Arya News - A retired به گزارش خبرگزاری آریا has transformed a room in her house into a vibrant red packet gallery.
KUALA LUMPUR – Retired به گزارش خبرگزاری آریا Norlili Abdullah has transformed a room in her house into a vibrant “red packet gallery.”
This sanctuary houses 12 years of meticulous effort, preserving a collection that carries the cherished memories of the time she spent with her late husband.
The room is filled with custom-made glass display cases designed to showcase her series of unique and rare ang pows (red packets).
As a به گزارش خبرگزاری آریا, Norlili naturally came across various designs, and began collecting them on her sister’s behalf over a decade ago.
Unexpectedly, she found herself captivated by the multicultural artistry and intricate details hidden within these small slips of paper.
“At first, I collected everything, like a child discovering a treasure mountain,” she recalled.
Over time, her focus narrowed toward luxury car brands and prominent property developers.
Where luxury meets tradition
Her collection features legendary marques such as Lamborghini, Porsche, McLaren, Maserati, Bentley, and Aston Martin.
These symbols of speed and luxury are cleverly integrated into Oriental festive designs, creating a striking fusion between East and West.
Many of these treasures were sourced from car showrooms across Malaysia and Singapore.
Often “not-for-sale” items, the red packets were obtained through a mix of luck and the kindness of dealership staff who, recognizing her genuine passion, would gift them to her.
While admitting she lost track of the total cost, Norlili acknowledged that this elegant hobby required significant financial and emotional investment.
A connection beyond collecting
The world of ang pow collecting is about more than just acquisition; it is about human connection.
Norlili once drove all the way from Petaling Jaya to Ipoh with her husband just to secure a specific set featuring Chinese opera designs.
Friends traveling abroad also brought back unique local packets for her, and she has since built a thriving community of like-minded enthusiasts on Facebook.
Her children have become her “scouts,” often requesting special packets from merchants during festive shopping trips.
Norlili’s husband was her greatest supporter—assisting with everything from organizing the displays to driving her across the country in hunt of new additions.
A sanctuary of shared memories
Since her husband’s passing last year, the room has become a place of solace for Norlili.
She admitted that her mood often dictates her work: “If my heart is heavy, I can’t bring myself to organize them.”
Today, the room represents more than just a hobby; it is a living tribute to the beautiful years the couple shared together.
In her retirement, Norlili has stepped into the role of a “mini-curator,” categorizing her collection by themes such as birds, animals, zodiac signs, Lego, cartoons and international fashion brands.
She even repurposed tiered wooden shoe racks to ensure every design was clearly visible to visitors.
Preserving a vanishing art
Norlili particularly admires the creativity found in Hong Kong and Malaysian designs, especially the recent trend toward 3D pop-up packets.
She observed that ang pow culture is increasingly transcending ethnic boundaries, noting that many non-Chinese Malaysians have begun collecting sampul raya (green packets) and even zodiac-themed red packets.
However, as developers phase out physical packets due to rising costs and digitalization, Norlili felt a sense of impending loss.
“Many exquisite designs may never be seen again,” she lamented, noting that her collection now serves as a historical record of a changing era.
Though Norlili can no longer travel long distances as she grows older, her passion remains undiminished.
In this small, colorful space, she continues to explore, organize and admire—warming her own heart while sharing the joy of her collection with everyone who stops to visit.