This August, Hin Bus Depot in George Town, Penang, is once again the stage for a thought-provoking celebration of Malaysian identity. negaraku II, the much-anticipated follow-up to last year’s inaugural exhibition, invites visitors to explore what it truly means to belong in today’s Malaysia — a country shaped by diversity, history, and shared everyday moments.

Curated by Ivan Gabriel and produced by Hin Bus Depot, negaraku II features around 35 carefully selected artworks from the private collections of Bingley Sim and Ima Norbinsha, both respected advocates for socially conscious Malaysian contemporary art.

Lebuh Pudu by Gan Chin Lee.

With thematic groupings and sets, the total number of works on display reaches close to 60 — each piece offering a lens into the complex, evolving tapestry of Malaysian life.

Organised into bab (chapters), the exhibition covers themes such as pride, migration, food, unity, and aspiration. This year’s edition places special emphasis on voices that are often overlooked — migrants, minorities, and everyday Malaysians whose quiet resilience forms the backbone of the nation’s story.

“negaraku II is about more than just national pride,” says curator Ivan Gabriel. “It’s about recognising every face and every story that breathes life into Malaysia.” Visitors can expect more than just visual art. The exhibition’s public programme includes multilingual guided tours — in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Sign Language — to ensure accessibility for all.

negaraku ii exhibition. Photo by Shankar Laxminarayan.

Live food demonstrations featuring local favourites like Roti Jala and Nasi Ulam add a sensory layer to the experience, turning the space into a celebration of culture, memory, and connection.

“Unity doesn’t mean being the same,” says collector Bingley Sim. “It means choosing to see and support each other — over and over again.”

negaraku II runs from 1 to 31 August 2025 at Hin Bus Depot. Entry is free and open to all.