Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), through the School of Creative Industry Management and Performing Arts has launched an initiative on human capital development for community engagement through the implementation of the One School One District Program. The program aims to assist each district in the state of Kedah by harnessing on the expertise in UUM.
This collaborative initiative sparked by the creative activities of arts and culture (drawing, waxing and colouring of batik) with the rural community gives a new breath, motivation and rejuvenation for the younger generation, especially those from the lower income groups (B40 and single mother) through art and entrepreneurial activities of batik production.

This five star project has successfully produced nine batik motifs inspired by the flora originating from Sintok Valley, where UUM is situated. These exclusive designs have been registered under the intellectual property brand ‘Cyntok Bhatik’ and has caught the attention of Her highness YTM Tuanku Che Puan Muda Kedah to become patron of this project.
Through this project, a smart partnership is made through rural community development by exploring the potential in the arts and creative industries based on the university's intellectual property sharing approach. Six training modules consisting of drawing, weaving, colouring, sewing, producing handicraft products as well as creative industrial entrepreneurial development have been produced and delivered to the respective community.

Rural entrepreneurs involved in this project have gained positive impacts through the increase in knowledge in the field of batik art as well as the skills to produce handicraft products made with Cyntok Bhatik motifs.
The project is also in partnership and has received recognition from RISDA, KEDA and the Parliamentarian of Pendang and Padang Terap through their support and additional assistance to the entrepreneurs involved. From this project, we manage to collaborate with, Contyang By Che Ah Enterprise, Liyana Batique Collection By Pn. Rose, Naka, Arena Cipta Klasik by Dato Asfarena, JAKEL Alor Setar, and Saudagar Seni.

By: Adzrool Idzwan Ismail