[SG60 Special] From Bottles to National Treasure: Singapore’s Recycled Fortune Merlion Roars to Life This SG60

Hi Huneybees,

SG60 is in full swing, and while there’s been a burst of all things local, one special creation truly caught my eye... and heart. Meet the Fortune Merlion, Singapore’s very first 3D-printed collectible made entirely from recycled plastic bottles! 

Brought to life by homegrown art toy brand Uniplay (nurtured by sustainability pioneers Unigons), this isn’t just an adorable keepsake; it’s a meaningful symbol of national pride with an eco-conscious twist. And yes, it’s officially recognised by the Singapore Book of Records too!

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♻️ From Waste to Wonder

Each 18cm-tall Fortune Merlion figure is lovingly crafted using 30 recycled PET bottles, which means over 1,800 discarded bottles have been given a second life through this 60-piece blind box collection. Talk about turning trash into treasure!

This incredible creation was made possible by a 100% local dream team:

• Yeo’s contributed used PET bottles from their popular drinks 
• PlasticTinkers handled the 3D-printing wizardry 
• Greenfinity, part of Unigons, transformed the plastic into high-grade filament 

And here’s the fun part - each Fortune Merlion comes in 10 vibrant colours, is individually numbered, and packaged with eco-friendly materials plus a certificate of authenticity. But they’re more than just adorable figurines; these little lions are packed with meaning! 

Each one features magnetic charm elements that symbolise values like wealth, longevity, and romance, with a playful magnetic “bubble” at the mouth representing flowing water, which is a cheeky, auspicious nod to abundance and prosperity.

Even the serial numbers get a clever twist! Those so-called “unlucky” numbers like 4 or 14 are reimagined with positive Chinese wordplay, giving the design a thoughtful, culturally rich touch. Smart and super cute, don’t you think?

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A Collector’s Dream with Purpose

The Fortune Merlion was designed by Joe Chua, co-founder of Unigons and Uniplay, who got inspired during his travels in Europe and the Middle East. He noticed how tourist keepsakes overseas were shifting towards sustainable design, and he knew Singapore could do the same.

“Singapore saw over 15 million tourists last year, but how many souvenirs tell our story and help the planet?” Joe shared. “The Fortune Merlion is proudly made here and made from what we usually throw away.”

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Where to Get Yours

You can get your hands on this exclusive collectible starting 25 July 2025 at BLAXK by ActionCity, one of Singapore’s most iconic toy retailers. And here’s a fun bonus - ActionCity is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year too, so it’s the perfect time to drop by and pick up a piece of local creativity and culture! 

But that’s not all! Keep your eyes peeled for the Pop Toy Show 2025 that's happening at Marina Bay Sands from 22 to 24 August, where Uniplay will be unveiling a special edition Fortune Merlion just for the event! I’m eager to see what it looks like! 

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[UPDATE] Final Drop & Sneak Peek of the Next Edition!

Following the buzz around the Fortune Merlion’s first drop, there are some new exciting updates to share!

The original 60-piece blind box series is nearly sold out, with just 15 units left, and they’ll be released exclusively to walk-in customers at BLAXK by ActionCity on 25 July. If you’ve been eyeing one of these eco-collectibles, this is your last chance to snag one from the first-ever batch!

To celebrate the occasion, a certificate presentation ceremony will be held to recognise the Fortune Merlion as Singapore’s first 3D-printed collectible made from recycled plastic bottles, as awarded by the Singapore Book of Records. This will happen at 11 AM on 25 July, alongside a special preview of Uniplay’s next drop - the Fortune Merlion “LoveSG” edition!

You can meet the creators from 11 AM to 12:30 PM, hear the story behind the design, and get a first look at the next evolution of this iconic art toy. The “LoveSG” edition is now open for online pre-order on Uniplay’s website, and in-person pre-orders begin on 25 July too. Collection for this new version will start from mid-August, just in time for National Day!

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Small But Mighty: A New National Icon

The Fortune Merlion is more than a toy — it’s a symbol of what a sustainable Singapore can look like. Uniplay and Unigons are already working on future collaborations with other local brands to keep this eco-art movement going strong. From art toys to everyday products, they’re building a circular design ecosystem that’s proudly made right here in SG.

Whether you’re a toy collector, a Merlion fan, or someone who loves eco-friendly design, the Fortune Merlion is definitely one to watch (and own!).

Find out more:

• unigons.com/uniplay | instagram.com/unigonsplay/
• actioncity.com.sg

Let’s celebrate SG60 with meaningful mementos that make a difference! Are you ready to bring a Fortune Merlion home? 

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BLAXK x BBRC Studios - The Creation of HeeDong

Hi Huneybees,

For the next few months, BLAXK by ActionCity (BLAXK), the space for pop culture, art, and collectibles, will collaborate with BBRC Studios to present The Creation of HeeDong Exhibition.  Featuring the works of South Korean artist Aaron Chang at his inaugural solo show in Singapore!

I was introduced to Aaron and HeeDong back at the Pop Toy Show in Singapore. His cute rendition of his Boston Terrier caught my attention with its adorable expressions. If you go on to the Instagram page, there are so many relatable memes and videos to our daily lives!

Meet Aaron Chang – the creator of HeeDong and IVY BOYS!

Based in South Korea, Aaron was previously the Design Director for New Balance Korea who worked in commercial design, UX/UI, and fashion advertising. His beautiful illustrations are a product of his love of fashion and preppy/Ivy style and credits his current style of personal illustrations as inspired by renowned fashion photographer Scott Schuman’s The Sartorialist blog, as well as renowned names like Pitti Uomo, Nick Wooster, and Takahiro Kinoshita.

Best known for his Ivy style of illustration, blending line art and colours with detailed fashion drawings to create his iconic style, Aaron became a strong advocate for the preppy culture and style, creating his own independent and unique IVY BOYS artworks and prints. The signature colours which the artist usually uses – yellow, pink, pale sky blue, and mint – are the colours of his childhood home in Busan, known for its incredible sunsets, seaside, and overall natural landscape.

Aaron held his solo IVY BOYS exhibition in Los Angeles in May 2022. The artist’s strong and clean Ivy Style art was also featured on Hypebeast for his collaboration with clothing label Percival – which was followed by a myriad of projects including brands like New Balance (Korea), Baracuta (Italy), AnIVY (Denmark), TVR (Japan), Grocery (Hong Kong), Drôle De Monsieur (France), Panyter (US) and Attorie (US).

Annyeonghaseyo, HeeDong the Wonder Dog!

HeeDong an inspiration by his real-life Boston Terrier, was born out of the sketchbooks of Aaron and

immediately took on a life of entertainment and fantasy, spreading humour and good vibes in our day-to-day encounters observed through a dog’s lens as he embarks on the various escapades and adventures we all yearn to be a part of.

Affectionately named ‘HeeDong’, this small dog in real life becomes much more in his dreams, or when his ‘hoomans’ are not around. HeeDong lives in a world where adventures are plenty, imagination boundless and anything is possible.

Launched via the world of Web3 and viral memes, HeeDong is not just a pet dog, but an art platform designed by Aaron to represent the inner child in all of us - pop culture, curiosity for the unknown, and wanderlust for escapades.  Gaining mass popularity through short-form animation and spawning off his own meme content on Instagram and TikTok, HeeDong is now ready to venture into the world of designer art toys and collectibles for his fanbase!

Exhibition Artworks and Merchandise

Bringing the cheeky yet undeniably adorable HeeDong to life through various mediums, The Creation of HeeDong Exhibition puts together a fascinating collection of collectible art prints, digital assets, large-scale sculptures, and exclusive art toys - showcasing Aaron’s captivating art which has created strong following of collectors and fans worldwide.

Standing at 30cm tall, this first release of 5 designs showcases HeeDong in multiple realms. Featuring interchangeable parts and movable arm joints, one can look forward to adding your own style into your collection of HeeDongs in the coming days. Do also keep your eyes on the lookout for the Varsity HeeDong exclusive to BLAXK!

With bright eyes wandering out into the galaxy of infinite possibilities, BBRC Studios x Aaron Chang presents the limited edition series of Collectible Figurines encapsulating a Space theme - a celebration of our hopes and dreams, and an ode to a better tomorrow.

*Available in Pearl White and Silver.

Exclusive collectibles & releases

Dive deeper into the wonderful world of HeeDong with the upcoming range of blind box figurines themed “The Daily Life of HeeDong”. Collect ‘em all, including two rare chasers. What do they look like, you might wonder? Head down to BLAXK to find out!

The Creation of HeeDong exhibition

The Creation of HeeDong exhibition invites you to step into the wonderful world of HeeDong’s dreams where his fantasies come to life, where memories are minted with new friends, and where experiences are filled with wonder. Stay tuned to BLAXK's Instagram as Aaron will be in town for an exclusive meet and greet session!

Period: 18 November 2023 (Saturday) – 14 January 2024 (Sunday)

Venue: BLAXK by ActionCity

Address: 107 North Bridge Rd, Funan, #01-03, Singapore 179097

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Rise and Shine to WOOD MORNING SINGAPORE Exhibition @ BLAXK by Action City

Hi Huneybees,

If you are into pop toy culture and love some cheekiness, check out the Juce Gace Awakening series exhibited at BLAXK by ActionCity (BLAXK). Best known for his signature piece A Wood Awakening, (where instead of a growing nose, Pinocchio gets an erection for his compulsive lying), he has gone on with more cheeky creations which will be displayed in the WOOD MORNING SINGAPORE exhibition.

A screenwriter by day and toy designer by night, Juce Gace spreads smiles with his tongue-in-cheek art creations by reimagining iconic characters in a cheeky tone. His name and brand became synonymous with his style of artwork which blends classic designs with an evoking twist of French humor, adult sensitivities, and modern satire.

With the message of 'waking up to a joyful day',  WOOD MORNING SINGAPORE features his creations in various mediums - art prints, sculptures, art toys as well as merch for his fans. Special edition highlights would be:

A Wood Awakening (BLAXK Exclusive)

Produced exclusively for the gallery BLAXK by ActionCity, this event-exclusive A Wood Awakening is in his classic pose but adorned in the rich colours of black and gold - celebrating the artist's inaugural milestone exhibition in Singapore and the region.

I Am Wood (Rainbow Chrome Edition)

The artist's hit design - I Am Wood is back! He shines bright like a diamond, reflecting the viewer in his eyes, his butt, or any naughty parts of his anatomy. Specially designed and selected by Juce Gace given the complexity of this chrome production technique and produced in very limited numbers, this colour symbolizes tolerance, happiness, and love. Furthermore, as a colourful garden city, Singapore is a unique blend of wood and metal, best represented by this stunning art figure.

JEM (Awakening Edition)

Beyond just showcasing his signature cheeky designs and characters, Juce Gace brings a local flavour to the exhibition through his collaboration with Singaporean artist Tanavit23! Best known for his signature character JEM - a little boy rocking a tiger hat - Tanavit23 enjoys creating art that juxtaposes the fierce and the cute.

After the COVID pandemic lockdowns, the 2 artists met last year and ideas between the two began to flow and fuse quickly. Blending their creative juices, gave birth to a new collaboration piece - JEM (Awakening Edition). The cuteness and elegance of Tanavit23's JEM character meet the cheekiness and wood pattern of Juce's work. 

JEM is now a real and happy puppet buddy, wearing light traditional-style clothes as well as his heavy winter-style tiger hat. Limited to a worldwide release of 100 pieces, this new toy figure is imbued with cheekiness to bring that mischievous yet adorable touch to your collection!

Other than the pieces Juce Gace designed and created, the exhibition also features numerous collaboration works with artists all around the world including Gregos, Rich Sheehan, Paisia, and Paul Jackson; all celebrating art in the spirit of fun, humour and contemporary relevance.

You can also find his soon-to-be-launched collaboration figure - Skulltoon Awakening, with Austria-based artist Theodoru. Bringing a twist on the little blue smurf, this blue, cute and cheeky figure will feature Theodoru's signature skull mask/face with Juce's sprinkle of magic to make everything rise.

The WOOD MORNING SINGAPORE Exhibition will be here till 22 October, so drop by and have a good cheeky time ~

WOOD MORNING SINGAPORE Exhibition

Date: 19 August - 22 October 2023

Venue: BLAXK by ActionCity

Address: 107 North Bridge Road, Funan, #01-03, Singapore 179097

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