Malay traditional woodcarving is one of the Malays most intricate and valuable heritage. It is also a symbol, representing our beloved Malay arts, and thus acts as an identifier to our country. The legacy of woodcarving has been passed through for many generations, therefore, it is only logical to preserve and uphold such traditions. The focus of the discussion is on the application of new motif design to contemporary artwork such as the painting and installation art on the structure of Terengganu Malay traditional woodcarving motif taking into consideration the interpretations of Malay Aesthetic principles and elements.  The structure of Terengganu Malay traditional woodcarving motif is determined through three steps of structural motif.  The findings of these three steps to structural motif are vital in understanding the intricate artworks of woodcarving motifs. It should be used as guidelines by those who are related in the artwork fields such as the artist creating new design, thus giving meaning and depth to overall work, without sacrificing the unique Malay aesthetics and identity. In the syllabus of Visual Art Education (Craft education topic)in secondary schools and also in Department of Art and Design Education, Faculty of Education, UiTM should be introduced as the topic of creating motifs and patterns according to culture, tradition and heritage. In that topic, students are required to create their masterpiece according to the three stages presented in this research. Hence, students should know and be introduced to our cultures which have their own rules and structures in creating new motifs before applying the in visual arts artwork.

Keywords: Malay Woodcarving Motifs