APOM’s #Empatbelas2024 showcases local talent and state pride

Artist Iffah Hazirah reimagines Lord of the Rings with a Sabah twist, featuring kuih cincin, in her vibrant poster at #Empatbelas2024 exhibition as she shares the story behind her inspirations to attendees.

In conjunction with Merdeka-Malaysia Day, local brand retailer APOM (A Piece of Malaysia) recently unveiled its much-anticipated #Empatbelas2024 collection that pay tribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Malaysia’s 14 states, uniting Malaysians in artistic brilliance and cultural pride.

The exhibition which runs from Sept 6 to Oct 6 at Semua House, Kuala Lumpur, displays 14 movie-inspired posters, each representing the unique culture of Malaysia’s 14 states, showcasing creativity, state pride and cultural unity.   

Each of the 14 reimagined posters offers a fresh and humorous reinterpretation to resonate with the audience.

Chantelle Teoh, co-founder of APOM, opens the #Empatbelas2024 event at Semua House on Sept 6, 2024.

“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,” said Chantelle Teoh, co-founder of APOM during the unveiling event at Semua House on Sept 6.

APOM’s #Empatbelas2024 art exhibition at Semua House, Kuala Lumpur, will run for one month from Sept 6 – Oct 6, 2024.

Attendees will not only have the chance to view the stunning posters but will also meet the artists behind them, learning about the inspirations and stories that shaped their creations.

The artistic endeavor is not only a celebration of the nation’s diversity but also a reflection of how global cinematic influences can be uniquely localized.

Some of the 14 artists take the stage during the unveiling event as they introduced themselves and spoke on their inspirations for their #Empatbelas2024 posters.
Eqa, the artist representing Perak, strikes a cheerful pose with her E.T.-inspired poster at the #Empatbelas2024 exhibition at Semua House, Kuala Lumpur.

This year’s event marked the fourth instalment of APOM’s annual #Empatbelas campaign, and is a testament to APOM’s commitment to celebrating and promoting Malaysian culture in innovative ways, particularly through the support and exposure of local talent.

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.

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.

Limited-edition prints and merchandise inspired by the #Empatbelas2024 campaign are also available for purchase at APOM stores and online at www.apom.my