' profile and their expenditures in Brunei to help provide policymakers with information to implement more adequate and integrated policies in the specific segmented markets.

A questionnaire survey was given to 120 respondents in June last year in different locations in Bandar Seri Begawan, including hotels and shopping complexes in the capital.

"We found that in general, the tourists, were made up of females, between 20 and 30 years old, and that almost 29 per cent of them were Malaysians. The findings also showed that 86.8 per cent of the tourists recommended Brunei as a tourist destination," said Dr Mohamed.

Survey respondents were visitors who made their own travel arrangements and were accompanied by their friends.

Based on the gender profile of the study, it showed that 52 per cent were female and 48 per cent were male. Tourists from Singapore, Indonesia, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom also took part in the survey.

"Major items that were purchased was handicrafts, which was 45 per cent of the tourists surveyed, followed by batik, which accounts for 39 per cent of the respondents," he said. In the paper, titled "Study on Tourists Expenditures Pattern in Brunei Darussalam", the scholars showed that jewellery such as watches and gold, as well as computer and electronic appliances, also grabbed the interests of respondents.

The paper also said that 60 per cent of the respondents said the major attraction for picking Brunei as a tourist destination was because of its "safe environment", as well as the curiosity to find out more about the Sultanate, due to word of mouth from friends and families who have previously visited.

Respondents also recommended improving shopping facilities and public transportation system. 

"Another potential area to be developed is cultural events and more attractive activities for tourists, as many of them said that without these amenities, they wouldn't return to Brunei, so there needs to be a reason for these tourists to want to come back a second time," he said.

The dean also found that Brunei could establish a national brand identity, which could be based on the cultural and heritage background of Brunei. "What uniquely constitutes Brunei, must be promoted to keep the inbound visitors coming, and it also needs to improve many attractions including shopping complexes, transportation and hotel facilities," said the report.

"Although there are about 40 licenced travel agencies in Brunei, only a handful were actively engaged in inbound ground handling operations for foreign tourists, while most licenced travel agencies deal in ticketing and outbound travel," stated the paper. He said that the lack of competition in the inbound tourism sector is limited and has led to the aggressive promotional efforts by the Brunei Tourism Development Department of the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources. 

"It is without a doubt that Brunei Tourism is targeting the upmarket, discerning and mature segments in the tourist source markets such as Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Malaysia, have positioned themselves to be a destination for ecotourism, relaxation, wholesome family trips, honeymoons, golfing, and even for stop-over programmes," said the study.

The authors concluded that "policymakers should give more emphasis on the development of the infrastructure including transportation, financial services, hotels and restaurants, entertainment and travelling facilities, such as the ones provided by the Immigration Department for facilitating the tourists' arrival". The paper also suggested the the private sector should play a role in participating to promote tourism activities, as it could bring benefits in terms of generating employment opportunities and increasing incomes, as well as "expanding the production capacity of the small and medium enterprises". The Brunei Times

source :
http://www.bt.com.bn/business-national/2010/03/06/tourists-splurge-handicrafts-batik-unissa-poll