GEORGE TOWN, Sept 24 — Malaysia’s very own Buddy Bear produced by a local Penang artist will join the Berlin-based 143 United Buddy Bears which is currently on a world tour.
Kenny Lee Ooi Meng, 47, who is a graphic designer by profession from Bukit Mertajam said he did not expect his design to be chosen.
He said it was an honour to have his design represent Penang and Malaysia in the United Buddy Bears international exhibition here.
The former Malaysian Institute of Art student has won numerous awards and his work has been showcased nationwide since 1989.
“Thank you to those who chose and voted my design to be painted on the buddy bear. To me, this is one of the biggest accomplishments in my life as graphic designer,” he said after the unveiling of two buddy bears at Esplanade here today.
His design on the bear features the multiracial aspect of the local community, local delicacies, heritage, traditional architecture and unique mode of transport such as ferry and trishaw.
The United Buddy Bears is a movement from Berlin that promotes peace and unity through bear sculptures and will be on display in Penang till October 30.
The bear sculptures cost RM862,000. — Bernama
