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