Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter, or Telegram and WhatsApp channels for the latest stories and updates.
If you’ve been on Malaysian social media any time in the last decade, you’ve probably encountered the unmistakable humour of Ernest Ng — the comic artist whose work has shaped how we see (and laugh at) everyday Malaysian life.
From the wildly popular Bro, Don’t Like That La, Bro to the unexpectedly epic Covidball Z series, Ernest has built a career out of turning ordinary experiences into unforgettable panels.
But beneath the jokes and punchlines is an artist who has always carried a very simple childhood dream: to one day create a mascot for a real company.
This year, that dream finally came to life — in the form of a square-shaped, bright-eyed squirrel now known as Squarrel, the official mascot of Sunway Square Mall.
When Sunway Came Calling
Ernest still remembers the moment Sunway Square Mall reached out and asked if he could design their mascot.
It wasn’t more than a job offer for him, it was the kind of opportunity he’d imagined since he first started doodling in school.
Something in the mall’s name jumped out to him immediately: Sunway Square Mall.
He began sketching all kinds of square-shaped characters, exploring different personalities and aesthetics.
At first, he leaned toward something futuristic to match the mall’s modern look.
But after a while — and after many, many sketches — Ernest realised something important: animals were far more fun to bring to life.
So he went all in. Square bear, square lion, square monkey… but none of them felt quite right.
The breakthrough moment didn’t happen in a studio.
It happened in the most random way possible. While Ernest was walking back to his car after a long day, a squirrel darted across the pavement.
And the idea just… clicked.
Squirrel + Square = Squarrel.
It was playful, memorable, and it had personality. Most importantly, it felt absolutely right.
When Ernest presented Squarrel to the Sunway team, they instantly loved it.
Squarrel had the perfect mix of cheekiness, friendliness, and Ernest’s trademark humour.
From that point on, Squarrel stopped being a doodle and became a full-on identity. The mall embraced it wholeheartedly, and Squarrel began popping up everywhere!
And with Sunway Square Mall now officially open, you’ll see Squarrel in all its glory — on kombi vans, billboards, a giant Squarrel sculpture inside the mall, and even a massive Squarrel inflatable by the Sunway Square Mall lake — because go big or go home lah.
Plus, there’s adorable Squarrel merch up for grabs when you shop at the mall too!
READ MORE: Something’s Watching You At Sunway Square Mall — And It Wants You To Come For The Grand Opening
More Than a Mascot
In many ways, Squarrel isn’t just a cute character.
It represents Ernest’s journey — from creating comics since he was 5 years old to building a comic empire to finally creating a mascot Malaysians can see, touch, photograph, and literally take home as merch.
It’s also a reminder that Malaysian creativity is alive and kicking — full of heart, humour, and that unique spirit that makes us who we are.
And for Ernest, it’s proof that childhood dreams don’t just stay in childhood.
Sometimes, all it takes is a squirrel running past your car to bring the whole thing to life.
Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Threads.
