Is Malaysia becoming POP MART’s next big playground for character IP?

Global collectible giant POP MART is doubling down on the local collectibles market in Malaysia with the launch of Southeast Asia’s first CRYBABY “Cry Me An Ocean” pop-up at Sunway Pyramid.

Running from 14 to 24 May 2026 at the mall’s LG2 Orange Concourse, the activation will coincide with the launch of the CRYBABY Cry Me An Ocean Series on 15 May. A teaser will begin earlier on 9 May, with a giant CRYBABY inflatable appearing at Sunway Pyramid’s Blue Entrance near Sunway Lagoon.

The pop-up will bring the CRYBABY universe to life through an immersive ocean-themed space designed for exploration, discovery and photo moments. Beyond retail, visitors can expect interactive photo spots, exclusive gifts with purchase and a wide range of CRYBABY products.

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The activation marks the first of its kind for CRYBABY in Southeast Asia and reflects POP MART’s growing push in Malaysia, where the brand has been rapidly building its physical presence across major malls. POP MART Malaysia currently has stores in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, IOI City Mall Putrajaya, Sunway Velocity Mall, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, The Exchange TRX, Mid Valley Megamall, Sunway Pyramid and Sunway Carnival.

As part of the campaign, POP MART Malaysia will also bring MOLLY, the artist behind CRYBABY, to Malaysia for the first time. An exclusive signing session will take place on 16 May, with fans who visit the POP MART store at Sunway Pyramid from 11 to 13 May standing a chance to receive entry passes to the session and have their CRYBABY collectibles signed.

Starting 15 May, shoppers at the pop-up can also receive exclusive CRYBABY "Cry Me An Ocean" gifts with purchase, including themed eye masks, stickers, scarves and other surprises, while stocks last.

The campaign taps into the growing appetite for character IP, blind boxes and collectible culture in Malaysia, while positioning POP MART’s physical retail spaces as more than just stores. With immersive set-ups, artist appearances and limited-edition merchandise, the brand is turning its launches into fan-led experiences designed to drive footfall, social sharing and community buzz.

Last year for the Christmas season, POP MART lit up the MRT Plaza outside The Exchange TRX in Kuala Lumpur with a vibrant, character-filled festive setup — just weeks after the mall wrapped up its SKULLPANDA pop-up. While this installation sat outside the mall’s main concourse décor, it served as a branded festive showcase tied to POP MART’s store, which opened in April 2025.

The display featured a glowing Christmas tree wrapped with the phrase “unbox joy,” a cosy bauble pagoda for visitors to step inside, and a charming Christmas Dimoo perfect for photos. Fans also spotted familiar favourites, including SKULLPANDA, Hirono, Labubu, Twinkle Twinkle, and Molly, making it a cheerful stop for collectors and casual shoppers alike.

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