Kaiyi Wong‘s story is a breath of fresh air in the Malaysian art scene —a tale that begins with the rigid lines of architecture and transforms into the vibrant, unrestrained world of art.
Growing up, the 29-year-old was always fascinated by buildings. “Ever since I was young, I wanted to be an architect,” he recalls. “I loved how structures shaped our environment.”
Encouraged by his mom, who believed in the stability of a professional career, he pursued his dream and earned a Master’s degree in Architecture from the UK. But life seemed to have other plans.
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Kaiyi returned to Malaysia, only to face a tough job market. Despite his impressive qualifications, finding a job was like chasing after shadows.
I sent out countless resumes but got very few positive responses. It was a really tough time.”
Just when things couldn’t get bleaker, an unexpected opportunity came through Instagram, where he stumbled upon a job opening for a designer at Red Hong Yi’s art studio.
“It felt like a sign,” Kaiyi recounts with a smile. “I took my chance and applied for the job, which I eventually got.
“In fact, this was the turning point for me. Working at the art studio, I discovered a whole new way to express my creativity in the form of art installations and sculptures while blending my architectural skills with an artistic flair.”
Opening his own studio a year later
Undeterred and spurred on by his love for architectural art, Kaiyi saved up and bought several equipment along with a studio space.
But convincing his parents that it would work out was an entirely different story.
They were worried. They had invested so much in my education and here I was, taking a completely different path.
Thankfully, he was able to put their fears to rest as his projects quickly gained recognition thanks to his architectural background which gave him a unique edge over his peers.
To financially sustain himself, Kaiyi took on architecture projects to fund his art, effectively running two departments under his studio.
“Architecture helps sustain my studio financially, while art fulfills my creative passion,” he explains. “It’s a balancing act, but it works for now.”
One of his standout works was a collaboration with Raffles College’s charity department—a massive six-foot installation that required the help of 30 people to complete.
“It was my biggest project yet. And it taught me the power of networking and collaboration.”
‘I belong here, not SG’
Aside from facing professional challenges, Kaiyi also had to confront a deeply personal decision: whether to pursue a lucrative career in Singapore or follow his passion for art in Malaysia.
“Singapore, with its booming architectural industry, was tempting. The pay was great and the career prospects were promising.
“Many of my friends moved to Singapore and were doing well. But I realised I’d rather live a fulfilling life doing what I love than be stuck in a high-paying job that stifled my creativity.
I had friends earning well and living comfortably there. But for me, the choice was clear. I didn’t want to spend my life confined to an office, no matter how good the salary is.
“I have a deep attachment to Malaysia. I want to create and grow here. This choice, while financially challenging, proved to be fulfilling in ways that money couldn’t measure,” he said.
Kaiyi’s decision to stay in his homeland has since paid off rather well as his art installations, known for their unique blend of architecture and art, have garnered widespread attention and acclaim.
“Art gives me the freedom to express myself fully,” he explains. “It’s a kind of creativity I couldn’t find in the corporate world of architecture.”
Live your dream, but plan carefully
Looking back, Kaiyi has some valuable advice for young Malaysians torn between passion and practicality.
“Be unapologetic with your decisions,” he urges. “You only live once, so do what you love. But also be smart about it. Plan carefully and take full responsibility for your choices.”
Kaiyi’s journey from a conventional career in architecture to a fulfilling life in the arts is a beacon of hope. His story reminds us that sometimes, the road less traveled leads to the most rewarding destinations.
Looking ahead, Kaiyi’s ultimate goal is to make his art career fully sustainable, allowing him to leave architecture behind. “I want to express myself freely and make a living doing what I love. If I can achieve that, I’ll consider it my greatest success.”
