Juniper
For many Malaysians, memories of home are often shaped not by architecture, but by the flowers that quietly filled the spaces around it. The Bunga Raya standing proudly near the gate. Bunga Kertas spilling over fences in bursts of colour. And somewhere in the backyard, the unmistakable form of Bunga Kantan, a flower familiar in the kitchen yet rarely noticed for its distinctive beauty.
This year, MBSB Bank draws inspiration from these everyday scenes through a limited-edition Raya packet collection that celebrates Malaysian flora often found close to home. Designed by MBSB Creative Head Erween Ellianna, the collection features three floral motifs: Bunga Raya, Bunga Kertas and Bunga Kantan. Each packet carries its own floral design, but when arranged side by side, the patterns connect seamlessly to form af lowing garden of flowers.
The idea began with a simple intention. To highlight local flowers that many Malaysians recognise but may not always pause to appreciate. “Bunga Raya is always celebrated as our national flower, but flowers like Bunga Kantan and Bunga Kertas are also deeply rooted in our everyday surroundings,” she shared. “Many of them can be found in kampung homes or just outside the house.”
Among the three, Bunga Kantan presented the most unexpected inspiration. Widely known as an ingredient in Malaysian cooking, it is rarely considered from a visual or decorative perspective. Yet its layered structure and distinctive form offered a striking design opportunity.
Choosing Bunga Kantan reflects a confident creative outlook. It is about recognising beauty in the familiar and presenting it through a different lens. In many ways, the approach mirrors MBSB’s philosophy of being bold enough to reinterpret everyday elements into something meaningful.
Interestingly, the artwork was not originally intended to form a continuous pattern. As the design evolved, the floral elements revealed a natural ability to connect seamlessly, allowing the motif to extend across different sizes and formats.
The result is a collection that feels both structured and organic, much like the gardens and neighbourhood spaces that inspired it. For Erween, the project also represents a personal milestone. After nearly a decade with the organisation, this marks the first time her Raya packet design has been produced and distributed across MBSB branches nationwide.
More than a seasonal tradition, the packets reflect an appreciation for creativity, local identity and the everyday elements that quietly shape Malaysian life. The limited-edition Raya packets are available exclusively for MBSB customers while stocks last. Those interested may visit any MBSB Bank branch to open an account and receive the packets during the Raya season.
