Urban Art Central Malaysia

The Sun, Feb 2026

Lulu aided by Joshua Ong, the operation manager of Koh Chuan Huat Tea Merchants, and the 3rd generation of the business.

Have you noticed a new mural in Kuala Lumpur's Dato Keramat area lately?

This would be the work of Japan's Okinawa artist Lulu Kouno ( https://www.instagram.com/lulu_kouno?igsh=ejdwZDQ2aGF2aG9m ). Possibly the first Japanese mural artist who painted in Malaysia and certainly the first for Lulu. Lulu loves art and children/ community work. Bringing her compassion and artistic skills to make people's lives better is one of her purposes in life. Check out her Instagram page to get more inspiration.

This project came together thanks to Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID), Dulux (Akzonovel Malaysia), and the venue / wall owner Koh Chuan Huat Tea Merchants, 3rd-generation-run tea leaf distribution business.

Lulu came to KL to be part of MIID's Reka Design Week and the mural project was part of it. During the showcase at Pavillion PB Damansara, she also had the opportunity to collaborate with local Batik artist Sham Abu Bakar. Lulu thoroughly enjoyed the project experience, the local food, and the people whom she met during her 10-day stay here.

We hope to get Lulu here more often, especially on collaboration projects with local artists.

Let's talk more if you have any ideas or prospects.

Have you noticed a new mural in Kuala Lumpur's Dato Keramat area lately?

This would be the work of Japan's Okinawa artist Lulu Kouno ( https://www.instagram.com/lulu_kouno?igsh=ejdwZDQ2aGF2aG9m ). Possibly the first Japanese mural artist who painted in Malaysia and certainly the first for Lulu. Lulu loves art and children/ community work. Bringing her compassion and artistic skills to make people's lives better is one of her purposes in life. Check out her Instagram page to get more inspiration.

This project came together thanks to Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID), Dulux (Akzonovel Malaysia), and the venue / wall owner Koh Chuan Huat Tea Merchants, 3rd-generation-run tea leaf distribution business.

This time around, Lulu came to KL to be part of MIID's Reka Design Week and the mural project was part of it. Lulu thoroughly enjoyed the project experience, the local food, and the people whom she met during her 10-day stay here.

We hope to get Lulu here more often, especially on collaboration projects with local artists.

Let's talk more if you have any ideas or prospects.

Plenty of design inspiration at the Reka Showcase by Malaysian Institute if Interior Design and the Mall's thematic display. 6 Nov 2025.