In a landmark moment blending cultural tradition with regional diplomacy, Masterpiece by Masrina Abdullah was commissioned to design the official Malaysian Batik attire worn by Heads of State and Government at the ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 Gala Dinner, held on 26 May 2025.
The event, one of the first major ceremonial highlights under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship year, brought together leaders from ASEAN nations, Gulf Cooperation Council members, China, and Timor Leste. The batik designs — chosen through a competitive selection organised by Wisma Putra and Yayasan Budi Penyayang — reflect themes of hospitality, unity, and identity, with motifs inspired by the mengkuang mat and natural landscapes symbolising ASEAN connectivity.
Refined with input from the Prime Minister’s Office and using a colour palette selected by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the final attire was produced through a hybrid method combining traditional hand-drawn and block printing techniques. This showcased the balance between heritage and modern scalability, aligning with the MADANI administration’s cultural and economic aspirations.
“This design is not just fashion — it’s a story of our roots and future,” said Masrina Abdullah, founder of the label. “Malaysian batik is a living art form that connects tradition with diplomacy, creating an identity we can all be proud of on the world stage.”
The occasion underscores Malaysia’s efforts to elevate local creative industries as vital pillars of national identity, soft power, and regional diplomacy — presenting Malaysian batik not only as attire, but as a symbol of resilience, unity, and progress.
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