loader image

From Malaysia to the UK: Painting a Story of Heritage & Innovation Through Batik

From a successful architect who traversed Southeast Asia to a flourishing artist championing batik in UK, Shirlyn Low’s creative spark has taken her on many adventures.
Her first foray to the UK started when she pursued her master’s degree in architecture there in the early 2000s. Subsequently, she stayed on to work there for another 3 years before moving back to Malaysia in 2008.

After building up her portfolio with various hotels and luxury residences across Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia for over a decade, she returned to the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was there that her spark for batik was ignited. As interest in her art grew, she decided to forgo her comfort zone of architecture and dive headfirst into batik painting full-time.
With that, Batik Ying was born.

Finding passion and balance in batik

The first seed for Shirlyn’s passion was planted quite some time ago when she worked as an architect in Southeast Asia, having worked closely with batik artisans to develop artwork for the hotels she designed.

Fast forward to 2023, she realised that her enthusiasm for architecture had dimmed. At the same time, the mother of two sought an alternate career path that would allow her more flexibility and time to spend with her children.
With that, she took baby steps into batik by sharing her artwork at community events in the West Midlands region.

She was then invited by a local dumpling shop to organise her first ever batik workshop. To her surprise, the event sold out in two weeks, signalling considerable interest in her art and the art form itself.

From then on, Batik Ying also known as batikying on Instagram has gone from strength to strength, having been selected to participate in numerous group exhibitions in Birmingham and Manchester, as well as collaborate with brands such as the John Lewis department store, World of Women Foundation and Birmingham Design Festival and work on commissions by the Great Western Arcade and other private clients.

Changing the perspective of batik with a contemporary approach

Collaborations and exhibitions aside, Shirlyn has also shared the heritage of batik by delivering workshops to over 200 people combined.

Unlike most artists in the same vein, Shirlyn had not received any formal training prior to embarking on Batik Ying, having come from a background in architecture.

However, she was able to pick up the skill through her work with traditional batik artisans and self-learning.

Her informal education has clearly worked in her favour, as she is now known for her singular batik art style that weaves in modern influences for a fresh, contemporary twist.

“I think if we can continue modernising batik and change the Malaysian perspective of it as just a traditional kraftangan to an art medium filled with rich history and heritage, batik will grow and continue to thrive,” said Shirlyn of the motivation behind her art style.

Connecting Malaysians abroad through batik

While Shirlyn already has many workshops and galleries under her belt, she has plenty more to look forward to, such as her upcoming exhibition at the prestigious Royal Birmingham Society of Artists Gallery.

Recently, Batik Ying had one of its most memorable collaborations yet —an art exhibition and group batik painting workshop held jointly with MyHeart as part of TalentCorp’s Salam Dari Malaysia UK Outreach Programme.

Together, Shirlyn and the participants completed a piece of art that is as vibrant in colour as it is in Malaysian symbolism. The masterpiece featured flowers decorated with dots, a motif that is often featured in the traditional Malaysian batik sarong.

Through the design and the activity of batik painting, Shirlyn wanted to transport her fellow UK-based Malaysians back home and evoke the spirit of unity.

At the same time, the batik artist was able to showcase her work to the Malaysian Minister of Human Resources and Chairman of TalentCorp, thus elevating Batik Ying’s profile.

Growing Batik Ying & new connections with MyHeart

On the subject of MyHeart, Shirlyn expressed that she is looking forward to using the platform to search for networking events with entrepreneurs like her and small business owners, whether for personal development or collaboration opportunities.

She also hopes the portal will connect her to other Malaysians based abroad who wish to make batik art a part of their events.

“I think what MyHeart does in reaching out to Malaysians abroad and closing the gap between us is meaningful,” she said in regards to her experience with the platform.

Are you a Malaysian abroad looking to organise an event in your area? Sign up on MyHeart to feature your event on the portal and invite Malaysians near you.

Enjoyed this story? Share it with your friends!

Incentives Templer Park International School

40% scholarship of tuition fees + Zero application fee (worth RM 1000) + Zero registration fee (worth RM 4000)

Incentives International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL)

Application fee waiver (worth RM1,500)

Incentives Oasis International School

100% Waiver of Registration Fee (RM10,000 value)

Incentives Sri KDU

50% rebate off the Application Fee

Incentives Straits International School

100% OFF Application & Registration fees + 10% OFF Annual School Fees

Savings of over RM10,000 plus additional benefits

NOTES

For new students at any ISP (International School Partnership) School in Malaysia

Incentives Tenby Schools

100% OFF Application & Registration fees + 10% OFF Annual School Fees

Savings of over RM10,000 plus additional benefits

NOTES

For new students at any ISP (International School Partnership) School in Malaysia

Incentives Asia Pacific Schools

100% OFF Application & Registration fees + 10% OFF Annual School Fees

Savings of over RM10,000 plus additional benefits

NOTES

For new students at any ISP (International School Partnership) School in Malaysia

Incentives Epsom International School

100% waiver of Enrollment Fees

Up to RM20,000 + Additional Benefits

NOTES

Available for new students applying from now until 31 December 2023

Incentives Taylor’s International School

100% waiver of Registration Fees

Savings up to RM20,000

NOTES

Only for new enrollments into any of Taylor’s International School (Branch Kuala Lumpur / Puchong) from now until 31 December 2023

Incentives Australian International School Malaysia (AISM)

100% waiver of Registration Fees

Savings up to RM20,000

NOTES

Only for new enrollments into any of Australian International School Malaysia (AISM) from now until 31 December 2023

Incentives Nexus International School

100% waiver of Registration Fees

Savings up to RM20,000

NOTES

Only for new enrollments into any of Nexus International School from now until 31 December 2023

Incentives Gardens International School

100% waiver of Registration Fees

Savings up to RM20,000

NOTES

Only for new enrollments into any of Gardens International School from now until 31 December 2023

Dr Catheryn Lim

Who is Dr Catheryn Lim?

Currently a Senior Research Fellow at Matthew Wood group and Chair, Early-Mid Career Researchers Committee at Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford. Received her Ph.D., Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry from UNSW Dr. Lim is now working on understanding disease mechanisms and developing genetic treatments for neuromuscular diseases. Two of these strategies are now at later stages of development where she is collaborating with industrial partners to optimise the strategies in preparation for first-in-human clinical trials.

Format of the sharing session

The participants for the session consisted of students and academicians coming from various biological and related sciences background.

During the session, Dr. Lim shared about her experience and journey in the research world and delved into the new developments being made in genetic treatments (specifically in neuromuscular diseases). She also shared some tips and advice on how to be active in the biotechnology research industry.

Outcome

The session has exposed 183 participants to new development in genetic treatments (specifically in neuromuscular diseases).

Dr Aid Fawzal

Who is Dr Aid Fawzal?

Experienced CFD Engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the automotive, energy and oil & gas industries. Strong professional background with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical, Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering from Coventry University. Invented a constant number which is called the Fawzal Number (Fa) which is used to optimize supercar’s cooling system.

Format of the sharing session

Our participants consist of students from various engineering field and various level of studies, from bachelor’s degree to PhD.

During the session, Dr Aid shared with us the step-by-step process involved in designing a car using a simulation software where he explained why certain components are designed in such ways and the importance of each component. He also shared some tips to students who are planning to go into the automotive field.

Outcome

The session has benefited 284 participants with new knowledge and exposure to the automotive world and inspire our future engineers to pursue and improve our automotive industry.

Samantha Chong

In 2022, we collaborated with KL City Opera and organised a masterclass with Samantha Chong, a Malaysian mezzo-soprano based in Hong Kong

Objective

To develop the performing arts scene in Malaysia via a collaboration with a leading name in classical Italian opera.

Format of the masterclass

The masterclass was held over 2 days, where 4 participants were selected to perform an aria or duet. Samantha then provided verbal and demonstrative feedback to each participant for 7-9 minutes each, which included song and scene interpretation, and stage presence.

Outcome

Samantha made a conscious effort to focus her sharing NOT on singing, but on the various aspects of performance, something that Malaysian performers lacked. So, MyCollabs acted as a medium for her to guide the students in navigating the world of classical opera, including dealing with different stakeholders like conductors, music directors and repetiteurs.

The students, on the other hand, received a rare opportunity to undergo a masterclass conducted by a seasoned performer for free. They could then use the knowledge they gained to enhance their opera skills and hopefully, pursue a career as full-time professional opera singers, something which is a rarity in Asia.