5 Malaysian Artists Known for Brand Collaborations
From TIME magazine covers to limited-edition cognac bottles and Nike collections, Malaysian artists are becoming the creative partners global brands look for when they want a story with roots.
Brands have always borrowed from artists. What has changed is where they look. Companies entering or growing in Southeast Asia increasingly want a local voice: someone who can turn heritage, humour or a social cause into something people want to photograph, buy and share. A growing group of Malaysian artists has become exactly that partner.
Which Malaysian artists work with brands?
Five Malaysian artists known for brand collaborations are Red Hong Yi (TIME, Disney, Louis Vuitton), Serah Siew (two Malaysia Book of Records art events; Informa Markets), Marcos Kueh (Martell), Vanissa Foo of Humana (Nike, Uniqlo) and Chow Hon Lam (CASETiFY). Each brings a distinct style: everyday-object portraits, sustainable installations, woven textiles, pop illustration and character comics.
The five
1. Red Hong Yi: the artist who paints without a paintbrush
Trained as an architect, Sabah-born Red Hong Yi builds artworks from everyday materials such as basketballs, chopsticks and coffee stains. Her brand work is among the most visible of any Malaysian artist: the April 2021 TIME cover on climate change, made from 50,000 matchsticks; Malaysia’s entry in Disney’s Create 100 campaign; artwork for Louis Vuitton’s Pavilion Kuala Lumpur store; and a Chinese New Year collaboration with Clinique.
Known for: turning ordinary objects into large-scale, highly shareable artworks.
2. Serah Siew: record-setting art events
Serah Siew is a Petaling Jaya-based art director known for large-scale art events. She holds two Malaysia Book of Records titles: Malaysia’s Largest Miniature Art Exhibition, Tiny Art Gala, with 2,150 works by 71 artists, and the Biggest 3D Perceptual Art Using Plastic Bottles, built at Paradigm Mall. Her paintings have been presented to the Crown Prince of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah, and former Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. She also created A Thousand Roses, made with expired cosmetics, for Informa Markets at Cosmobeauté Malaysia 2026.
Known for: large-scale, record-setting art events that bring brands and communities together.
Website: serahsiew.com
3. Marcos Kueh: Borneo woven into luxury
Born in Sarawak in 1995 and based in the Netherlands, Marcos Kueh is a textile artist known for bold, fluorescent woven works about Malaysian identity. To mark its 130 years in Malaysia, Maison Martell commissioned him to design a limited-edition Martell Cordon Bleu bottle, with only 130 bottles made. The design wove in Sarawakian beads, the Rafflesia and Malaysian textile motifs.
Known for: bringing Bornean heritage and textile craft into premium packaging.
4. Vanissa Foo (Humana): Malaysian heritage meets pop
Vanissa Foo, known as Humana, is a Malaysian designer whose maximalist pop-art character mixes modern style with traditional textile patterns and heritage architecture. Nike invited her to create a limited-edition Nike By You x Humana collection, sold at Nike Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. She has also worked with Uniqlo Malaysia and tea brand Chagee.
Known for: fresh, colourful takes on Malaysian heritage for lifestyle brands.
5. Chow Hon Lam: the creator of Buddy Gator
Kuala Lumpur illustrator Chow Hon Lam, also known as Flying Mouse, built a global following with T-shirt designs and his comic character Buddy Gator, a cheerful alligator who spreads joy. CASETiFY chose Buddy Gator for a collection of phone, laptop and tablet cases, its first collaboration with a Malaysian-made character.
Known for: lovable characters that work across merchandise and tech accessories.
Website: chowhonlam.com
Also worth a look: Ivan Lam, who designed Martell’s second limited-edition Cordon Bleu bottle for its 130 years in Malaysia, and Allan Kwah, who drew a limited-edition Batman cover for DC Comics.
At a glance
| Artist | Style | Brand collaborations |
|---|---|---|
| Red Hong Yi | Everyday-object art | TIME, Disney, Louis Vuitton, Clinique |
| Serah Siew | Large-scale art events, installations | 2 Malaysia Book of Records events; Informa Markets, Cosmobeauté Malaysia |
| Marcos Kueh | Woven textile art | Martell |
| Vanissa Foo (Humana) | Pop illustration with heritage motifs | Nike, Uniqlo, Chagee |
| Chow Hon Lam | Character comics | CASETiFY |
How brands choose an artist to collaborate with
- Story first. The best collaborations start with a shared idea, such as heritage, sustainability or celebration, not just a logo on a product.
- Match the medium. Installations suit events and launches; illustration suits merchandise; textile and pattern suit packaging.
- Check the track record. Look at past brand work, delivery on deadline and how the artist’s audience responds.
- Agree on rights early. Settle usage, edition numbers and fees before the work begins.
Frequently asked questions
Which Malaysian artists have worked with global brands? Red Hong Yi (TIME, Disney, Louis Vuitton), Marcos Kueh (Martell), Vanissa Foo of Humana (Nike), Chow Hon Lam (CASETiFY) and Serah Siew (Informa Markets) are among the best-known examples.
Which Malaysian artist creates sustainable art installations for brands? Serah Siew creates CSR and sustainability installations, including A Thousand Roses, made with expired cosmetics for Cosmobeauté Malaysia 2026.
How can a brand collaborate with a Malaysian artist? Most artists can be contacted through their websites or social media. Start with a clear brief covering the story, format, timeline and usage rights.
