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Many people come to Malaysia for a holiday, studies, or work opportunities
For one man from Belgium, however, what was supposed to be a temporary stay ended up completely changing the course of his life.
A TikTok video shared by user @ludo.batik has recently caught the attention of Malaysians after he revealed how he unexpectedly found his calling in batik, one of the most iconic traditional crafts practised in Malaysia.
According to Ludo, he first arrived in Malaysia in 2015 to undergo industrial training
At the time, he never imagined that the country would eventually become his home for more than a decade.
His journey took a significant turn while he was in Terengganu, a state widely regarded as a centre of Malaysia's traditional batik industry.
It was there that he was first introduced to the art of block batik making.
What began as simple curiosity soon grew into a deep appreciation for the craft.
Over time, Ludo learned the techniques involved in producing block batik and became increasingly fascinated by the heritage and craftsmanship behind it.
Today, more than 11 years after first arriving in Malaysia, he continues to live here and produces block batik full-time from his own home
In the video, Ludo also showcased parts of the batik-making process, highlighting the painstaking manual work involved in creating each design.
His attention to detail and skill impressed many viewers, particularly because he is a foreigner who has dedicated years to learning and preserving a traditional Asian art form.
Many Malaysians praised his commitment in the comments section
They expressed pride that someone from overseas had embraced the country's cultural heritage so wholeheartedly.
Others noted that his story serves as a reminder that Malaysian batik continues to attract admiration beyond the country's borders.
What started as a temporary internship more than a decade ago has since evolved into both a career and a way of life, proving that sometimes the most unexpected journeys begin far from home.
WATCH:
@ludo.batik Tahun 2015: ludo datang ke Malaysia untuk buat internship. Tahun 2026: buat batik dalam video tiktok 😅 Life is hard to predict… #batik #malaysiatiktok #life #fyp ♬ SWIPE – ALYPH
