Johor Bahru International Festival City 2017

Featured in:
Daily Seni
The Star Online
Uniquely Johor Magazine by The Edge Malaysia

Language, together with Science and Logic, is one of the greatest achievements of the human intellect: it has allowed us to discover a ’permanent collective memory’; better known as writing. Philosopher Epimenides discovered that with the use of language, a person can say everything and its opposite: language is the ability to acquire and use complex systems of communication, and a written language is any specific example of such a system. Thinkers such as Rousseau have argued that language originated from emotions while others like Kant have held that it originated from rational and logical thought.
 

Malaysia is a nation with a prosperous history, culture, and a rich language: for centuries, the Malay language has progressed through influences of trading, colonisation, the expansion of religion and socio-political developments. From being the lingua franca of South East Asia, to “deyh macha, let’s go makan and yumcha!”

WHAT WILL BE THE FUTURE OF MALAYSIAN LANGUAGE?

Will our ability to process information and communicate them in an era of Big Data and digital technologies mean languages in their traditional forms won’t be needed anymore in the future? The predominance of today’s visually-oriented culture has replaced many alternative communicative mediums, as well as shaping aesthetic and ethic identities based solely on one of our senses and way to perceive and assimilate the reality around us, the sight. Social network; fast-paced consumption of condensed bits of information; the 140 characters of Twitter; Snapchat; Instagram; the Selfie culture … is this eroding language? Or is it transforming language into something new? Academic consensus holds that between 50% and 90% of languages spoken at the beginning of the 21st century will probably have become extinct by the year 2100!

Displayed at Georgetown Festival 2016 and Butterworth Fringe Festival 2016, “KATA-KATA 2100” focuses on re-discovering Malaysia’s linguistic roots and the international influences it has absorbed throughout the many years of cultural experiences. With this project, we hope to discover, appreciate and exhibit an evolution of what the Malaysian language could mature into in the next years to come.

By utilizing language as a tool of empathy, we want the exhibition to make all these connections and an embodiment of cultures visible: our goal with Kata-kata 2100 is to create a meaningful journey into Malaysian cultural identity, using the interactive installation of provocative artefacts that we believe will encapsulate its future to push people to re-discover, re-evaluate and explore different notions of what a language is.

In collaboration with local interior designer, Sam Frew, we conceptualised and designed the stage for the TEDxGlasgow event with the concept of murmuration, which is the organic swarming of animals, specifically swallows. This concept ties in very well with the branding behind "Lead or Follow" involving the graphic of birds flying in a formation. This was then incorporated into the stage as wavy installations with perforated murmuration patterns that framed the speakers as they presented, and also brought onto the sculptural display of a murmuration of swallows hovering above the Glasgow skyline which was located in the reception of the Armadillo. 

"On Friday 2nd June 2017, we welcomed thought-provoking, inspirational speakers, thinkers and doers to our fifth annual event, where we explored the theme ‘Lead or Follow‘ at The SEC Armadillo in Glasgow.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxGlasgow, where x = independently organised TED event. At our TEDxGlasgow events, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organised."

Georgetown Festival 2016

Featured in:
Penang Monthly
The Malay Mail Online
BFM Business Station

Language, together with Science and Logic, is one of the greatest achievements of the human intellect: it has allowed us to discover a ’permanent collective memory’; better known as writing. Philosopher Epimenides discovered that with the use of language, a person can say everything and its opposite: language is the ability to acquire and use complex systems of communication, and a written language is any specific example of such a system. Thinkers such as Rousseau have argued that language originated from emotions while others like Kant have held that it originated from rational and logical thought.

Malaysia is a nation with a prosperous history, culture, and a rich language: for centuries, the Malay language has progressed through influences of trading, colonisation, the expansion of religion and socio-political developments. From being the lingua franca of South East Asia, to “deyh macha, let’s go makan and yumcha!”

WHAT WILL BE THE FUTURE OF MALAYSIAN LANGUAGE?

Will our ability to process information and communicate them in an era of Big Data and digital technologies mean languages in their traditional forms won’t be needed anymore in the future? The predominance of today’s visually-oriented culture has replaced many alternative communicative mediums, as well as shaping aesthetic and ethic identities based solely on one of our senses and way to perceive and assimilate the reality around us, the sight. Social network; fast-paced consumption of condensed bits of information; the 140 characters of Twitter; Snapchat; Instagram; the Selfie culture … is this eroding language? Or is it transforming language into something new? Academic consensus holds that between 50% and 90% of languages spoken at the beginning of the 21st century will probably have become extinct by the year 2100!

Displayed at Georgetown Festival 2016 and Butterworth Fringe Festival 2016, “KATA-KATA 2100” focuses on re-discovering Malaysia’s linguistic roots and the international influences it has absorbed throughout the many years of cultural experiences. With this project, we hope to discover, appreciate and exhibit an evolution of what the Malaysian language could mature into in the next years to come.

By utilizing language as a tool of empathy, we want the exhibition to make all these connections and an embodiment of cultures visible: our goal with Kata-kata 2100 is to create a meaningful journey into Malaysian cultural identity, using the interactive installation of provocative artefacts that we believe will encapsulate its future to push people to re-discover, re-evaluate and explore different notions of what a language is.

Butterworth Fringe Festival 2016

Featured in:
Penang Monthly
The Malay Mail Online
BFM Business Station

Language, together with Science and Logic, is one of the greatest achievements of the human intellect: it has allowed us to discover a ’permanent collective memory’; better known as writing. Philosopher Epimenides discovered that with the use of language, a person can say everything and its opposite: language is the ability to acquire and use complex systems of communication, and a written language is any specific example of such a system. Thinkers such as Rousseau have argued that language originated from emotions while others like Kant have held that it originated from rational and logical thought.

Malaysia is a nation with a prosperous history, culture, and a rich language: for centuries, the Malay language has progressed through influences of trading, colonisation, the expansion of religion and socio-political developments. From being the lingua franca of South East Asia, to “deyh macha, let’s go makan and yumcha!”

What will be the future of Malaysian language?

Will our ability to process information and communicate them in an era of Big Data and digital technologies mean languages in their traditional forms won’t be needed anymore in the future? The predominance of today’s visually-oriented culture has replaced many alternative communicative mediums, as well as shaping aesthetic and ethic identities based solely on one of our senses and way to perceive and assimilate the reality around us, the sight. Social network; fast-paced consumption of condensed bits of information; the 140 characters of Twitter; Snapchat; Instagram; the Selfie culture … is this eroding language? Or is it transforming language into something new? Academic consensus holds that between 50% and 90% of languages spoken at the beginning of the 21st century will probably have become extinct by the year 2100!

Displayed at Georgetown Festival 2016 and Butterworth Fringe Festival 2016, “KATA-KATA 2100” focuses on re-discovering Malaysia’s linguistic roots and the international influences it has absorbed throughout the many years of cultural experiences. With this project, we hope to discover, appreciate and exhibit an evolution of what the Malaysian language could mature into in the next years to come.

By utilizing language as a tool of empathy, we want the exhibition to make all these connections and an embodiment of cultures visible: our goal with Kata-kata 2100 is to create a meaningful journey into Malaysian cultural identity, using the interactive installation of provocative artefacts that we believe will encapsulate its future to push people to re-discover, re-evaluate and explore different notions of what a language is.

Mural painting

The interior design of Almorzar Kitchen was dictated around the feature wall designed and painted by myself. In collaboration with Melvin Gan Yew Pang.

Concept
The general theme of the wall and the whole restaurant was floral, homey and like a garden. With this in mind, I composed a wall of bold white-outlined chrysanthemums, poppies and daisies, complimenting the overall light grey walls of the interior. We painted imaginary pillars of orange, and played with the layers of paint, to create a bit of a 3-dimensional effect.

Mural painting

Satu-Satu is a popular Malaysian restaurant in West End Glasgow. The simple cafe serves up authentic Malaysian food, drinks and desserts to an array of local and foreign customers.

Concept
The mural designed and painted by me is called "The Views of Malaysia". These views of Malaysian cities; Kuala Lumpur, Georgetown and Kuching, are framed by traditional timber shophouse windows. With black paint, I painted clean, sleek and bold outlines of the design in a comic-like style.

Mural painting

This mural painting was designed by me for the children at the School for Spastic Children in Kuala Lumpur. In collaboration with Nik Fadzreen Hani. Special thanks to Yvonne Tan, Melvin Gan Yew Pang and Lee Kah Wei.

Concept
Primarily inspired by Dr. Seuss's quote, "Today you are you! It is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!". The woman in the design represents an individual's mind, the heart represents their ideas and dreams, and the puzzle pieces represent individuality and how each piece contributes to a bigger picture.
 

Mural painting

These mural paintings were designed by me and painted for the National Cancer Society Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. In collaboration with students from SHTCA KDU College University and JOTUN Paint. Special thanks to Yvonne Tan, Melvin Gan Yew Pang, Dexter Chew E-Shen, Lee Kah Wei, Sim Ee Von and Kwan Teck Hong.

Concept
The theme behind these paintings are fun, child-like, imaginative and colourful. I went with abstract concepts of gummy bears and toys having fun in different spaces like a candy-world, on a choo-choo train and flying within fluffy clouds! 

Illustration

In 2017, I had the privilege of working with the amazing TEDxGlasgow team as a stage designer. This year, I returned, not as part of the stage design team, but as an illustrator for the conference. The event itself was spectacular this year, with 20 speakers from different walks of life sharing their stories and interpretations of the ‘Rethink…’ theme. It was a memorable experience for me, finally being in the audience as opposed to ensuring the stage and installations weren’t falling apart.

I consumed about five cups of coffees so that I could listen to every single speaker without feeling sluggish and sleepy by the afternoon – safe to say that my strategy worked. After plenty of sketches, note-taking and as the event came to a close, I hurried home to sketch out the overall illustration of TEDxGlasgow 2018.

Iain and I agreed on using the “Where’s Waldo?” series as inspiration for the large A2 illustration. The brief was that I should capture all speakers and the general energy, activity and vibrance of the whole conference – a pretty hefty challenge on my part but I embraced it head on and came up with something worthy of gifting the 20 speakers!

In this clean and simple illustration which exhibits only the 3 main colours of the event, you’ll find a crowd of diverse TEDxGlasgow patrons and volunteers, and amongst them are the 20 speakers sharing quotes that I pulled out from their inspirational talks. The illustration really centres around them and their unique topics and stories. Of course, not forgetting the two hosts of the event, Jason and Clare, and the 5 core members of the TEDxGlasgow team, Gurjit, Pauline, Cat, Iain and Joanne, making a lovely appearance on, behind and in front of the stage.

I truly hope that this illustration captured the essence of the day and that the speakers love it as a souvenir from such a memorable experience. It was a pleasure to have drawn up the event! I had as much fun illustrating it as I did listening to and taking notes of all the talks during TEDxGlasgow itself. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity and looking forward to more future TEDxGlasgow talks to come!

Graphic Recording

In collaboration with Cherron from The Power of Staff Networks, I produced a visual story including all important aspects, insights and guides on how to Make Work Better and how to have a Great Inclusive Workplace. The story itself was written by Cherron, I illustrated the whole thing.

"Staff networks offer support to employees from different groups as they endeavour to navigate the processes, systems and culture that may prevent them from progressing and/or being their authentic self in the workplace.

They are an effective mechanism of workforce engagement that can provide insight into unseen barriers and devise practical, creative and commercially viable solutions to help address the systemic challenges faced by certain groups. Put simply, effective staff networks are making work better."

Mural painting

This was my first ever mural painting, done in 2013. The painting was made for a cafe called Squaredotz Cafe located in SS2, Petaling Jaya in Selangor, Malaysia.

Concept
The concept behind the painting is derived from and influenced by mandalas and the traditional Hindu body art of henna. To make it a bit different and more modern, I swapped the traditional henna colours for vibrant colours of the rainbow.

Unfortunately, Squaredotz Cafe is no longer in business and the establishment has since shut down. 

Graphic Recording

As the official graphic recorder for the Imagining the Future workshop hosted in Ardoch House, Ardoch Loch Lomond, I was responsible for facilitating the visual graphics recorded during the 8 hour intensive workshop filled with insights from various visitors and participants from different backgrounds. Graphics produced included visual notes, bubble diagrams and maps of insights.

"Over the next 10-15 years there are likely to be significant changes both in the numbers requiring access to support and in the strategies for responding to these needs. This project set out to:

anticipate and detail the major changes and challenges in the context and environment within which the workforce will be operating and support will be negotiated

explore a range of initiatives and potential developments which may facilitate responses to this future environment.

The expected outcomes were:

Greater awareness of the challenges and drivers likely to operate over the next decade (end-point 2025).

Awareness of a range of ideas and resources that can assist individuals and organisations in their planning.

Willingness to respond creatively to the challenges presented and to embed a range of innovative responses.

Three key areas were identified for the preparation of 'think pieces': citizenship; workforce; and enabling technology. These areas of course are closely intertwined and although the three think pieces are presented separately their impact will be interdependent. It is hoped that the material presented here, together with associated resources, will provide the opportunity for widespread discussion and action over the next five to ten years.

Read more about it here"

Graphic Illustration, Visual Translation

In collaboration with Shaun, one of the leading persons from Nurture Development, I produced 7 visuals which illustrated and summarises blog posts written by members from the organisation. These tips explain and guide individuals one how to support citizen driven community building.

"Nurture Development seeks to support communities to reduce institutionalisation and increase interdependency in community life. Here you will find current discussion on ABCD, shared resources, and full details of our training and service offers.

Use their articles and resources to discover the principles and practices of Asset-Based Community Development, also known as ABCD.

“Without community, there can be no liberation”. Audre Lorde."

Graphic Recording

I was the graphic facilitator and photographer for today. I was responsible for producing graphic recordings of closed discussions amongst volunteer members of the Life Changes Trust, discussing on methods of improving communication and relationships with young people and youths.

"Everything Life Changes Trust does is underpinned by their commitment to improving the lives of care experienced young people and people affected by dementia.

At the heart of their work will always be the needs, views and well-being of care experienced young people and people affected by dementia.

They will approach all of their work collaboratively, listening to those with experience and sharing their own learning to inform their future activities.  

They will also use their evaluation processes to help guide future funding decisions, and report on our progress, performance and impact."

Graphic recording

Staf Scotland is committed to the nation of Scotland to support all children and young people to live happy and successful lives on their own terms. All who are involved in the lives of looked after children and young people have the expertise, passion and enthusiasm to help them live happy, successful lives.

I graphically facilitated focus groups who were discussing the importance of continued care for young people. These are the insights recorded from the conversations and perspectives shared.