Many small businesses cropped up during Malaysia’s first Movement Control Order (MCO), one of which is a mother-daughter tailoring business that specialises in modern batik clothing! “I started Batik by Nell during the MCO in 2020,” shares Ann Jee. “I have always worked well with my hands and was exposed to this industry as a child, so it came very naturally to me. As Nyonyas, we infuse batik prints into our creations to share our love for it with others. We also focus on producing pieces that last a long time to minimise clothing waste. My biggest achievement is helping others feel confident and comfortable in their clothes, especially customers who struggle to find ready-made clothes that fit well. Fast fashion is usually catered to a specific body type, which is unrealistic since everyone has different proportions. Clothes should be made to fit bodies, not the other way round! I owe a lot to my education at Monash University Malaysia—from the analytical skills that help me study trends and adapt to them, to the writing classes that allow me to communicate effectively. I appreciate the diversity outside the classroom too, which taught me a great deal about cultural sensitivity.” #MonashMalaysia #MonashStarStudents #MYMonashAlumni #MYMonashPride