National Day event at media house features batik workshop, games and food

THE spirit of patriotism was on proud display at Menara Star as employees of Star Media Group (SMG) celebrated the country’s National Day during a jovial gathering.

The event featured activities tied closely to Malaysian culture such as a batik workshop, a food bazaar and childhood games for all to enjoy.

Employees were also encouraged to come dressed in colourful Malaysian traditional costumes for the event.

“Our goal was to encourage our employees to foster patriotism and embrace the unique diversity in our multicultural society,” said SMG Group People Department executive Joshua Joel.

“We host a Merdeka celebration annually, but this year, I wanted something unique – so I arranged for a batik workshop by Ekha Hub, an organisation that upcycles recyclable products,” said Joshua, who was the project lead for the one-day event.

He added that the event celebrated the country’s independence and encouraged employee engagement.

“Childhood games were held to help employees connect and reminisce about their childhood moments,” he said.

SMG employee Norhanizam Harun, 51, said the workshop conductor explained the instructions clearly for her to complete a beautiful clutch bag.

“I love wearing batik but buying ready-made batik or the materials to make them is sometimes expensive.

“Now with this upcycling method, I can easily make something out of batik patterns with items I already have around the house,” she added.

Benjamin Ang, 33, who led the batik workshop said the participants were enthusiastic to learn about sustainable practices.

The workshop proved popular among the employees and all 30 seats were taken up.

“The batik workshop also played a role in supporting the company’s commitment towards environment, social and governance (ESG) practices,” added Joshua.

Another SMG employee, Sheila Sri Priya, 36, who participated in the workshop, said she was inspired to discover a new way to upcycle plastic bags and leftover batik fabric, thanks to the workshop.

“I separate waste at home and teach my children to do the same.

“However, learning to upcycle plastic bags with leftover batik fabric to make a clutch bag at this workshop was truly inspiring,” she said.

“It is good that the company is leading the way in embracing the ESG practices by involving the staff in such fun activities,” she added.

The games available during the event included congkak, batu seremban, hopscotch, sepak bulu, ceper (bottle caps) and classic card games like Donkey and Snap.

Food vendors invited to participate in the event were also able to capture the employees’ attention with their offerings of cakes, childhood snacks, traditional dishes, along with the popular tea stall – Tea Thambi.

The tea stall proved to be a hit, selling over 300 cups of its signature masala tea and bru coffee, in about five hours.

“I was happy to be part of this event and to serve employees of The Star,” said S. Kavievanan, the owner of Tea Thambi.