Ploom x Street Artist Kenji Chai at Milan Design Week 2025

Chai is renowned for his vibrant, playful street art and individual muralist style, often including his signature character, Chiago - a bright blue stray dog that symbolizes resilience and survival, themes deeply rooted in his journey. Playful yet profound, his signature style is instantly recognizable. Often incorporating themes of nature, identity and personal growth, his murals breathe life into otherwise ordinary cityscapes and turn walls into canvases of resilience and hope.

Asked about what sensoriality means to him, Chai explained: “Sensoriality, to me, is about engaging all the senses to create a deep, immersive experience. In my art, I use bold colors, intricate details and dynamic compositions to evoke emotions and spark the imagination.

“It’s not just about what you see—it’s about what you feel when you look at it.”

His limited edition Ploom X Advanced front panel artwork for MDW 2025 is inspired by the concept of Yin and Yang, symbolizing the balance between technology and nature. It also represents Malaysia as a whole - where West Malaysia embodies rapid modernization and a fast-paced lifestyle, while East Malaysia reflects the country’s rich natural beauty and serene landscapes.

To capture this harmony, he incorporated various elements into the piece, such as a half-butterfly, an orangutan, a Rafflesia, and a hornbill hidden among the leaves he designed. These details blend together, to illustrate the coexistence of progress and nature.

Chai added: “To further emphasize the Yin-Yang balance, I used a mix of silver, black, and white tones alongside vibrant colors, visually contrasting the duality of these worlds. Near the bottom, I have also infused my alter ego, Chaigo, to represent my journey, of chasing my dreams. As someone from East Malaysia, Sandakan, Sabah, this piece reflects my roots and aspirations, bridging both worlds through art.”

For Ploom, working with a curated list of artists to express sensoriality and explore what pleasure means to them is a fitting concept for MDW 2025. Ploom’s unique headed tobacco devices are enabling adult smokers to reimagine their moments of tobacco pleasure meaningfully and with less risk to themselves and those around them*. (*Comparison vs. cigarette smoking. Based on sensory panel testing comparing the tobacco odor intensity of cigarette smoke and the vapor from representative samples of Ploom X Advanced heated tobacco sticks.)

“Pleasure, to me, is about freedom,” commented Chai. “Freedom to create, to express, and to connect with people through my art. It’s that feeling when you step back and see your vision come to life, knowing that it resonates with others. It’s in the process, the challenge, and the satisfaction of completing something meaningful.

“What excites me most about having my work showcased at Milan Design Week is the opportunity to share my art & Malaysia artistic culture on such a global stage. Milan is a city that breathes creativity, and having my work displayed among the best in the world is truly an honor. It’s a moment of pride not just for me, but for the Malaysian street art community as well.”

Born and raised in Sandakan, Sabah, Chai developed a passion for art from a young age, and he later transitioned from a career in graphic design to fully embracing street art. Inspired by urban culture, and storytelling, his murals have left a bold mark across Malaysia and internationally.

He has showcased his ability to merge commercial design with authentic street artistry in collaborations with several global brands.

Chai added: “My purpose as an artist is to inspire, to bring positivity, and to make art accessible to everyone. Ploom’s vision aligns with this by championing creativity, individuality, and a refined approach to lifestyle. We believe in breaking boundaries and redefining experiences, making this collaboration a natural fit.”