FabCafe Kuala Lumpur reopens in a larger space, emerging as a hub for creative expression

FabCafe Kuala Lumpur (hereafter, FabCafe KL) has relocated to Petaling Jaya, a city adjacent to the capital Kuala Lumpur and a popular tourist destination. It officially reopened on October 21, 2024.

FabCafe KL’s new location, now expanded to approximately 280 square meters, features new facilities to support full-kitchen operations, large-scale installation-building, and an art gallery.

FabCafe KL’s predecessor, “FabSpace,” was established in 2016 inside ISETAN The Japan Store in Kuala Lumpur, serving as a hub where creators could bring their ideas to life using digital fabrication tools such as laser cutters and 3D printers.

In 2019, it expanded to include a cafe, becoming the 11th FabCafe worldwide, further supporting a growing number of creative activities.

With its recent expansion, FabCafe KL has transformed into a dynamic 280-square-meter creative hub. The first floor blends a cozy café with spaces for large-scale production, hands-on workshops, and a versatile retail area. Upstairs, an art gallery showcases local talent, while community spaces invite interaction and collaboration. This vibrant environment merges diverse cultures and creativity, sparking new waves of innovation.

Looking ahead, FabCafe KL will leverage FabCafe’s global network, strengthening collaborations with other locations to launch projects with a broader impact. As a vibrant hub for artists and creators, FabCafe KL aims to lead Malaysia’s creative scene and drive continuous growth.

Enjoy a wide selection of cafe drinks, pastries, and comfort food at FabCafe KL—perfect for a quick recharge during work or a laid-back, relaxing break. Treat yourself to a creative moment with the seasonable and delicious menu.

FabCafe KL provides a wide range of digital fabrication services in its fully equipped fab area, featuring advanced tools such as laser cutters, 3D printers, a UV printer, digital embroidery machines, and a small CNC milling machine. Customers can choose between two service options: WDIFY, where our skilled staff handle your fabrication projects, and DIY, allowing customers to book machine time in 30-minute increments. To ensure safety and proper use of the equipment, all DIY users are required to complete an introductory class before accessing the machines. The schedule for these classes is published monthly on our website and Peatix event page.

Website: https://fabcafe.com/kl/ 
Peatix page: https://peatix.com/group/11656389

A New Lens on Malay Culture: Rejuvenating Local Arts with the Re:Vision Kaleidoscope.

In November 2022, the State Tourism Ministry of Selangor, Malaysia, organized the TUKANG Design & Craft Festival 2022 to promote local artisans and showcase the rich culture of the indigenous communities.  For the festival, fabCafe KL created the “Re:Vision”. The “Re:Vision” is a massive 4-meter-long kaleidoscope, blends digital and analog fabrication techniques to create a dreamlike space filled with light and color, inspired by the traditional patterns and motifs of Malaysia’s Temuan tribe. When you look into the kaleidoscope, you are immersed in a colorful world of Temuan designs.

Case study URL: https://fabcafe.com/magazine/kl/a-new-lens-on-malay-culture-rejuvenating-local-arts-with-the-revision-kaleidoscope/

In addition to the above, FabCafe KL has introduced a unique retail section that features customizable and personalized items. From custom-printed apparel to made-to-order home decorations, visitors can explore a variety of products that express individuality and creativity.

A sustainable modular bag designed by FabCafe KL at the request of a footwear brand that focuses on the lifecycle of materials. The bag is made using leather scraps generated during the brand’s shoe manufacturing process. It can also be disassembled and reused.

Case study URL: https://fabcafe.com/magazine/kl/leather-reimagined-modular-masterpieces-for-kuala-lumpur-fashion-week/ 

An art gallery dedicated to showcasing the works of local artists, offering a platform to celebrate creativity and talent. This space bridges the art and maker communities, fostering meaningful connections and collaboration.

This space will host regular workshops, meetups, and events, uniting makers, artists, and hobbyists from diverse backgrounds. Through these activities, FabCafe KL will create opportunities for collaboration, learning, and networking, while fostering a strong sense of community.

The interior space design is created by FabCafe KL Co-founder, Gwyneth Jong, who has a specialized background in interior design.

The area is home to a community of five universities, makers, designers, and entrepreneurs. The fusion of their vibrancy and creative atmosphere enhances the overall creative and dynamic feel of the location. FabCafe KL is designed to leverage this existing environment, becoming a lively hub for creators, innovators, and the local community. It uniquely combines cutting-edge technology, artistic inspiration, and a customizable retail zone.

We are excited to announce our reopening in a larger and more inspiring space! Our new space features a dedicated studio area designed for more custom projects. On top of that, we are also thrilled to introduce our new art gallery that will showcase works of different artists and provide a platform for creative expression.

Gwyneth Jong (Right)

Gwyneth Jong received her degree from the University of Nottingham Trent in Interior Architecture and Design. Her work mainly focused on commercial design projects, including retail, F&B as well as corporate interior design for clients such as Hong Leong Bank, Sapura Kencana Petroleum and CapitaLand.

Ignatius Andi Permadi (Left)

Born and raised in Jakarta, Ignatius Andi Permadi graduated with a degree in Graphic Design from the University of Nottingham Trent. Before venturing into starting FabCafe Kuala Lumpur, Andi was an Art Director, working on advertising campaigns and strategy for clients such as for Samsung,Telkomsel, Bata and Metro Department Store Indonesia.

Address: 19, Jalan PJS11/14, Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Hours: 9am-6pm
Telephone number: (+60 16 2724901)

Website: https://fabcafe.com/kl/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabcafeKL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabcafekl/

Since its establishment in 2012 in Shibuya, Tokyo, FabCafe has grown into a creative community with four locations in Japan and branches around the world, including Thailand, Spain, France, Mexico, and Malaysia. It freely crosses the boundaries between the “digital” and “real” to create future innovations. In collaboration with local creators, artists, and businesses, FabCafe engages in lab activities that extend beyond manufacturing, covering areas such as food, art, bio, AI, and education.

https://fabcafe.com/