The stage is set to promote the batik craft and industry on a concerted, international scale. Initiating this collaborative endeavour is the World Batik Council based in Malaysia.

The Council is embarking upon a global mission to develop batik beyond Asian shores with a view to strengthening international links among batik designers, innovators, producers, researchers and enthusiasts.

The idea to establish the Council was mooted at the Kuala Lumpur International Batik (KLIB) Convention and Exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur in December, 2005. Delegates from 15 countries gave full support to its formation.

The consensus is that, following the successful KLIB event, collective and collaborative efforts are needed to drive the batik craft and industry to new, exciting horizons and greater heights.

Chaired by Leela Mohd. Ali -- the Chairman of Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia - the Council is composed of batik specialists, innovators, researchers and educationists from various corners of the world.

The Council drew strength and inspiration from Malaysia's staunch batik champion, the late First Lady Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood. The guiding spirit of Malaysia Batik Crafted for the World, she was credited with the revival of a wave of interest in the wider use of batik. Launched at the Marriot Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, on 8 September 2003, Malaysia Batik - Crafted for the World was the vision and initiative of the late YABhg. Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, wife of the Malaysian Prime Minister.

The movement was conceived as Datin Paduka Seri's vehicle in championing the batik industry.

With this movement, Datin Paduka Seri's trademark brand of enthusiasm and passion was brought to the Malaysian batik industry in the hope of encouraging creativity, showcasing and discovering talent and bringing Malaysian batik onto the international stage.