HAVING SPENT MUCH of my recent years exploring Malaysia’s textile landscape and learning from craft communities across Asia, I have observed a poignant and recurring theme: an intergenerational worry about how these rich traditions will endure.
Communities fear the loss of their art forms as they watch younger generations shy away from this work, citing long hours, low pay and the rising irrelevance of the skills involved.
Yet, in contrast, I have witnessed a rising wave of curiosity and pride in the young, especially in Malaysia. From heritage textile exhibitions to Gen Z-led batik brands blending tradition with contemporary flair, to conversations around preservation and sustainable innovation, these topics fill their speech bubbles. Furthermore, the momentum is rising.
