This initiative has been designed with the aim to assist the development of traditional stamped batik through the innovation of the batik block (Blockternative), particularly in the east coast region of Malaysia in an effort to enliven the local batik industry. Conclusively the objectives are: 1. To promote the art of batik block making in order to sustain the stamped batik industry in Malaysia. 2. To innovate the traditional batik block as an educational tools in promoting stamped batik industry in Malaysia. 3. To create awareness among Malaysian younger generation about the importance of sustaining the art of batik block making.

Traditional stamped Batik in Malaysia is one the country heritage treasure. However, it is slowly faded and going to extinction in the near future particularly in the east coast region. The uniqueness of this stamped batik is relied on its pattern that is championed by a mastercraft called master block maker. Currently, not many master block makers left in a state such as Kelantan and Terengganu. The extinction of the block makers will be affecting the pattern, the batik and finally the heritage of the stamped batik. The implementation of this initiative will be carried out by: 1. The interview process of existing master block makers in unlocking the key elements of stamped batik design. 2. The new product development (NPD) approach will be used to solve the modular and tessellation concepts design arrangement (related to Blockternative). 3. The production of Blockternative. 4. The promotion of Blockternative. The outcome of Blockternative will provide various alternatives and options with a myriad of potential stamped batik design and patterns even in the absence of master block makers. This initiative will rejuvenate the making of the traditional block to be more interesting and stimulating. It is also going to preserve the stamped batik heritage in Malaysia for future generation and align to the UNESCO'S cultural sustainability agendas. Finally, it is hoped that the art of stamped Batik in Malaysia will continue to flourish thus enhancing the appreciation of the valuable traditional culture of Batik making.

Cooperating agencies: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (MHDC), Vocational Special Education Secondary School Shah Alam. 1. Supporting education, training, information exchange, best practices and national strategy initiatives related to the development and applications of innovative craft products to local needs; 2. Creation of national networks of cultural heritage focal points in governments to promote exchange of experience and knowledge on innovative craft products; 3. Training programmes and capacity building in the use of the innovation and practical mechanisms for technology transfer; capacity building seminars/workshops in different states to assist nation in implementing new innovation aiming at creating jobs and promoting local product.

1. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) through the Faculty of Art & Design, is the educational institution who provide the expertise in innovating the batik block (Blockternative) and promoting Malaysian stamped batik to young generation in Malaysia. UiTM as the main initiator responsible in conducting the initiatives, together with Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (MHDC) and Shah Alam Vocational Special Education Secondary School. 2. Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (MHDC) will provide data and information regarding stamped batik industry in Malaysia specifically in the east coast region of Malaysia (in the state of Kelantan and Terengganu). MHDC's data shows that batik block making is a dying art due to the fact that only seven block makers exist in Malaysia, thus a crucial efforts need to be done in order to sustain the traditional heritage. 3. Vocational Special Education Secondary School located in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia is a school which has the complete facility of stamped batik production. The introduction of Blockternative in the school, aim to promote a stimulating process of creating stamped batik, thus would popularize the culture and heritage of Malaysia traditional batik among younger generation.

Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation, Vocational Special Education Secondary School Shah Alam.