Kuala lumpur: Watches have become a creative canvas for a young entrepreneur to showcase Malaysia's rich heritage, with local art and cultural motifs immortalised in his accessory designs under the brand masac+. Watch designer Mohd Noor Rabbani Abd Rahim, 29, said the idea stemmed from his belief that cultural values should be 'close' to every individual, and one way to achieve this is by incorporating them into everyday items.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, most of his watch motifs are inspired by Malaysian culture and identity, because he believes that if they don't highlight their heritage, no one will. "As Malaysians, we must feature our cultural elements in the products we create so that our traditions continue to be remembered and passed down," he told Bernama recently. Each motif, he explained, carries its own meaning and story about the nation, something every Malaysian should understand and take pride in.
Among the designs is the 'nasi lemak' motif, representing the beloved traditional dish enjoyed by all walks of life in the country. "In addition, I've used the motif of the kenyalang (hornbill), a cultural symbol of Sarawak, as well as traditional games such as wau and gasing," he said. Regarding the production process, Mohd Noor Rabbani said he obtained the engine or clock mechanism from a renowned Japanese manufacturer, while components such as the frame and strap were sourced from suppliers in China.
After receiving the parts, he assembles each watch at home with the help of his wife before selling them online. "We also sell directly at programmes or events we take part in, such as in Sungai Petani, Langkawi, and Kuala Lumpur," said the Kulim native, who holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Kolej Universiti Islam Sultan Ismail Petra (KIAS), in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
According to Mohd Noor Rabbani, his designs caught the attention of the National Art Gallery, which selected his watches as official souvenirs for the ASEAN-46 Summit delegates in Kuala Lumpur last May. "It is the most meaningful achievement for me, because even though I just started this watch business in 2023 and still operate from home, I have been given this big opportunity. I feel very proud and touched by this trust. It makes me more determined to improve the quality of the watches produced and with more attractive designs," he said.
Meanwhile, his wife, Nur Anisha Omar, 26, said she hopes their small-scale business can grow to compete in the local market and eventually expand overseas. "We are working hard to promote the brand by joining various government-organised programmes. We hope these watches can become 'little ambassadors' in introducing Malaysian culture to the world," she said.