‘Dream come true’: Local batik store owner spots ex-president Halimah wearing her brooch, Lifestyle News

Inspiration behind brooch

Back in May, the batik store owner posted a TikTok video sharing that her “biggest dream” this National Day was for Halimah to don the brooch during NDP. 

Serena also shared the inspiration behind the brooch’s design — and why she wanted the former president to wear it. 

According to her, the brooch of the national flower was crafted for “powerful women” in Singapore — those who lead, nurture and empower other women — traits that Serena sees in Halimah.

“She represents strength, humility, grace and leadership with heart, which is everything this batik brooch stands for,” Serena explained. 

@batik_sayangsg

Singapore, I need your help 🇸🇬 I’m Serena, founder of Batik Sayang, and I designed a Vanda Miss Joaquim inspired batik brooch to honour the powerful women of Singapore; women who lead, nurture, build, sacrifice, and inspire. This National Day, my biggest dream is for Mdm Halimah Yacob to wear this brooch. To me, she represents strength, grace, humility, and leadership with heart; everything I wanted this piece to stand for. We are only 2 months away from NDP, so I’m putting this little dream out into the world. If you believe in supporting local makers, Singaporean small businesses, and women who inspire women, please help me share this or tag someone who might help this brooch find its way to her. Maybe this little batik brooch can travel further than I ever imagined. ❤️ #Batik #brooch #vandamissjoaquim #halimahyacob #kerongsang

♬ original sound – Batik Sayang Singapore – Batik Sayang Singapore

The business owner also called on fellow Singaporeans for support.

“If you believe in supporting local makers, Singaporean small businesses, and women who inspire women, please help me share this or tag someone who might help this brooch find its way to her,” she said. 

“Maybe this little batik brooch can travel further than I ever imagined.” 

Besides the national day parade, the brooch has also earned a cameo on the former President’s Facebook page.

On Monday, Halimah took to social media to share her appreciation for this year’s NDP bags, which were designed by persons with disabilities of all ages. 

Describing them as the “best” she’s seen “so far”, Halimah shared several photos of the bags. Another photo of her and her husband also showed her donning the brooch Serena designed. 

The brooch in question is the sold-out Vanda Miss Joaquim-inspired Big Brooch Motif ($42) from Batik Sayang Singapore’s Vanda Miss Joaquim collection, which features other accessories including earrings, necklaces and bag charms inspired by the national flower. 

Batik Sayang Singapore was founded in 2024 by Serena, a former Singapore Airlines stewardess who also used to be a music teacher and private hire driver.

The brand carries a variety of handcrafted accessories ranging from earrings and necklaces to phone straps and brooches aiming to meld heritage and modern designs.

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carol.ong@asiaone.com