When the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) approached Unseen Matters to design a gift for their VIPs, we knew it had to be more than a token—it had to be a symbol. One that reflects Malaysia’s warmth, identity, and legacy. Something guests would not only admire, but use, remember, and connect with.

We proposed a cultural icon: the mangkuk tingkat, a traditional Malaysian tiffin carrier. Familiar, functional, and deeply nostalgic.

A Cultural Icon, Reimagined

The mangkuk tingkat is more than a lunchbox. In Malaysian households, it carries home-cooked meals, warmth, and care. It’s a vessel of tradition. With MyCEB, we wanted to reintroduce this piece of Malaysian life in a form that’s elevated, intentional, and proudly local.

Used not just for the Malaysia Business Events Week (MBEW), this tiffin was designed to be MyCEB’s signature gift throughout the year, sent across the world as a reminder of Malaysia’s beauty and hospitality.

Hand-Painted, One at a Time

Every single tiffin was hand-painted by local artisans, not machine-stamped or printed. This wasn’t just an aesthetic choice, it was a philosophical one.

Each brushstroke tells a story of human touch, patience, and tradition. No two are alike. The imperfections are exactly what make them real. And that is where their beauty lies. It’s a commitment to craftsmanship that most mass-produced gifts lack.

We wanted recipients to feel this difference the moment they held it in their hands.

A Pattern Rooted in Meaning

The floral design painted on each tiffin is inspired by traditional batik motifs, a textile art form deeply woven into Malaysia’s cultural fabric. These motifs are more than decorative, they are symbolic.

Floral elements represent growth, harmony, and beauty in daily life. The flowing patterns embody continuity and unity, values that reflect MyCEB’s mission to foster global connection through Malaysia’s rich heritage.

This wasn’t a random design. It was a thoughtful translation of Malaysia’s artistic language onto a three-dimensional, everyday object.

A Tiffin That’s Made to Be Used

Many corporate gifts end up as display pieces. We wanted this to be different.

To encourage reuse, we designed the tiffin with practicality in mind, including a hidden plate placed between its two layers. It’s discreet, smart, and adds to the usability of the piece.

We also advised MyCEB to keep branding subtle. A single, well-placed logo ensures the tiffin still feels elegant and personal. Too many logos can overwhelm a product and reduce its emotional value.

Packaging That Carries the Story Forward

Even the packaging was built with purpose. We crafted a custom box with a built-in handle, allowing the tiffin’s metal loop to emerge naturally from the top. It feels almost as if the gift is ready to be picked up and used immediately.

The box features MyCEB’s brand pattern, adding a cohesive touch without overpowering the star of the show. It’s clean, smart, and giftable, perfect for both local and international recipients.

Designed to Travel. Designed to Last.

This wasn’t just a Raya gift, or an event giveaway. It’s a lasting statement.

In meetings, homes, or journeys abroad, we hope these tiffins continue to serve, not just food, but stories. Each one is a conversation starter. A reminder of Malaysia’s identity. A tribute to artistry, utility, and heritage.

At Unseen Matters, we’re proud to have partnered with MyCEB on this cultural collaboration. Because sometimes, the most powerful way to represent a country is to feed its soul.