This artwork celebrates the iconic Malaysian dish, Ulam Raja Sambal Belacan, blending traditional local ingredients with the essence of Malaysian identity through batik artistry. The composition features ulam such as ulam raja, tenggek burung, and daun limau purut, intricately arranged with sambal belacan elements. The focal point is the vibrant green ulam raja leaves, embodying freshness and health, while the sambal ingredients—repetitive patterns of chili, lime, and shrimp paste—fill the space, creating a dynamic sense of harmony.

The design plays with asymmetry, where the scattered, hidden alphabets U, L, A, M echo the concept of MALAY, with the letter M situated at the center-bottom, beneath the root of the ulam, symbolizing the deep connection to my Malay roots and Malaysian identity. The bold, bright purple-white hue of the ulam raja flower adds an unexpected beauty, suggesting how even overlooked elements can bloom with vibrancy.

In line with traditional batik principles, the composition is balanced with harmonious repetition and carefully chosen colors. The predominantly green palette reflects the freshness of the ingredients, while the warm reds on either side evoke the fiery, spicy essence of sambal belacan. The earthy browns at the base tie it all together, grounding the composition with a subtle flavor reminiscent of the dish's deep, rich taste. Soft intermediate tones of white and yellow offer a visual balance, adding complexity to the overall design.

This artwork is a celebration of not only the sensory experience of food but also of heritage, community, and the deep-rooted customs that define me as a Malaysian.

In this cheeky narrative artwork, I invite you to witness a tale that’s as rich in local folklore as it is in flavour. Picture the Malaysian tiger, our national mascot, indulging in the forbidden fruit — the durian, often dubbed the "king of fruits". This playful portrayal dives into the humorous myth that tigers have long terrorized orchard farmers, leaving behind evidence in the form of massive paw prints and the unmistakable remnants of durians, peeled with the precision of a true connoisseur.

Despite the many rumors of tigers feasting on durians, no one has ever captured one in the act — until now. This artwork imagines the tiger finally caught red-pawed, savoring the very fruit that divides opinions across the globe. As a proud Malaysian, I hope this piece will spark conversation about the importance of preserving our national pride: the majestic tiger, whose existence is threatened, and the durian, a fruit that we hold dear, even if the rest of the world thinks it smells a little... extra.

In essence, it’s a playful reminder that legends and reality sometimes blur, and that we must protect both our wildlife and our quirky local treasures. And who knows maybe one day, even the world will embrace the durian’s unique charm... just as we embrace the tiger’s roar!