BATIK INDUSTRY URGED TO EDUCATE YOUNG IN CRAFT AND BUSINESS

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's batik industry must keep ahead
by becoming the trendsetter and investing in educating the younger generation on
the craft and how to grow the business, Deputy Information Communication and
Culture Minister Senator Heng Seai Kei said Friday.

The industry was not just about producing cloth and products but also about
the livelihoods of those involved, she said when launching the 3rd Kuala Lumpur
International Batik Convention and Exhibition 2009 here.

"We cannot produce things in isolation. We must learn what the market wants,
to see what people want in terms of design, products and what new materials and
technology are available that would make the products better," she said.

Heng represented Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais
Yatim at the ceremony.

Given that such a large percentage of batik businesses were family-owned
enterprises, the heads of these families must also educate their children not
only about the craft but how to make their businesses progress, she said.

Noting that there was a tendency towards following the leader in the
industry, she said that designs should not be left to top designers.

"We must take pride in creating original work and should keep our eyes
on the next big thing. We need to think more about setting trends rather than
just following through. This means being able to read the markets," she said.

The deputy minister also congratulated Nori Abdullah, chairman of Yayasan
Budi Penyayang Malaysia (a Foundation incorporated for the purposes of receiving
donations), the organiser of the convention, for continuing the work and the
vision of her mother, the late Endon Mahmood, who had initiated this programme.

"In times like this, we miss her. This is one the contributions she left for
the country, especially the development of the batik and craft industry in the
country," Heng said.

About 200 people, including those from China, Australia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan
Japan , United States, Britain and Azerbaijan, are attending the three-day event
aimed at promoting the art of batik worldwide.
-- BERNAMA