Japson Wong is a regular fixture in the Sabah sustainable arts scene. Starting his career in marine biology, Japson graduated from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) before working as a seaweed research officer in Semporna, managing the UMS Seaweed Research Unit and consulting on seaweed farm setups in various locations, including Sabah, Sarawak, Kedah, Penang, Johor and Indonesia. During his time in Semporna, Japson also gained practical building skills from local fishermen, which later inspired his venture into artistic sculpting.
After returning to Kota Kinabalu in 2014, Japson established himself in the arts scene and co-founded JF Production in December 2014 to focus on upcycling, waste recovery, and environmental education. He is now widely recognised as a ‘junk artist’ who creates art pieces and sculptures from discarded materials like PVC pipes, X-ray films, coffee capsules, juice bottles, wooden pallets, and polycarbonate sheets.
Japson Wong with his upcycled crafts.
Although he is no longer a practising marine biologist, his marine biology root still inspires his nature-themed artworks, which are often displayed in public spaces such as shopping malls, hotels, art galleries, cafes and airports across Sabah.
Japson is passionate about raising environmental awareness through his art. He also founded the now-defunct Tanjung Aru Marine Ecosystem (TAME) centre in 2020, which served as an educational and awareness centre for marine ecosystems, green technology, wildlife, recycling and upcycling.
Artists participating in the Polygon Forest Art Exhibition.
Japson’s notable works include life-sized sculptures of various wildlife species, such as whale sharks, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears, made from discarded materials. These sculptures are used in exhibitions and programs to educate the public, especially children, about wildlife and conservation.
In January 2022, Japson led the “Wonders of the Wilderness – The Ocean (WOW 1.0)” project, a large-scale 2D and 3D community and digital art installation aimed at marine conservation. The art installation took place at the Sabah Art Gallery (SAG) Art Space until January 2023. In 2023, his efforts earned him the Star Golden Hearts Award — an annual award by The Star and Yayasan Gamuda that recognises selfless Malaysian unsung heroes who make a positive impact on society and promote unity among the people.
One of the sculptures featured at the Polygon Forest Art Exhibition.
Beyond the home shores, Japson also brought international recognition to Malaysia as the sole representative at the ASEAN “Art for All” Project (Bangkok, August 2024). Selected by the National Art Gallery for his expertise in upcycling, his participation embodied the theme: “Diversity, Creativity, Sustainability.”
When not exhibiting or working on upcycled works of art, Japson involves himself in various educational initiatives, giving talks and conducting workshops on upcycling and environmental conservation to inspire people to play a part in keeping the earth greener.
Inspired by his work in sustainable art and environmental education, I spoke to Japson to get a deeper dive into what inspires him and his art.
1. Tell us about yourself and your background.
I graduated from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) in 2008 with a degree in Marine Biology. I then worked as a seaweed research officer in Semporna until 2014, when security concerns led me to return to Kota Kinabalu and begin creating upcycled art.
We were saddened about the closing of the TAME centre last year, but great news, Ripple (an NGO alongside TAME), now has a dedicated space at the Luyang Community Hall, thanks to KK City Hall’s (DBKK) support. We are also lucky to have received support from Jesselton Quay (JQ). JQ really liked our idea of empowering communities through art.
2. What inspires your art and creativity as an artist?
My perspective as a marine biologist and nature lover has deeply influenced my artistic practice: I see waste not as an end, but as a beginning. There’s immense satisfaction in reimagining discarded materials and giving them new life as art. The sheer volume of innovative ideas online, coupled with the unique opportunities in Sabah, presents a truly endless realm of possibilities. It’s these ongoing challenges that fuel my passion and drive me forward. I’m already dreaming up my next endeavour – perhaps a kinetic sculpture, which I anticipate will be a demanding yet incredibly rewarding piece to realise and exhibit.
3. What made you choose art, as opposed to choosing a conventional office job?
My journey as a marine biologist hasn’t been straightforward when it comes to career prospects; marine jobs are scarce. However, a recent shift in government focus towards expanding our blue economy has opened a door: I’ve secured a part-time consultancy role in the seaweed industry. Despite this exciting development, art continues to be my primary, full-time profession.
4. What is/are your sweetest moment(s) as an artist?
For me, the sweetest moments are all about the appreciation my art receives. It’s common for people to be familiar with my work but not with me, and witnessing their eyes brighten when they see it tells me I’ve done something right. But the real magic happens when they get to know me and then express their love for the art — those are the moments that truly melt my heart.
5. What is your message to all aspiring Sabahan artists out there?
Keep going! Let art be a journey to discover your inner beauty, not a means to get rich financially. Continue creating, even if appreciation isn’t always immediate. Share your passion with everyone you meet. Every step you take is crucial in reaching your goals; don’t skip the process, but truly enjoy the progress. Open your mind, expose yourself to new experiences, and actively explore collaborations with others — that’s how you’ll reach for the sky.
After a decade of dedication, Japson proudly presents his debut exhibition, featuring more than 20 of his sculptures in an entirely new light through collaboration with over 20 artists in an art exhibition titled “Polygon Forest – A Jungle of Shapes, A Forest of Wonder.” This art exhibition will be ongoing until 1st September 2025 at the Tinggi Tinggi Creative Hub, Jesselton Quay Central, KK. The exhibition is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. Contact 017-366 6813 for group arrangements. Admission fees apply.
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