Buta Huruf

Buta Huruf is a contemporary Jawi typeface inspired by the calligraphic styles of early Jawi publications in Singapore.

In an increasingly connected world, we have a wider access to different languages that are present to us in contexts in which we are unfamiliar with. This is especially true for languages that do not use the Latin script such as Jawi, the writing system for the Malay language. Despite Singaporeans’ familiarity with the Malay language, rarely do we see the usage of Jawi in daily life with the Rumi script being the official script. This absence is extended to type design, a realm in which Jawi is often overlooked. As a multilingual designer, I wanted to explore Jawi typography, a non-Latin script to design for the writing system with regards to its unique identity and as a way to gain a further understanding of my own cultural heritage.

Orchidaceae

Orchidaceae is a project rooted in Singapore’s strong relations with the orchid plant. Through the lens of a Singaporean narrative, this project delves into and documents the role of these perennial plants in our national history. The project features ‘agnes’, a refined font that blends the natural features of Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim, with practical legibility. It is named after the orchid’s creator and is well-suited for use in prominent areas of posters or headers, as well as smaller body text. This adaptable typeface is offered in three weights, ranging from light to bold, and in a regular italic style.