By ChangSong Li

From Melaka to the Metro

Tee’s journey into design began when he was still in school. “I knew by Form 4 or Form 5 that I wanted to be a designer,” he recalled. A naturally creative student, Tee was drawn to the joy and focus that came with drawing. He left his hometown of Melaka to study at The One Academy, graduating in 2003 and officially launching his design career.

Over the years, he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming an Art Director at a media agency. It was a job that brought him face-to-face with high-pressure environments —some memorable, others gruelling.

“There was a time when we worked almost non-stop for three months on a project. No sleep, just rushing, revising, repeating,” Tee said. “My junior designers cried; some almost gave up. As the team lead, I had to hold everyone together—even when I was exhausted myself.”

Looking back, he considers it one of the most challenging yet most defining moments of his career. “It was a tough chapter, but also a strong memory that bonded us,” he added.

Building His Own Brand

Today, Tee runs his own freelance design studio in Bandar Puteri, Puchong. Over the last few years, he’s built a client base that includes F&B businesses, corporate firms, beauty and wellness brands, and even curated gift projects. 

But Tee doesn’t just call himself a designer. He sees himself as a designer with an artist’s heart.

“A designer creates with the client in mind. An artist creates with themselves in mind. I try to find the balance,” he says. “First, I understand the client’s needs. Then I offer ideas that help them see things from a different perspective.”

For Tee, it’s about creating value beyond just visuals. He doesn’t just “design” for clients; he helps them see the untapped storytelling potential behind their products and services.

“Sometimes I’ll say, let’s not just promote your product as-is. Let’s tell a story. Let’s elevate it,” he explained. “Design isn’t just about making things pretty. It’s about making people feel something at the right time, in the right way.

The Toy Story Charity Project: Creativity That Cares

That same philosophy drives Tee’s passion project, the Toy Story Charity Project (TSCP). Now in its fifth year, TSCP is a community initiative that collects, restores, and reimagines preloved toys, transforming them into meaningful gifts for children in underserved communities.

What makes it special isn’t just the donation—it’s the creativity behind every detail. The toys are cleaned, sorted, and packed in recycled boxes, but the real magic is in the artwork. Every box is hand-drawn by volunteers, filled with doodles, colorful characters, and warm messages—each one a personal touch that turns packaging into something heartfelt.

“We don’t use wrapping paper. We draw on the boxes—because we want every child to feel like this gift was made just for them,” Tee explained. “That’s where the artist in me shows up. Every drawing is a connection between the giver and the child.”

TSCP isn’t just about giving toys—it’s about creating moments. The team also brings the boxes directly to Orang Asli villages and other underserved areas, where they organise mini-workshops, games, and creative play sessions with the children.

The project currently runs on community goodwill, small contributions, and the hands of passionate volunteers. But Tee dreams of expanding it further.

“We hope to get more support from the public and entrepreneurs,” he said. “With stronger backing, we can reach more children, run bigger events, maybe even start a mobile play van or creative learning bus in the future.”

Design for Meaning, Not Just Aesthetics

Whether in commercial work or community outreach, Tee’s creative compass always points to meaningful impact. Inspired by Steve Jobs’ famous quote—“The only way to do great work is to love what you do”—Tee blends professional skill with personal passion.

“Some days are good, some days are tough. But whether I’m designing a brand campaign or drawing on a cardboard box, I want the work to feel meaningful,” he shared.

And he believes strongly in the role creatives can play in giving back.

“Designers often feel like we can’t do much for charity. But we can,” he emphasised. “We have creativity—and if we use it with heart, we can design joy, connection, and even healing.”

As both a designer and an artist, Tee continues to build a career—and a cause—driven by imagination, empathy, and purpose.