
After making her choices, she heads to a nearby table. There, she twists and shapes the wire with deft, confident hands: it’s not long before the distinct outline of Paris’s Eiffel Tower begins to take shape. Once the wires are plugged in, it starts to glow yellow and emerald-green.
Most works of art are best admired under bright lighting. The neon light creations of Hobibi Workshop however, are an exception. The bright glow of their vivid colours in the dark can truly be mesmerising.
Hobibi Workshop, which bills itself as the first DIY neon light art workshop in Petaling Jaya, aims to teach people how to create their very own illuminated masterpieces.
The company is the brainchild of co-founders Chien Loo, 33; her sister Neo Chiao Joo, 35; and their friend Lim Chew Chen, 34, all self-professed art and DIY enthusiasts.
“I think in Malaysia, workshops are the next big upcoming thing. A lot of Malaysians are on the search for new experiences. And here, we offer them the chance to create a unique kind of art,” Chien Loo told FMT Lifestyle.
“It’s a very personal thing. For example, I like this drawing, it means something to me or my relationship with someone else. So I can customise it and give it as a present to that person,” added Chiao Joo.

According to the three founders, Hobibi Workshop started after Chiao Joo learnt about neon light workshops overseas. Inspired by the beauty and versatility of this art form, she decided to start it in Malaysia.
The three then devoted themselves to learning the art of neon light art, mastering their skills through YouTube. They opened Hobibi Workshop in October of last year: the company mostly operates from a residence in SS17 in Petaling Jaya, but also conducts workshops at venues in Cyberjaya and Setia Alam.
According to Chien Loo, response from the public has been great: the company has conducted about 300 workshops for about 500 participants so far.
Hobibi Workshop also proved popular for team-building and community building programmes, and has collaborated with brands such as Vivo, Lux Asia, Tryveller Ventures and Da Long Yi HotPot on their events.
“This is a great way to build togetherness. Your team will work together to design and create their custom neon lights. It can help strengthen relationships, and people end up having a great time,” Lim, added.

Chien Loo demonstrated the process of DIY neon light creation: creating shapes can be a bit tricky at first, but becomes easier once one gets the hang of it. A session with Hobibi Workshop lasts for about three hours, so everyone can take all the time they need to create their magnum opus.
Artistic minds will be happy to hear that there is a large selection of designs available, from household objects and dinosaurs to cartoon characters and world landmarks. These range from very simple to complex, and customers can also submit their own designs if they like.
The founders aim to expand the scope of their workshops soon. Knowing how much Malaysians like novelty, Chiao Joo said they have plans to start new classes, such as glass shaping.

“We believe that everyone has the potential to be creative. You don’t have to have a lot of artistic talent for this, just a bit of concentration and patience,” concluded Chiao Joo.
“Making your own neon light art is fulfilling and empowering. We hope to provide a memorable experience for everyone who walks through our doors!”
Hobibi Workshop
29, Jalan 17/21i
46400 Seksyen 17
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
For more information, visit Hobibi Workshop’s website. Also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Stay current - Follow FMT on WhatsApp, Google news and Telegram