If you’re staying in town for the Chinese New Year break or KL is your kampung, gather your friends and family and make your way down to Kwai Chai Hong for a memorable time – not just to soak in the old Chinatown KL vibes, enjoy a catch-up sesh at one of the 10 eateries nor snap lots of OOTDs to your heart’s delight, but to also take a closer look at this year’s Chinese New Year art installation that’s dedicated to saving the Malayan tiger, of which less than 200 of them are left in Malaysia.

Photography: Mike Kavanagh/WWF Malaysia

With the majestic animal as the star of 2022, the ‘Live Wild & Prosper’ art installation connects Kwai Chai Hong to three parties to bring the project to life – namely the artists (Alice Chang of Lai Lai Art Studio and Odd), Tiger Beer Malaysia and WWF Malaysia, which is known for its extensive work in saving endangered wildlife. Despite being an iconic national pride for many Malaysians, the Malayan tiger’s very existence is under serious threat, and if we don’t act now, it won’t be long before it becomes extinct. In light of that, the art installation spotlights the importance of saving the Malayan tiger and encourages the visitors of Kwai Chai Hong to help in raising awareness to that plight, in conjunction with the festive period.

Photography: Kwai Chai Hong

This round, Kwai Chai Hong has collaborated with two passionate local artists to craft pieces of art that represent the relationship between the Malayan tiger and humankind. Seasoned artist, Alice Chang of Lai Lai Art Studio (who’s a regular collaborator of the space and whose works you’d have seen and admired from previous art installations) makes a return with the ‘Malayan tiger family’ sculpture that comprises of a pair of parent tigers looking after their cub, which portrays love, hope, a nurturing spirit, protection and support. While power and strength are synonymous with the feline creature, without care and respect given to them, even the most powerful are at risk – and this is something that’s comparable to human life. Thus, in support of WWF Malaysia’s conservation efforts, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the sculpture (which is priced at RM18,000) will be donated to help save the Malayan tiger.

Photography: Kwai Chai Hong
Photography: Kwai Chai Hong

Besides that, the photogenic laneway at Kwai Chai Hong is now decked in red (and white, for contrast) to reflect this season’s most auspicious colour. Artist and DJ, Odd presents his rendition of avant-garde stretch fabric and traditional Chinese paper-cutting in ‘Stretch Out’ that fuses old and new techniques to encapsulate the essence of the modern Chinese community. The intricacy of the symmetrical patterns formed in traditional paper-cutting has never failed to leave us in awe, and here, we’ll be able to see how the stretched fabric represents connection and resilience.

Photography: Kwai Chai Hong

Zeen Chang, Managing Partner of Bai Chuan Management (the company that manages Kwai Chai Hong) says, “Chinese New Year is a big deal in Chinese culture as it symbolises the closing of the old year and welcomes in luck and prosperity to the new one. For the Year of the Tiger, my team and I wanted to do something special and meaningful not just for the community around us, but also for the larger ecosystem in which we live. It’s devastating to know that the Malayan tiger is on the brink of extinction, and we want to do our part to influence and educate the public through art. We’re fortunate to have met such wonderful artists who share the same passion as us. We believe that there’s no effort too small and no help too little, and we urge everyone to be a part of this change with us.”

Photography: Kwai Chai Hong

Meanwhile, Helina Yow, Director of Partnerships at WWF Malaysia shares, “Our fundamental effort in tiger conservation consists of several components designed to reduce threats towards tigers and other wildlife living within the same landscape. By collaborating with Kwai Chai Hong, we’re opening ourselves up to an audience who appreciates art and culture. Hopefully, with their new understanding of the Malayan tiger, everyone can do their part, and together, we will make a difference.”

Photography: Kwai Chai Hong

No idea can be brought to life without the resources, and fortunately, Tiger Beer has stepped in to sponsor the ‘Live Wild & Prosper’ art installation. Joyce Lim, Marketing Manager of Tiger Beer Malaysia says, ”As an occasion that only occurs once every 12 years, the Year of the Tiger is a very special year for us, and our year-long campaign starts with Chinese New Year. With a brand name and identity that are associated to the magnificent animal, we’re proud to lend our support to Kwai Chai Hong for this initiative to save our Malayan tigers. We believe that everyone has an inner tiger in them, so let’s make this the year we roar together to champion a meaningful cause!”

Visit the ‘Live Wild & Prosper’ art installation at Kwai Chai Hong from now to 20th February 2022, 9am to 10pm daily.

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