Malaysia’s beautifully styled batik motif has long been admired by locals and foreigners alike, with travellers making sure to bring home a pair or two. Taking inspiration from Malay culture as well as natural elements, the batik is a unisex design that allows men and women to wear it.
Last Sunday (8th June 2025), Hong Kong singer Edan Lui (呂爵安) donned a batik shirt in a photo shared via his Instagram during his trip to Penang with the caption, “Selamat malam. Goodnight from Penang”. The 28-year-old singer had recently come down to Malaysia to film a new season of a variety show with several other celebrities.
Edan was recently in Penang to film the 4th season of “Be On Game”, a comedy variety show comprising six celebrity hosts from Hong Kong. Coincidentally, Lui’s rumoured Malaysian girlfriend, Lin Min Chen, was in her hometown of Penang to celebrate her birthday, which falls on 1st June 2025. Reports speculate that the timing of both their trip was pre-planned.
Malaysian netizens were thrilled to see the star in Penang, with most comments on the post reacting positively to his chosen attire. Instagram user @/beans218xw comments, “This look is from Tan Sri Edan”, noting that batik is usually worn in official settings. Other Malaysian netizens have also quibbled with their welcomes as well as suggestions of having an all-you-can-eat durian feast while in Malaysia.
As more foreign artists travel to Malaysia, we’re hoping to see more of our culture embraced during their trip to Malaysia. What do you think about Edan Lui’s batik shirt?
Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article
