APOM Celebrates Malaysia’s State Pride By Reimagining Them As Iconic Movie Posters In This Year’s #Empatbelas2024

*Chantelle Teoh, Co-Founder of APOM, opens the #Empatbelas2024 event at Semua House, celebrating Malaysia’s heritage through reimagined movie posters of the 14 states*

A remarkable celebration of Malaysia’s unique spirit has taken centre stage in a world where global influences often dominate. This celebration, rich with pride, creativity, and authenticity, is championed by APOM – A Piece of Malaysia – a local brand retailer known for its witty and humorous merchandise that celebrates the rich culture of Malaysia. Recently, APOM brought this mission to life by unveiling its much-anticipated Empatbelas2024 collection at an exclusive event in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The occasion was a vibrant tribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Malaysia’s 14 states, uniting Malaysians in an afternoon of artistic brilliance and cultural pride.

Marking the fourth instalment of APOM’s annual #Empatbelas campaign, this year’s event showcased a creative exploration of Malaysia’s heritage and identity through the lens of iconic film posters. Each of the 14 reimagined posters drew inspiration from the unique cultural elements of a different Malaysian state, offering a fresh and humorous reinterpretation that resonated deeply with the audience. This artistic endeavor was not only a celebration of the nation’s diversity but also a reflection of how global cinematic influences can be uniquely localized. Since its inception in 2011, the #Empatbelas campaign has collaborated with over 50 creative talents from across Malaysia, providing a platform not only to celebrate state pride but also to showcase the remarkable talent of local creatives.

APOM’s #Empatbelas2024 art exhibition at Semua House, Kuala Lumpur, will run for one month, featuring a collection of creatively reimagined movie posters that represent the unique culture and identity of Malaysia’s 14 states. This exhibition blends local heritage with cinematic flair, offering visitors a vibrant showcase of the nation’s diverse artistic talents

*Eqa, the artist representing Perak, strikes a cheerful pose with her E.T.-inspired poster at the #Empatbelas2024 exhibition, which will be featured at Semua House Kuala Lumpur for a month*

*Iffah Hazirah reimagines Lord of the Rings with a Sabah twist, featuring “kuih cincin,” in her vibrant poster at #Empatbelas202 as she shares the story behind her inspirations to attendees*

The afternoon was a testament to APOM’s commitment to celebrating and promoting Malaysian culture in innovative ways, particularly through the support and exposure of local talent. Attendees not only had the chance to view these stunning posters but also to meet the artists behind them, learning about the inspirations and stories that shaped their creations. The event buzzed with energy as guests shared their love for their home states and appreciated the diversity that makes Malaysia so special.

Chantelle Teoh, Co-Founder of APOM, shared her enthusiasm for the event: “The Empatbelas2024 campaign has been a journey of discovery, national pride, and creativity. We are proud to have created a platform for the local creatives from each state to showcase their talent. This platform is also about highlighting our national unity and expressing our love for Malaysia in a way that resonates with today’s generation. We are showing that patriotism can be vibrant, creative and fresh.”

Some of the 14 artists take the stage as they introduced themselves and spoke on their inspirations for their #Empatbelas2024 posters. (Left to right): Anis (Melaka), Jayee (Negeri Sembilan), Arthur Akal (Sarawak), Quan Choy (Kuala Lumpur), and Ainul Ikhwan (Perlis)

A selection of APOM’s #Empatbelas2024 t-shirts featuring vibrant designs from the campaign’s posters, each representing a different Malaysian state—showcasing the unique blend of local culture and cinematic inspiration. Available for purchase at www.apom.my

APOM’s #Empatbelas2024 postcard set showcases stunning artwork from the campaign, each design representing a different Malaysian state, capturing the essence of local culture through creative reimaginings of iconic movie themes, celebrating the rich diversity and cinematic inspiration of Malaysia. Available for purchase at www.apom.my

The event was further enriched by its setting at Semua House, a beloved landmark in Downtown KL. Since 1986, Semua House has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural and commercial landscape. Following a recent renovation, the mall has emerged as a vibrant hub for both familiar homegrown brands and exciting new names in fashion, food, and lifestyle. By hosting the #Empatbelas2024 event, Semua House reinforced its tradition of being a welcoming space for all, celebrating Malaysia’s rich heritage while embracing the future. “We are honored to have hosted such a meaningful event that aligns with our mission to connect with the community and support local talent,” said a representative from Semua House.

APOM’s #Empatbelas2024 campaign has once again proven to be a powerful platform for showcasing the creativity of local talents and state pride. The exhibition will be running from September 6 to October 6 at Semua House, and APOM invites everyone to visit and experience this unique blend of art and culture. Limited-edition prints and merchandise inspired by the Empatbelas2024 campaign are also available for purchase at APOM stores and online at www.apom.my for those looking to bring a piece of Malaysia home.