I would like to welcome all participants and speakers to the Kuala Lumpur International Batik Convention & Exhibition 2005, or KLIB 2005.

This initiative was started by my late wife, YABhg Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, to raise the profile of batik within Malaysia and in the world.

I am pleased to see that speakers have come from far and wide to share their knowledge and expertise in a spirit of camaraderie based on their mutual interest in and love for batik.

Batik is a traditional handicraft that has been in existence for thousands of years. I am happy that Malaysians are taking a proactive role in creating platforms and arenas for discussion such as this.

It is events such as this that will keep this craft – and perhaps all traditional handicrafts – relevant and progressive in this era of fast evolving technological advancements.

Congratulations to Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (PENYAYANG) and the Batik Guild for so ably organizing the Kuala Lumpur International Batik Convention 2005. I am happy that the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage will be working more closely with PENYAYANG. This is a fine example of how non-governmental organizations can work with the government for the greater good of the nation.

It is my hope that the Convention will impact the development of batik worldwide.

I wish all participants a productive Convention and hope that everyone will walk away equipped with more knowledge and with resolve to bring the batik industry to greater heights worldwide.

Dato’ Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi
Prime Minister of Malaysia