Ang pow art: Chinese New Year is a season of pocket-sized creativity


FriendenArt’s Red Packet Series 2026, in collaboration with Hovid and Ho Yan Hor, features artists Branden Lim, Eugene Ngan, Kaye-Leigh, and Nurul Hikmah. Photo: The Star/Azman Ghani

In Malaysia, the Chinese New Year (CNY) season and ang pow packets are inseparable – like oranges and good luck: bright, cheerful, and full of promise.

This Year of the Horse, these little red – well, the colour palette has expanded –traditional envelopes have grown into tiny canvases for creativity.

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