Establishing the Design Identity of UiTM Kelantan's Batik Block: Inspiration from the Kemuning Flower

This research explores the identity development of UiTM Cawangan Kelantan (UiTMCK) through a batik block product inspired by the landmarks in the Machang area in Kelantan and specifically the Kemuning flower (Murraya paniculata), a native Malaysian plant symbolising purity, resilience, and cultural heritage. The objective is to create a unique batik motif that reflects the local identity and aesthetic values of Kelantan, especially in the Machang area, while reinforcing UiTM’s institutional branding through design innovation. A team of textile designers from the Art and Design faculty employed a qualitative, practice-based approach involving motif exploration, block design, and traditional batik stamping techniques. The varieties of Kemuning flowers were stylised into motifs suitable for batik making, preserving their organic essence while adapting them to contemporary textile design. The novelty of this project lies in the formal integration of a region-specific flora—the Kemuning flower—into a registered batik block series that embodies UiTMCK’s cultural and geographical identity, creating a first-of-its-kind institutional batik branding initiative. The outcome is a distinct batik block that not only highlights the cultural richness of Machang, Kelantan, but also strengthens UiTM’s visual identity. This study contributes to the preservation of local heritage, promotes the use of indigenous elements in modern design practices, and presents new opportunities for commercialisation and cultural engagement.