M'sian batik traders scout prospects in Brunei
Thursday, July 5, 2007
MALAYSIAN traders see Brunei Darussalam as an emerging market for batik fabrics, with several companies expressing their interest in exploring opportunities in the sultanate.
Members from the Persatuan Pembatik Negeri Kelantan (Association of Batik Producers Negeri Kelantan) of Malaysia are currently in Brunei Darussalam to scout the market, which has good potential although small.
The batik designers and traders of the group's 16 member-companies are showcasing their wares at the International Bazaar in Bandar Seri Begawan and are open to setting up business here in Brunei Darussalam should the opportunities arise. The batik fabrics, which vary from the vibrant and colourful to more modest designs, are on display at the Exhibition Hall, Bumiputera Trade and Commercial Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan.
Che Mastura binti Ismail of Maskamal Batik & Trading, one of the batik traders now in the sultanate, said she is inclined to venture into Brunei and set up batik production if there is ample support from the government.
Mastura has her own small batik production company in Malaysia.
She along with her 10 workers design and draw the batik themselves and would consider the chance to expand into Brunei Darussalam with a view to passing on her knowledge and experience to Bruneians. "If there is support from the Brunei government and incentives provided, I would consider setting up production here, and also to help the local industry."
Hjh Rugayah, one of the Malaysian batik traders participating in the bazaar, said that right now, they rely on Pakistani traders to sell their batik in the Brunei market.
The traders, meanwhile, voiced disappointment on the size of the crowd at the bazaar. "This is the second time I have participated in an expo in Brunei. The first time was an expo held at the ICC (International Convention Centre). There, the response was bigger. I managed to sell a lot of batik during that time," said Mastura.
Others also feel the response in comparison to their outlay falls short of expectations, in particular after hearing good things about Brunei Darussalam.
The representative of Azni batik had previously heard from her friends that Bruneians are friendly and the market promising. When interviewed, she said Bruneians are indeed friendly, but business has been slow. "Bruneians are very nice people and there is a market here for us, but there seems to be a lack of promotion and we had wished for there to be more promotional material on the bazaar and our presence here," she said.
"Adverts on TV and radio need to be strategically carried out and not all in one time. Things such as banners and broadcasts on radio and TV need to be done during pay days to get most exposure," said Saidi Salleh, who runs Kuala Lumpur-based Batik Enterprise with his brothers.
Saidi felt that hosting the bazaar at the Mall Gadong would be better to draw a bigger crowd.
Still, more traders and batik vendors are scheduled to arrive in Brunei Darussalam later this month, highlighting interest in the Brunei market.
Batik is a technique used to dye fabrics. The technique is also used for clothing, hangings, furnishings, among others.
The Brunei Times
Members from the Persatuan Pembatik Negeri Kelantan (Association of Batik Producers Negeri Kelantan) of Malaysia are currently in Brunei Darussalam to scout the market, which has good potential although small.
The batik designers and traders of the group's 16 member-companies are showcasing their wares at the International Bazaar in Bandar Seri Begawan and are open to setting up business here in Brunei Darussalam should the opportunities arise. The batik fabrics, which vary from the vibrant and colourful to more modest designs, are on display at the Exhibition Hall, Bumiputera Trade and Commercial Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan.
Che Mastura binti Ismail of Maskamal Batik & Trading, one of the batik traders now in the sultanate, said she is inclined to venture into Brunei and set up batik production if there is ample support from the government.
Mastura has her own small batik production company in Malaysia.
She along with her 10 workers design and draw the batik themselves and would consider the chance to expand into Brunei Darussalam with a view to passing on her knowledge and experience to Bruneians. "If there is support from the Brunei government and incentives provided, I would consider setting up production here, and also to help the local industry."
Hjh Rugayah, one of the Malaysian batik traders participating in the bazaar, said that right now, they rely on Pakistani traders to sell their batik in the Brunei market.
The traders, meanwhile, voiced disappointment on the size of the crowd at the bazaar. "This is the second time I have participated in an expo in Brunei. The first time was an expo held at the ICC (International Convention Centre). There, the response was bigger. I managed to sell a lot of batik during that time," said Mastura.
Others also feel the response in comparison to their outlay falls short of expectations, in particular after hearing good things about Brunei Darussalam.
The representative of Azni batik had previously heard from her friends that Bruneians are friendly and the market promising. When interviewed, she said Bruneians are indeed friendly, but business has been slow. "Bruneians are very nice people and there is a market here for us, but there seems to be a lack of promotion and we had wished for there to be more promotional material on the bazaar and our presence here," she said.
"Adverts on TV and radio need to be strategically carried out and not all in one time. Things such as banners and broadcasts on radio and TV need to be done during pay days to get most exposure," said Saidi Salleh, who runs Kuala Lumpur-based Batik Enterprise with his brothers.
Saidi felt that hosting the bazaar at the Mall Gadong would be better to draw a bigger crowd.
Still, more traders and batik vendors are scheduled to arrive in Brunei Darussalam later this month, highlighting interest in the Brunei market.
Batik is a technique used to dye fabrics. The technique is also used for clothing, hangings, furnishings, among others.
The Brunei Times
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