Malaysia Design Archive

Graphic design plays a key – although often overlooked – role in the history of Malaysia. There is a need for vigorous documentation, archiving and analysis of these artifacts through this linkage in the reading of Malaysia’s complex history to better surface the undercurrents of contemporary social, political and cultural contests and negotiations in the country. This project systematically unearths, identifies and locates a collection of artifacts and design works during the periods of colonialism, occupation, emergency and independence.

Malaysia Design Archive is also a space for designers to explore, challenge and question our design history.

New Writings and Essays

1. An Influence of Colonial Architecture to Building Styles and Motifs in Colonial Cities in Malaya
2. British Malaya Signages of Commerce in the 1800s : A Design Perspective
3. The Freedom News : A Publication by the Malayan Communist Party
4. The Indigenous Crafts of Malaysia
5. Unravelling the story of Graphic Design in Malaysia
6. Traditional Trades and Foods of George Town

Recently Added Artifacts

• Paper Bag: Hong Bee Textiles
  During the 1950's and the 1980's, paper bags proved to be durable for multiple uses.  They were transformed into visually captivating advertisements to promote product and services. When carried around, the bag became a "walking advertisement". (Text excerpt from the Singapore Art Museum "The Bag" Exhibition info) - Title: Yik Seng Language: English &
  
• Advertisement: Gold Bird Ceylon Tea
  A Gold Bird Ceylon Tea ad published in 1954 'Filmalaya' magazine. - Title: Gold Bird Ceylon Tea Language: English & Chinese Designer: nil Type of Graphic: Advertisement Client: nil Publisher: nil Printer: nil Date: 1954 Dimensions: nil Technique: nil -
  
• Advertisement: Picot Perfumes
  A Picot Perfumes ad published in 1954 'Filmalaya' magazine. - Title: Picot Perfumes Language: English Designer: nil Type of Graphic: Advertisement Client: nil Publisher: Filmalaya Printer: nil Date: 1954 Dimensions: nil Technique: nil -
  
• Advertisement: Godet’s Forget-Me-Not
  A Godet's Forget-Me-Not perfume ad published in 1954 'Filmalaya' magazine. - Title: Godet's Forget-Me-Not Language: English Designer: nil Type of Graphic: Advertisement Client: Hagemeyer Trading Co. (M) Ltd Publisher: Filmalaya Printer: nil Date: 1954 Dimensions: nil Technique: nil -