Visitors to the Singapore Pavilion in Belem, Brazil, can take home a small piece of the city-state through pins showcasing its design and cultural icons. These include a pin by 19-year-old visual artist Mohammad Zulkhairi Lutfi Mohd Azam that depicts trees, a pond and HDB blocks – a design that he says shows a balance between nature and the urban environment.

On his feelings about the pin that he designed being given out at an international event, Mr Zulkhairi (who was diagnosed with autism at age three, and also has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) said with a smile: “I’m feeling happy and very proud… The artwork that I did – I hope people will like it a lot.”

His design process involved doing his own research to “figure out the story”. He then sketched three or four designs before he settled on the final one. He said: “I draw the sketch on the paper to plan my idea. After I confirm the design, I will sketch on my laptop.”

During an interview, he spoke in simple sentences. At times, his parents – Mr Azam Jibani, 51, a regional manager in the medical industry, and Madam Wahidah Ismail, 47, a homemaker – stepped in to elaborate what he meant.

While they spoke, he opened his sketchbook and sketched Gundam robots. He is drawn to details, especially when drawing buildings and architecture. Asked about when he developed his interest in art, Mr Zulkhairi said: “I always love to draw.”

His parents said they found out about his interest in art when he was around age six or seven and attending an Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children centre operated by Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities. The centre said that he had a flair for art and that it was an activity that could keep him focused. His parents bought him art supplies and encouraged him to pursue his interest.

Mr Azam said: “Whenever he is done with his projects, he will spend his time doing his artwork. Art is like an escape for him because he is busy with athletics.” Mr Zulkhairi competes in track events. He represented Singapore at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany, in 2023 and his team placed first in the 4x400m mixed relay.

Since graduating from Eden School in 2023, Mr Zulkhairi has worked on commissioned art pieces through ART:DIS, a non-profit organisation that enables people with disabilities to develop their artistic interests. ART:DIS also facilitated his mentorship in 2024 under artist Justin Lee, who is known for his visual installations which were showcased at the Esplanade concourse and tunnel spaces.

In 2025, Mr Zulkhairi has accepted seven commissions through ART:DIS, including his pin design for the Singapore Pavilion at the United Nations climate conference. His drawings of iconic buildings and structures, such as Marina Bay Sands and Changi Airport’s control tower, were among designs by various artists printed on recycled polyester tote bags and distributed as National Day Parade 2025 packs.

Said Mr Azam: “He wants his artwork to inspire other people. If he can do it, others can achieve their dreams too.”

As the interview wrapped up, Mr Zulkhairi shared: “I want to open my own art studio.”

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