“When we leave our home countries to build a life abroad, we often reach for art and culture to stay connected to the stories we leave behind.”
With this sentiment at heart, the Malaysian Embassy Helsinki proudly hosted the Project Synergy: Batik & Manik Art Exhibition - a vibrant cultural showcase that brought together tradition, identity, and artistic expression through the lens of the Malaysian diaspora.
The exhibition featured the exquisite works of two Malaysian artists based in Finland:
Ouddhena Eronigca Teern I The Wordy Artist, a batik artist whose textiles tell stories through colour
Serena Chan (@storybeading ig) , a manik (beadwork) artist whose intricate designs honour heritage in every stitch
Under the theme "Roots, Identity, and Preservation of Art, Culture & Heritage," this initiative was more than an art show - it was a living tapestry of Malaysian values, reimagined and lovingly preserved in a new cultural landscape. Each piece offered a window into deeply personal journeys and the shared memory of home.
The event was officiated by Ariff Ali, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Malaysia, who shared that art is a bridge - a tangible tether to our identity and roots. His words beautifully captured the spirit of the exhibition.
Guests were also treated to a delightful spread of Malaysian cuisine, lovingly prepared by Perwakilan Helsinki, adding the familiar taste of home to a truly heartfelt celebration of culture.
This exhibition is part of Project Synergy, a flagship cultural diplomacy programme by the Embassy, aligned with the Malaysia MADANI vision. It aims to foster meaningful community engagement, support Malaysian talents abroad, and build cross-cultural understanding through the universal language of the arts.
As we look ahead to Visit Malaysia 2026, we invite you to further explore the depth of Malaysia’s heritage:
Support wildlife conservation through the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) in Sabah: https://www.bsbcc.org.my/
Discover Penang’s rich Peranakan legacy at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0UmVUFSAP8
Step into history at Melaka’s Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdZBF9Nl648
Thank you to everyone who attended for being part of this special celebration of Malaysian culture and artistry. Your presence helped make the Project Synergy: Batik & Manik Art Exhibition a warm and unforgettable tribute to our heritage, identity, and creativity.
Want to continue the journey?
Follow the artists on Instagram: @thewordyartist & @storybeading, and sign up for Ouddhena’s newsletter via her website to stay connected with future exhibitions and cultural stories.
Let’s keep the Malaysia Boleh spirit alive - wherever we are in the world!
A heartfelt thank you to The Star, BERNAMA, Daily Finland and Kerran elämässä for highlighting how Malaysian art, identity, and community come together through cultural diplomacy abroad via the Project Synergy: Batik & Manik Art Exhibition 2025
These stories beautifully capture the spirit of Project Synergy - where batik and manik become more than art forms; they become bridges of connection, heritage, and pride for the Malaysian diaspora.
Read more about the initiative and explore how culture continues to shape our shared stories, across borders.
https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/05/14/malaysia-promotes-cultural-diplomacy-via-batik-manik-exhibition-in-helsinki
https://bernama.com/en/world/news.php?id=2422775&
https://www.dailyfinland.fi/culture/43183/A-cultural-tapestry-of-Malaysian-heritage-in-Helsinki
https://kerranelamassa.fi/batik-ja-manik-nayttely-tallinna/
