CYNTOK BHATIK NAMED BEST CREATIVE ARTS TOURISM PRODUCT 2021

UUM ONLINE: Petaling Jaya - Cyntok Bhatik, a commercial product of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), bagged the Best Creative Arts Tourism Product 2021 Award at the Malaysia Tourism Council Gold Awards 2021, which was held last Thursday by the Malaysian Tourism Council (MTC).

The School of Creative Industry Management and Performing Arts (SCIMPA) Cyntok Bhatik Research, Consultancy, and Commercialization Project, led by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Adzrool Idzwan Ismail, has made a significant impact on the local creative economy sector, particularly in the tourism sector.

The award was presented at the New World Hotel by the Selangor State Tourism, Environment, Green Technology and Orang Asli affairs committee chairman Mr. Hee Loy Sian, who represented the Menteri Besar of Selangor, to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr. Haim Hilman Abdullah, who is performing the duties of Vice-Chancellor.

Prof. Dr. Haim Hilman expressed his delight and gratitude for the award given to UUM for its Cyntok Bhatik product, which debuted in 2019.

According to him, the award was a great honour for both UUM and SCIMPA, that were able to highlight the batik product.

“This award will motivate the entire university community and other researchers to continue producing high-impact innovative products that benefit not only the university but also the community.

"My heartfelt congratulations to SCIMPA, and I hope that this project can benefit more rural communities," he said.

Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adzrool Idzwan stated that the award provided additional motivation for SCIMPA's research team as well as commercialization strategic partners to work even harder to establish the Cyntok Bhatik brand on an international scale.

According to him, Cyntok Bhatik is a research project aimed at restoring Kedah's cultural traditions, which will then be widely displayed in conjunction with efforts to improve the people's economy.

He also stated that, the Cyntok Bhatik product will become a new local batik icon as a result of the public institution of higher education (PIHE), namely UUM, consultation with the local and international fashion world.

"With the presence of several creative community centre locations as tourist-friendly consultation locations, the Cyntok Bhatik project has also become a project that can contribute to the local tourism world, particularly in the state of Kedah.

"The MTC panel visited Kampung Paya Mat Isun in Pendang, Kampung Lebai Saman in Naka, Padang Terap, and Secrect Modes Boutique by Dato' Asfarena Samion," he said.

The four main plants found in Sintok, namely the Sintok tree, Sintok fruit, and Bougainvillea flowers and leaves, inspired the Cyntok Bhatik project.

Apart from receiving the award, Cyntok Bhatik was also invited to hold a fashion show as a promotional platform for corporate bodies, hotel operators, and industry partners who were also present on the night by Arena Cipta Klasik, Sdn. Bhd.

The MTC Gold Awards honour tourism heroes who have fought to ensure the survival of the tourism industry in difficult times.