Going Places chats with Ekram Faiz and Farhan Omar, founders of Kapten Batik, a Malaysian clothing company that fuses traditional craftsmanship with modern style
Proudly Malaysian, Kapten Batik fuses traditional craftsmanship with modern style. Founded in 2017 by ex-engineers Ekram Faiz and Farhan Omar, the brand reimagines batik for a new generation. Here, the founders share their journey and what modern Malaysian identity means to them.
What does Malaysian pride mean to you, and how is that reflected in Kapten Batik?
Ekram: Malaysian pride is about celebrating our diverse roots – cultures, languages, craftsmanship, heritage – while embracing the modern world. At Kapten Batik, that pride is sewn into every seam. Kapten Batik is more than fashion; it’s our flag, our rhythm, our story.
How does Kapten Batik celebrate unity in multicultural Malaysia?
Farhan: At Kapten Batik, fashion is a canvas for unity and identity. Our motifs are often inspired by the interplay of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indigenous influences: think Peranakan tiles, Minangkabau curves and Indian block-print symmetry in one fresh, cosmopolitan shirt. We’re redefining batik as Malaysia’s modern uniform – something every Malaysian can wear with pride. It’s not just traditional attire, it is Malaysian soul wear.
Can you share a moment when Kapten Batik connected people to their heritage?
Ekram: One of our most memorable moments was at a Hari Raya pop-up in Kuala Lumpur. A Chinese customer picked up a shirt from our Mainan collection and said it reminded him of the mainan [toy] he played with at his grandmother’s kampung in Melaka. A nearby Malay couple shared similar memories from Kelantan – and just like that, the shirt became a bridge. Kapten Batik isn’t just about clothes, it’s about weaving connections through personal stories and shared heritage.
Is there a special collection planned for Merdeka or Malaysia Day this year?
Ekram: Yes, this Merdeka, we’re launching our first F&B collaboration: Kapten Batik x Kenangan Coffee. Themed Serumpun, it celebrates shared roots through fashion and coffee. Expect limited edition products and events leading up to Merdeka and Malaysia Day. It’s all about celebrating local culture, creativity and connection in a way that feels modern but deeply Malaysian.
