Penang, the Pearl of Malaysia
Inspired by the state of Penang
Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), Students
Inspired by the vibrant hues of Penang’s flag, its iconic fruits and flora, and the national flower, this Bearista embodies the essence of Penang. Join this Bearista as it honors the Penang Bridge as a symbol of unity and connection, blending the island’s rich cultural and natural elements to showcase what makes Penang truly exceptional.
In person with the artist.
This bearista is currently displayed at Starbucks KLIA Contact Pier. Find me
About the artists
Lucas Chan Su Yuan
Lucas Chan is a student with a Bachelor of Design (Honours)
in Graphic Design at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of
Management and Technology (TAR UMT). I have long forgotten
where my passion for art began, but it has become an
inseparable part of my life, flowing through my
consciousness. I am captivated by art's ability to convey
ideas and emotions, which has led me to explore a variety of
tools, from traditional hand drawing to digital
illustration. All creativity originates from the human
heart, and delving into this field is also an exploration of
humanity itself—endless, yet full of surprises.
Lucas’s drawing style is not confined to fixed shapes and
lines. Rather than relying on structured and easily
recognizable forms, I focus on expressing emotions and
meaning through bold, contrasting colors—this is the
creative approach I steadfastly pursue. In other words, I
believe in allowing the audience to feel the work and arrive
at their own interpretations, rather than simply engaging in
visual observation.
Future Projects
- Establishing an original IP and applying graphic design expertise to develop a career in the arts.
Lee Xiao Hua
Xiao Hua is a student with a Bachelor of Design (Honours) in
Graphic Design at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of
Management and Technology (TAR UMT). With a deep interest in
visual storytelling, she often explores complex
emotional themes and cultural narratives, showcasing her
ability to connect deeply with the audience. Her innovative
approach to design reflects passion for pushing creative
boundaries.
Xiao Hua’s artistic style blends bold graphic design
techniques with expressive illustration. She uses a mix of
vibrant and muted color schemes, intricate details, and
fluid forms to evoke emotions and tell compelling stories.
Her work frequently delves into themes of introspection,
identity, and cultural heritage, using digital tools and
hand-drawn elements to bring her concepts to life.
Future Projects
- Creating a thematic illustration series titled Emotional of Doubt. This thematic collection explores the raw and complex emotions of doubt and uncertainty, visualized through symbolic storytelling and intricate compositions.
Mah Thong Xin
Mah Thong Xin, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Design
(Honours) in Graphic Design at Tunku Abdul Rahman University
of Management and Technology (TAR UMT). With a strong
passion for visual storytelling, my work explores various
design styles while focusing on clean, modern visuals, bold
ideas, and attention to detail. Inspired by culture and
narrative, I strive to create meaningful designs that deeply
connect with people and leave a lasting impression.
Thong Xin’s artistic style is rooted in clean, modern
aesthetics. My work designs are characterized by geometric
forms, bold color contrasts, and a focus on functionality.
Working across mediums such as digital illustration and
branding, they emphasize clarity and emotional resonance in
their creations.
Future Projects
- Currently developing a campaign awareness title Visual impairment (Ocular). The campaign focus of this initiative is addressing the safety challenges faced by visually impaired children, who are often at higher risk of accidents or getting lost due to their vision impairment. The program aims to parents, caregivers, and the broader community on the critical importance of safety awareness for visually impaired children, emphasizing that many of these children may lack a fundamental sense of security.
Pang Xin Yu
Pang Xin Yu is a Bachelor of Design (Honours) student majoring in Graphic Design at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT). She has loved drawing since childhood and is grateful to have turned her passion into a career path. Her works reflect her creativity and dedication to bringing warmth, joy, and meaning through art and design.
Her artistic style leans towards a cute and heart-warming approach, characterized by soft and light tones that evoke a sense of peace and happiness. She has a strong preference for using acrylic paint, as it blends seamlessly with other mediums, creating rich textures and patterns. Instead of relying on outlines, she defines areas with vibrant colour blocks, resulting in a natural, lively aesthetic filled with whimsy and depth.
Darryl Ho Jia Jun
Darryl Ho Jia Jun, a Bachelor of Graphic Design student with a lifelong passion for art. My journey began in high school, where I discovered my love for drawing and visual expression. Inspired by the power of visuals to tell stories and evoke emotions, I chose to pursue graphic design as a career. Over the past four years in university, I’ve honed my skills, gained valuable experience, and created works that reflect my growth and dedication to design.
His artistic style leans heavily toward illustration with a playful and vibrant approach. He enjoy creating designs that spark curiosity and bring a sense of fun to the audience. Whether through bold colors, whimsical elements, or imaginative compositions, his work aims to evoke joy and creativity while maintaining a thoughtful connection to the concept behind each piece.
Purchase this mini bearista to add into your collection. Get it now from your nearby Starbucks store.
A portion of the proceeds from the mini-Bearista will go to the collaborating artists and will also be donated to the Palestine Relief Fund through MERCY Malaysia.
