Wan Zakaria's 1,000 batik shirts an art of preserving heritage in style

Sinar Daily

7 hours ago

For him, batik is not just clothing, it is a symbol of culture and identity that must be preserved.
08 Jun 2025 05:01pm
Wan Zakaria Wan Abu Bakar, 43, the founder of Bizara Educare Centre and a passionate batik enthusiast, showcased his personal collection of batik shirts during an interview with reporters at Kampung Panji recently. Photo by Bernama
IN his effort to preserve cultural heritage through fashion, Wan Zakaria Wan Abu Bakar, 43, now owns nearly 1,000 batik shirts as a symbol of identity and appreciation of the uniqueness and intricate beauty of this traditional art.
Wan Zakaria said that batik is not just clothing, it is a symbol of culture and identity that must be preserved, so much so that he feels completely at ease wearing it for both leisure activities and formal events.
"I feel very comfortable wearing batik at various events and during daily activities because I believe fashion can serve as a medium for cultural education.
"I don't wait for official events or fashion shows to wear batik. To me, every day is an opportunity to highlight the uniqueness of this heritage,' he said when met by reporters in Kampung Panji, recently. Wan Zakaria Wan Abu Bakar, 43, the founder of Bizara Educare Centre and a passionate batik enthusiast, showcased his personal collection of batik shirts during an interview with reporters at Kampung Panji recently. Photo by Bernama
Wan Zakaria, who is also the founder of Bizara Educare Centre said every piece of batik in his collection carries a distinctive design, merging traditional patterns with modern aesthetics for versatility across all occasions.
"I also pay attention to fabric quality and the use of authentic dyeing techniques when selecting batik cloth to maintain its exclusive value.
"Many people assume that batik is only for certain groups or formal events. I want to change that perception. Batik can be worn by anyone, as long as it's styled wisely,' said Wan Zakaria, whose collection includes floral and abstract motifs.
Wan Zakaria, who is a Master's graduate in Education from Open University Malaysia (OUM) said, about 80 per cent of his batik shirts are made in Malaysia, while the rest come from Indonesia and Vietnam.
"Some of the batik fabrics I purchased cost up to RM1,200 for four meters. I'm particularly fond of Malaysian batik for its detailed and delicate craftsmanship.
"I hope more young people will take an interest in batik and wear it beyond formal events. The artistry is truly beautiful. If not us, then who else will uphold this art?' he said. - BERNAMA