Raising the stakes in batik creativity and style
(Above) Some of the winning batik designs from previous years on display at Wisma Penyayang in Seri Kembangan. Piala Seri Endon is a showcase for local batik artisans to captivate with their creativity (right, at the competition in 2024).
batik designers can look forward to higher overall prize money in Piala Seri Endon 2025.
The competition by Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia returns for its 20th edition with a total prize pool of RM202,500.
The winner will still receive RM30,000 cash while those coming in second and third will get RM20,000 and RM10,000 respectively, which are double that of previous years.
An outfit from Syahrul Amirul Shamsuri's Warisan collection which clinched second prize at the grand finals of the Piala Seri Endon Batik Design Competition 2024.—LOW LAY PHON/The Star
Five consolation prizes of RM1,500 each also await, increased from RM1,000.
Speaking on behalf of Penyayang chairman Nori Abdullah, chief executive officer Datuk Leela Mohd Ali said this year's competition's coincided with the 25th anniversary of Penyayang.
She said the longevity of both the foundation and contest represented its commitment to preserving and promoting the art of batik in Malaysia.
'This competition has become a vibrant platform for artists of all ages and backgrounds to showcase their talents, share their stories and connect with one another through the intricate patterns and designs that define this beautiful art form,' she said during a press conference at Wisma Penyayang in Seri Kembangan, Selangor.
'This year we have increased the prize money, making the competition even more attractive in terms of incentives.
Models wearing the winning 'Kampung' collection by Suzieana Rahim, Mohd Fadhil Md Taib, and Mohd Nizam Shahbudin at the grand finals of Piala Seri Endon Batik Design Competition 2024. —LOW LAY PHON/The Star
'We hope this will also foster new initiatives focused on sustainability and innovation, ensuring that batik not only thrives but also remains relevant in a rapidly changing world.
'We believe that through this competition, we can encourage artisans to embrace modern techniques and eco-friendly practices that can preserve this art form for future generations while encouraging creativity and environmental responsibility,' Leela added.
Penyayang is a charitable foundation incorporated to assist Malaysians in need, while Piala Seri Endon is a batik design competition.
The competition comprises three categories, namely fashion, soft furnishing, and handicraft.
It is open to designers aged 18 and above.
The closing date for Round 1 is June 30.
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