08/01/2026

THURSDAY | JAN 8, 2026

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3D art revitalises iconic characters o ‘Figurines connect local comics, animation to younger audiences’

Supporting the call, Al-Ansar Clinic human resource executive Nur Afiqah Kamarul Zaman said going paperless does not hinder understanding and could make work processes smoother and more efficient. “This paperless technology has great potential, but it is not flawless,” she said, emphasising that retaining some physical information delivery is necessary to accommodate certain limitations. “Some people still face challenges, such as the elderly, those with limited tech exposure or those lacking access to digital tools to view documents outside work hours.” for each character. For the Ujang project, Kuyen replicated the Ujang and Atuk characters. He said the limited-edition figures of Ujang and Atuk sold out during a recent exhibition at the National Art Gallery, with sales handled by the IP owner Ibrahim Anon. For both projects, Kuyen managed the entire production process himself – from digital modelling and resin printing to final finishing through hand painting and airbrushing. He said the collaborations carry meaning beyond the creation of collectible objects. “Most importantly, it connects those who grew up with local comics and animation with younger audiences who are more attuned to contemporary visual art and language.” He also sees such projects contributing to the growth of the creative ecosystem by giving new economic value to Malaysian IP. He expressed hope that this would help raise awareness of local works and prove that the heritage of the nation could continue to thrive and be appreciated in new forms without losing its original identity.

KUALA the generation that grew up in the early 1990s, fictional characters from comics such as Ujang and superhero animated TV series such as Keluang Man were part of everyday childhood conversations. Humorous and mischievous, the characters and their adventures often reflected the realities of local life. Most importantly, they carried a distinctly Malaysian identity. Having grown up watching or reading about their antics, 37-year old Raja Mohd Azreen Raja Azahan, better known as Kuyen, set out to elevate the legacy of these iconic characters through contemporary art and meticulous craftsmanship, reimagining them as three dimensional (3D) art toys. The figurines are not just for children to play with but also for collectors who grew up alongside them. A graphic design graduate from Management & Science University, Kuyen’s Semol Studio has now been LUMPUR: For

entrusted with producing official art toys for two local intellectual properties (IP) that hold a special place in the hearts of Malaysians, namely Keluang Man and Ujang . Kuyen, whose studio is based in Malacca, said his academic background influenced his creative approach, especially the visual, branding and storytelling aspects. Formerly a graphic designer at an e-sports company, he quit his job in 2023 to devote himself fully to the world of 3D art. Kuyen’s creative journey began unexpectedly during the Covid-19 pandemic when he spent time at home modifying Gundam robot models as a hobby. Starting with Gundam accessories, he expanded into creating 1:64 scale miniatures through 3D printing services. His works include figurines of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali as well as characters from popular animated Meanwhile, Management and Business Faculty lecturer Dr Mohd Halim Mahphoth said the shift to a paperless system aligns with the university’s smart campus agenda and global sustainability goals. He said reducing paper use allows UiTM to cut printing costs while lowering solid waste across its campuses. “Ending physical letters and memos generally speeds up information delivery through faster, more efficient and cost-effective digital technology.

The layout of the Semol Studio workspace (left) and miniature figures of Mahathir and Siti Hasmah. – PIC COURTESY OF SEMOL STUDIO

main characters into physical form without losing the original traits that fans are familiar with,” he told Bernama. The initial announcement of the Keluang Man art toy release on social media generated excitement. The figurines were launched at the Malaysia Creative Arts and TVET Festival in October last year, and collectors queued up early to buy them. Priced at RM175 per set, only 50 limited-edition sets were produced

series commissioned by clients. On his collaboration with Keluang Man , he said the project began in 2025 when the owner of the IP reached out to discuss the potential production of art toys. Several meetings followed to assess his technical capabilities and the suitability of his visual style, including presentations of early prototypes produced using 3D-printing technology. “The main challenge was translating the visual identity of the

Digitalisation should be implemented in phases, say experts KUALA LUMPUR: Experts say the transition to paperless digital information systems should be phased in and supported by effective mechanisms to ensure smooth organisational operations. to ensure orderly and traceable distribution. “The move helps streamline operations at UiTM Malacca by fostering a more dynamic work culture as long as official channels such as email are prioritised over informal chat platforms.” shift goes beyond campus management and operations, extending to teaching and learning, which increasingly rely on digital platforms.

At the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly and 2026 New Year address on Monday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged all ministries and government departments to expedite online processes as part of bureaucratic reforms. He said artificial intelligence (AI) could assist in drafting letter responses before review by responsible officers.

He added that apps such as WhatsApp Business are used as an alternative channel at unit and department levels to complement existing information systems. “So far, there have not been any issues with understanding paperless documents compared with physical letters, but digital systems depend on a stable and reliable internet connection,” he said, adding that the

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Malacca City Campus Management and Business Faculty senior lecturer Dr Juan Rizal Sa’ari said digitalisation, including the distribution of letters and memos, should be carried out in phases with continuous improvements to each process. He added that digital information delivery should be done via suitable systems such as email or e-memos,