Meet the artist behind one of the COP30 Singapore Pavilion pins
The TL;DR: Mohammad Zulkhairi Lutfi Mohd Azam, who has autism, showed a flair for art by the age of seven. Now, his work has travelled to Brazil, where a pin he designed is being given out at the COP30 Singapore Pavilion.
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Visual artist Mohammad Zulkhairi Lutfi Mohd Azam says the pin that he designed, which depicts trees, a pond and HDB blocks, shows a balance between nature and the urban environment.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
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SINGAPORE – 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.
The others feature Gardens by the Bay’s Supertrees with local wildlife, and the Merlion mascot, in a collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board.
Mr Zulkhairi, who was diagnosed with autism at age three, also has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
On his feelings about the pin that he designed being given out at an international event, Mr Zulkhairi 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 loves the Japanese robot franchise and he has a collection of about 50 figurines at home.
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.
He later attended Eden School, which caters to students with autism, where he also took art lessons. His parents bought him art supplies and encouraged him to pursue his interest.
Mr Azam said: “The laptop is like his life. 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 such as Pillars Of Harmony and Our People, Our Lifestyle, 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, which is ongoing. The pavilion had collaborated with SG Enable’s i’mable initiative, which in turn worked with ART:DIS to commission the pin.
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.
His achievements have earned him invitations by organisations, such as a school, to share about his work.
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.”
To see more of Mr Zulkhairi’s artwork, go to
Find out more about ART:DIS at
