Showcasing Malaysian Batik at the ASEAN Summit

Batik Boutique proudly participated in the ASEAN Summit as an exhibitor, bringing Malaysia’s vibrant batik heritage to the event’s international stage. The summit’s exhibition featured 36 booths representing heritage and innovation, and Batik Boutique was among the craft and creative participants, highlighting authentic Malaysian batik offerings. At its booth, the social enterprise displayed handcrafted batik apparel, gifts, and homeware that celebrate Malaysia’s cultural legacy. Delegates and visitors experienced the rich colors and intricate designs of authentic Malaysian batik, gaining insight into a tradition that blends artistry with social impact. This presence not only showcased local craftsmanship but also opened doors for cultural exchange and dialogue with attendees from across ASEAN.

    

Strategic Partnership in Batik Lestari Initiative

As a strategic partner of the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) under the Batik Lestari initiative, Batik Boutique played a key role during the ASEAN Summit and throughout Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship by designing and producing multiple custom batik motifs. The Batik Lestari program was introduced by SC to promote sustainable Malaysian batik while supporting local artisans and enabling regional recognition of Malaysian craft.

   

For this collaboration, Batik Boutique created a series of exclusive batik designs inspired by Malaysia’s cultural icons, including the national flower, the hibiscus. These designs were developed specifically for the ASEAN Summit and related ASEAN engagements hosted throughout Malaysia's chairmanship year. Instead of wearing the batik directly, the SC served as a central connector, offering these designs to ministries, corporates, and government-linked companies that wanted to represent Malaysia through authentic batik attire and gifting during high-level regional events.

   

By using its platform and network, the SC enabled Batik Boutique to reach key institutional stakeholders interested in incorporating cultural heritage into their ASEAN presence. This partnership demonstrated how public-private collaboration can support the growth of traditional arts while creating commercial pathways for socially driven enterprises.

“This partnership reflects our shared belief that heritage and innovation can co-exist. With Batik Lestari, we are helping Malaysian artisans gain regional exposure while promoting sustainable batik as a symbol of national pride,” said Amy Blair, CEO of Batik Boutique.

Championing Sustainability and Inclusivity

Throughout the ASEAN Summit, Batik Boutique remained aligned with ASEAN’s guiding values of sustainability and inclusivity, which were central to the summit’s theme. As a certified social enterprise and B Corp, Batik Boutique champions environmentally responsible practices—from sourcing low-impact fabrics to using traditional low-waste batik techniques.

Equally important is its commitment to social impact. Batik Boutique works with over 400 artisans and beneficiaries, many of whom are women from underserved communities. Through fair wages, skills training, and long-term economic opportunity, the company demonstrates how sustainable batik fashion in ASEAN can drive meaningful change while preserving cultural identity.

“Our B-Corp certification sets the standard for excellence in sustainable gifting, and we’re proud to be part of a global community of like-minded companies. Together, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future,” said Amy Blair, CEO of Batik Boutique.

Networking with Like-Minded Leaders

Batik Boutique’s presence at the summit offered more than visibility—it created a space for genuine engagement with other organizations and government bodies that value purpose-driven business. The event brought together ASEAN policymakers, entrepreneurs, and institutional buyers who are committed to regional advancement.

At its booth, Batik Boutique engaged in valuable conversations about sustainable fashion, creative economy development, and cultural promotion, leading to new business opportunities and partnership discussions. These interactions reinforced the relevance of sustainable batik fashion ASEAN-wide and the demand for ethical, design-forward Malaysian products.

Looking Ahead

Batik Boutique’s participation in the ASEAN Summit reflects its dedication to merging culture, sustainability, and social impact on a regional platform. As ASEAN continues to champion inclusivity and shared prosperity, Batik Boutique is proud to contribute to this vision through every thread of batik it creates.