HONG KONG / KUALA LUMPUR — A pioneer in the world of illustration and visual storytelling, Steven Choi has become one of Hong Kong’s most celebrated creative icons — a visionary whose art transcends borders, languages and genres. With an illustrious career that merges fine art, literature and design, Steven stands at the forefront of Asia’s contemporary art scene, representing Hong Kong on the global stage with imagination and grace.
Renowned as the first Asian artist to win both the UK’s prestigious World Illustration Award (WIA) and the Japan Illustrators Association (JIA) Award, Steven’s creative journey is a testament to his boundless curiosity and dedication to craft. He also holds the distinction of being the first Chinese artist to collaborate with Japan’s top toy manufacturer, Kaiyodo, as well as the first Asian illustrator officially authorized by France to reinterpret the beloved classic “The Little Prince.”
In 2025, Steven takes his artistry to new heights as one of the featured icons of “Hong Kong Art Toy Story 2025@Kuala Lumpur,” the first large-scale exhibition of Hong Kong’s original art toy culture ever held in Malaysia. The landmark event, hosted at The Exchange TRX, brings together 12 of Hong Kong’s most influential designers and artists to showcase over 450 original creations, celebrating the city’s creative innovation and international influence.
From “Zu&Pi” to “The Little Prince”: A Storyteller Across Worlds
Steven first gained international attention in 2012 with the debut of his original IP “Zu&Pi” at the Frankfurt Book Fair. The whimsical series, defined by its Scandinavian-inspired art style and poetic worldview, introduced audiences to Steven’s signature storytelling — gentle, dreamlike, and profoundly emotional.
In 2020, Steven began a new chapter by creating official picture books for “The Little Prince,” followed by “The Little Prince 2” in 2021. His delicate reinterpretations, published across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mainland China, became bestsellers and drew admiration for their heartfelt artistry and philosophical depth. That same spirit of wonder now extends into his art toy creations, where Steven transforms his illustrations into tangible expressions of innocence and imagination.
Exhibiting Dreams: From the Louvre to Kuala Lumpur
Steven’s artistic influence spans continents. His works have graced some of the world’s most esteemed institutions, including the Tate Modern (UK), the Louvre Museum (France), and the Centre Pompidou (France) — spaces that celebrate the world’s greatest creative minds.
Through “Hong Kong Art Toy Story 2025@Kuala Lumpur,” Steven brings this same creative energy to Southeast Asia, inviting audiences into a universe where art toys, illustration, and emotion converge. His participation not only highlights his individual achievements but also reinforces Hong Kong’s role as a global hub for artistic innovation and design culture.
“Art is not limited by medium or geography,” Steven once shared. “Whether on paper, canvas, or sculpted as a toy, a story can always touch the human heart.”
As one of the key icons of the exhibition, Steven embodies the creative spirit of Hong Kong — innovative, emotional, and timeless. His ability to blend literary storytelling with visual artistry continues to inspire new generations of creators, reminding the world that art, in its purest form, is a bridge between imagination and humanity.
-faisal