The 'Nusantara Otaku' who wears traditional Malay clothes every day
Hafiz Rashid stands out in Singapore by wearing traditional Malay clothes not just for Hari Raya but every single day.
The 33-year-old freelance storyteller is part of Rewang Collective, where he celebrates and preserves Malay heritage through food, stories and traditions.
His nickname, “Nusantara Otaku”, reflects a deep passion for Southeast Asian history and culture.
His style draws from across the region – from Singapore to southern Philippines – reflecting the diversity while broadening what it means to be Malay.
It all began with a visit to the Malay Heritage Centre in 2013, when a cultural festival was taking place.
While waiting to enlist for National Service, he spent a lot of time at the centre and eventually became a docent despite being younger than most of his fellow volunteers.
To celebrate, he bought his first batik shirt – which eventually grew into a full wardrobe, including the festive baju Melayu.
Over time, wearing the clothes came to shape his identity, reflecting a commitment to celebrating his heritage – while also embracing slow fashion.
