More Than Art - A Message Of Inclusion From Malaysian OKU Artist For ASEAN Leaders

By Nurhafizah Tan

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 (Bernama) -- In a world where voices often dominate, hearing- and speech-impaired Nur Amiratul Farahin Ab Rahman lets her art speak volumes.

Though being a person with disabilities (OKU), this 28-year-old Malaysian artist from Johor Bahru has broken through communication barriers to create internationally celebrated artwork, which has been chosen as part of the official gifts for ASEAN leaders at the 46th ASEAN Summit.

Her latest flora-inspired designs, dubbed ‘10 Petals of Unity’ and ‘The Bloom of Nation’, were specially designed for the summit, aligning seamlessly with Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.

These designs were inspired by the national flowers of ASEAN countries, such as hibiscus, lotus and wild tropical blooms, she explained.

“Each flower is different, but together, they form a beautiful harmony, a reflection of our diversity,” she told Bernama when met at the ASEAN exhibition held in conjunction with the summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) here.

She explained that her original paintings serve as the master canvases that are then translated by artisans onto everyday steelware items such as tiffin carriers, trays, and mugs. 

Nur Amiratul’s artistic journey began with Jeiwa Global Resources, a Malaysian social enterprise that has nurtured her talents over the past eight years. Working closely with the team, she receives themes or concepts, but the creative expression is entirely her own.

“They tell me the topic, and I take it from there. I imagine, sketch, and bring it to life,” she said, noting that each piece usually takes about half a day to complete.

A graduate in Fashion and Apparel Design from Ibrahim Sultan Polytechnic, Nur Amiratul’s work has since crossed continents. Her uniquely painted mangkuk tingkat (stackable lunchboxes) have reached markets in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Qatar, Japan, France, and China.

In 2023, she won second place at the Abilympics in France, an international skills competition that showcases the talents of persons with disabilities from around the globe.

For Nur Amiratul, the opportunity to contribute to the ASEAN Summit is more than just personal achievement -  it’s a message to the world.

“I hope my artwork can be a symbol that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has something meaningful to offer in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future,” she said.

And her journey doesn't end here. She will soon represent Malaysia again on the world stage. This time this time at the Osaka World Expo 2025 in Japan this June, where her piece featuring the Malaysian hibiscus will take centre stage.

As ASEAN leaders gather in Kuala Lumpur for the summit, which is being held under Malaysia’s 2025 Chairmanship theme Inclusivity and Sustainability, few symbols could be more fitting than the art of a woman who has found a way to speak through flowers — and be heard across nations.

This year marks Malaysia’s fifth time chairing the regional bloc, having previously held the ASEAN chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.

In conjunction with the summit, two pivotal high-level engagements, namely the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, will also be convened, serving as strategic platforms to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation.

-- BERNAMA