Jiwa, an organization that started as an NGO supporting vulnerable women, including those with disabilities and domestic violence survivors. Jiwa evolved into a successful social enterprise focused on creating sustainable, high-income opportunities through the production of hand-painted tiffin carriers and other unique craft items. The initiative, born from a desire to fund a community center, gained traction through strategic partnerships, government support, and organic marketing, leading to global expansion and the employment of over 100 painters. The founder emphasizes that Jiwa prioritizes job creation and emotional connection with customers, rather than solely profit, aiming to establish a women's sanctuary and empower senior citizens through design training in the future.

In this fast but fierce takeaway episode, we unpack the key gems from our talk with Sarah of Lizza Collections. From building a brand with heart to making every piece tell a story, Sarah shares insights on confidence, creativity, and staying culturally rooted in modern fashion.

In this episode Sarah, discusses her role in managing Lizza Creations, her mother's 30-year-old Batik-making business, highlighting its focus on quality over quantity and the artistic passion behind their work. She explains her unexpected journey from studying aerospace engineering to embracing her family's Batik legacy, driven by a sense of responsibility and an appreciation for the art form. Sarah also addresses the challenges of finding young talent interested in the intricate craft and the importance of valuing handmade products in a market increasingly leaning towards mass production. She shares the company's aspirations for international collaboration and their efforts to preserve the storytelling aspect of Malaysian Batik.

🎯 If you’re building something with soul—this is your blueprint.

In this power-packed takeaway episode, we break down the most inspiring insights from our conversation with Ms Frankie , the founder of Frankitas—a brand that’s redefining traditional textiles with global flair. From building purpose-driven fashion to honoring heritage through design, these key lessons will spark your creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

🎒 Culture, craftsmanship, and bold branding—all in under 10 minutes.

In this elegant and inspiring episode of Kraftera: Culture in Motion, we feature Nabila Aqilah, the visionary director of Saleha Mat—a brand rooted in heritage, elevated by design, and powered by women.

Born from a love for traditional craftsmanship and a mission to keep local artistry alive, Saleha Mat transforms handmade heritage into modern statements. From intricate detailing to soulful storytelling, every piece speaks of identity, elegance, and culture.

🎨 Nabila shares the journey behind the brand, the challenges of preserving tradition in a fast-fashion world, and what it means to carry forward a legacy with grace and grit.

🎧 Tune in and discover how culture, craft, and courage intertwine in every creation.

In this gripping and deeply inspiring episode of Kraftera: Culture in Motion, we speak with Ms. Nor Fadilah M. Nizar, the courageous founder of JEIWA Tiffin. What began with a personal fight for justice against domestic violence, transformed into a movement of empowerment through art.

JEIWA—Johor Empowerment of Intellectual Women Association—is more than an organisation. It’s a sanctuary of healing, where women paint their pain into purpose, and tiffins become symbols of survival and second chances.

🎨 Discover how every hand-painted tiffin carries a story of resilience, and how one woman turned her darkest moment into a brighter future—for herself and many others.

🎧 Listen in, be moved, and be reminded that healing can be handmade—and beautiful.

In this inspiring episode of Kraftera: Culture in Motion, we sit down with the visionary behind Frankitas, Ms. Franki, a creative force breathing new life into traditional textiles.

With deep reverence for heritage and a passion for purpose-driven design, Frankitas blends artisanal craftsmanship with modern aesthetics—creating bags and accessories that carry culture across continents.

We explore how every thread tells a story, the challenges of balancing tradition with trend, and why Frankitas is more than a fashion brand—it's a movement.

✨ If you’ve ever wondered how heritage can shape global style, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen now and discover how legacy is stitched into every piece.

Today’s guest is  Puan Nor Aini , the founder of Tiffin With Love.

Business owner Nor Aini Kamaruddin puts her magic touch on decoupage Penan bags and tumblers.

hen the pandemic hit, Nor Aini Kamaruddin’s business was badly affected. Prolonged lockdowns eventually left her with no choice but to call it quits in September 2020.

But her entrepreneurial spirit was not completely diminished and before long she was looking for other business opportunities. She found the answer in decoupage.

This is the art of cutting and pasting cut-outs on wood, metal, or glass surfaces to simulate painting. The technique is believed to have originated in France in the 17th century.

She is one of the entrepreneurs who is taking part at Kraftera’s Showcase at Shangrila KL . 

Let’s listen to the conversation.

Today's guest Sarah from Lizza Collection ,deeply admires her mother's meticulous craftsmanship.

Witnessing her mother's artistic journey over 30 years, Sarah felt compelled to preserve and elevate her mom's work. In 2016, she expanded Lizza, transforming it into a beacon of Malaysian batik artistry.

Each piece of batik art is not just a product but a testament to the love and respect Sarah holds for her mother's creativity.

📢 Episod Istimewa Kraftera Culture in Motion Podcast!

Dalam episod khas ini, kami menemubual Puan Nor Uyon, Pengarah Bahagian Pembangunan Usahawan (BPU) MARA, yang berkongsi tentang bagaimana MARA membantu usahawan kraf tempatan melalui inisiatif Kraftera.

Dengan berlangsungnya Kraftera Culture In Motion Showcase di Shangri-La Hotel dari 10hb hingga 25hb Mac 2025, kami menyelami strategi-strategi utama yang digunakan untuk memajukan industri kraf, memperkasakan usahawan kecil, dan mempromosikan produk kraf Malaysia ke peringkat antarabangsa.

Anda akan mendengar:
✅ Bagaimana BPU MARA menyokong usahawan kraf untuk menghadapi cabaran pasaran moden.
✅ Strategi menarik untuk meningkatkan jualan dan mempromosikan kraf Malaysia ke luar negara.
✅ Rancangan masa depan Kraftera dalam memperkukuhkan ekosistem kraf negara.
✅ Tips eksklusif untuk usahawan kraf yang mahu mengembangkan perniagaan mereka.

Jangan lepaskan episod ini jika anda seorang usahawan kraf atau pencinta seni tempatan yang mahu melihat industri ini terus berkembang!

In this special episode of Kraftera: Culture in Motion, we present NAS CLOTHING, a brand redefining Batik fashion with modern elegance and innovation. From casual wear to professional attire, NAS CLOTHING proves that Batik is more than just fabric—it’s a living heritage woven into every design.

Discover how this brand is bringing Batik into the contemporary fashion scene while preserving its cultural essence. Get inspired by the craftsmanship, vision, and dedication behind every stitch.

🎶 Bonus! Listen to the exclusive jingle "Batik with Style"—a catchy tune that will have you singing along!

🔊 Tune in now & wear your culture with pride!

Kraftera would like everyone to support local Batik, Songket and Craft at Shangrila Hotel in KL from 10th - 25th March 2025

Malay songket is a traditional textile characterized by gold threads woven into a plain base, showcasing Malay creativity and reflecting the "Malay Universe" as a symbol of identity. Originating in ancient Malay states like Langkasuka, songket gained prominence among nobles and became a luxury attire, with weaving skills historically essential for women in some regions. Terengganu is now considered a central hub for songket production, a practice that has been an important economic activity since the 18th century. The creation of songket involves meticulous steps, starting with imported silk, cotton, and gold threads that undergo dyeing and tying processes, historically using natural dyes, before being woven into the final elegant fabric.

Malay limar was once regarded as the finest and most valuable textile of Southeast Asia, often used for the royal court and high nobility.

The Islamic Museum of Malaysia spotlights the history of the highly sophisticated Malay limar textiles and the few weavers who are keeping the forgotten tradition alive.

Don't forget to visit Kraftera Culture In Motion Showcase at Shangrila Hotel in Kuala Lumpur from 10 -25 March 2025

This episode celebrates the cultural significance of Malaysian tiffin carriers and Jeiwa Tiffin's artistic revival with hand-painted designs inspired by traditional motifs.

We discuss their role in preserving heritage, supporting artisans, and becoming sought-after keepsakes for locals and tourists alike.

Tune in for touching stories about heirlooms and the universal power of cultural connectivity.

Don't forget to visit Kraftera Culture In Motion at Shangrila Hotel from 10th to 25th March 2025

CFE Batik incorporates geometric motifs and draws inspiration from the environment, as well as

the beliefs and values of the Malaysian people. This inspiration is reflected in several of CFE's

designs, where the cityscapes of Kuala Lumpur are hand-drawn into pattern motifs.

Textile design plays a significant role in enhancing the beauty and fashion of fabric in each

country. It refers to the patterns and decorations created on the fabric, representing both the

expertise and the cultural traditions of the wearer. Additionally, textile design is a crucial

component of the fabric industry in every country.

Batik is an art form and technique used to decorate fabric, based on the principle that wax repels

water. In this process, areas of the fabric are covered with melted wax, which is allowed to cool

before the fabric is dyed. Since the dye cannot penetrate the areas that are waxed, those areas

remain unchanged in color.

Batik is regarded as a valuable heritage and is one of the most decorative textiles from Southeast

Asia. It has become popular attire in Malaysia, worn by both men and women. Today, batik is not

only associated with the Malays but also incorporates influences from Chinese, Indian, and other

cultures.

In Malaysia, batik is uniquely defined by its multicultural and ethnic diversity. Motifs are

elements that combine to form a larger design.

CFE Batik, a family-oriented producer established in 2003, blends modern artistry with traditional techniques. This approach aims to create an aesthetic experience that provides satisfaction to consumers, connecting cognitive, emotional, and sensory dimensions.

What is Culture in Motion ?

Culture in Motion by Kraftera is a dynamic initiative that celebrates Malaysia’s living heritage by showcasing the artistry of batik, songket, and traditional handicrafts. This movement brings handmade culture to life, bridging the past with the present through fashion, craftsmanship, and immersive cultural experiences.

Organized by Kraftera, an initiative under Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Culture in Motion aims to:

✅ Empower Local Artisans – Providing a platform for craft makers, weavers, and designers to share their skills with the world.
✅ Revitalize Traditional Crafts – Transforming batik, songket, and handmade goods into modern lifestyle and fashion statements.
✅ Promote Sustainable & Ethical Fashion – Encouraging conscious consumerism through handcrafted, eco-friendly products.
✅ Enhance Cultural Tourism – Offering tourists an opportunity to experience, appreciate, and take home a piece of Malaysia’s heritage.
✅ Drive Global Awareness – Positioning Malaysian craftsmanship on the world stage through storytelling, exhibitions, and digital engagement.

Through live showcases, curated exhibitions, audio podcasts, and strategic collaborations, Culture in Motion is more than just a display—it’s a movement to ensure traditional craftsmanship continues to thrive in the modern world.

🎙️ Welcome to Kraftera: Culture in Motion 🌿✨

Discover the rich heritage of Malaysian handicrafts, from the intricate batik and songket weaving to the artistry behind handmade cultural treasures. Each episode features inspiring stories from artisans, designers, and industry experts, offering insights into the craftsmanship, sustainability, and business of traditional crafts.

🌏 What You'll Learn:
✅ The secrets behind authentic Malaysian batik & songket
✅ How artisans keep traditional crafts alive in the modern world
✅ The role of sustainable fashion & ethical production
✅ Insider tips on promoting and selling handmade crafts globally
✅ Cultural tourism & how travelers can experience Malaysia through its crafts

🎧 Tune in if you're passionate about:
✔️ Handicrafts, traditional textiles, and artisan stories
✔️ Sustainable fashion & ethical handmade products
✔️ Cultural heritage & tourism experiences
✔️ The business & branding of handmade crafts

Malaysian batik podcast, songket weaving, traditional crafts Malaysia, handmade fashion, sustainable textiles, artisan podcast, cultural tourism Malaysia, slow fashion, handcrafted heritage, ethical fashion, Southeast Asian textiles

🔔 Subscribe to Kraftera: Handmade Cultural Show and celebrate the artistry, tradition, and innovation of handmade culture! 🎨🧵