Ling Jeenee with her Johor-inspired Batik installation

Aina Hadfina Khairulnizam with her Sabah-inspired Batik installation

(Centre) Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry deputy secretary-general of Tourism Chua Choon Hwa at the launch of Tinta Merdeka

KUALA LUMPUR: 16 aspiring designers from UCSI University’s De Institute of Creative Arts and Design took centre stage during Merdeka season as their bold, large-scale Batik fashion creations were unveiled at Tinta Merdeka, a cultural installation at Pavilion Bukit Jalil.

The collaboration between UCSI University and Pavilion Bukit Jalil provided a national platform for young talents to showcase their skills to the public.

Each student presented a Batik installation representing one of Malaysia’s states and federal territories, blending tradition with contemporary fashion to celebrate diversity and creativity.

Among the student designers was a 20-year-old Year 1 student Ling Jeenee who drew inspiration from Johor’s royal heritage.

“I was mainly inspired by the royal heritage of Johor, so I chose blue as my main colour and the Johor royal arch as my central motif,” she said.

Ling added that the experience pushed her beyond her comfort zone. “It feels amazing yet unreal that my work is displayed in the middle of Pavilion Bukit Jalil for everyone to see as part of a Merdeka celebration.

I hope my design will spark curiosity about Johor’s culture and heritage. This project taught me to trust myself, adapt to changes and be braver in my future designs.”

Year 2 student Aina Hadfina Khairulnizam turned to sustainability and symbolism in her work for Sabah.

“I created 40 flowers from recycled plastic bottles to represent Sabah’s 40 ethnicities, using red and blue to reflect the state flag. I also designed a Rafflesia-inspired hat from a recycled bamboo base, decorated with red crystals to symbolise Sabah’s iconic flower,” she explained.

Her final installation combined layered Batik drapes with a traditional fan element, symbolising the state’s weaving heritage.

“Through this piece, I wanted to celebrate Sabah’s diversity while showing how sustainability and fashion can coexist,” she added.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry deputy secretary-general of Tourism Chua Choon Hwa praised the students’ achievements, noting that the Ministry is proud to see them carrying Malaysia’s cultural identity forward.

“These young designers from UCSI have shown that Batik is not only part of our heritage but also a living art form with global potential,” he said at the launch.

He added that the collaboration between UCSI and Pavilion Bukit Jalil reflects how education and industry can create meaningful opportunities for young talents.

“Through initiatives like this, we empower the next generation to preserve our culture while elevating it onto the world stage.”

UCSI University maintained its standing in the world’s top 1% for the fourth straight year, placing 269th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. UCSI is ranked in the world’s Top 150 for Art and Design and is recognised as Malaysia’s top institution and Southeast Asia’s third best for Arts and Humanities.