Malaysian red packets that stopped us in our tracks this CNY

As Chinese New Year festivities get underway, the Year of the Horse is seeing brands take their marketing strategies out of the stables and into bolder territory.

In Malaysia, Subway took an unconventional turn by reimagining a familiar ritual, swapping lion and dragon dances for a goldfish-inspired street performance that stopped passersby in their tracks. Coca-Cola, Watsons Malaysia and Lalamove leaned into catchy jingles, while household name Julie’s brought festive traditions to life through a five-day experiential pop-up. Safe to say, Malaysia showed up this year.

Still, no Chinese New Year celebration is complete without everyone’s favourite ritual (pineapple tarts aside): red packets. This year, the little pouches of joy came in many forms, with brands across the country putting fresh spins on familiar designs. Here are some of our favourites in alphabetical order. 

Don't miss: Unpacking the ang bao designs that made us go 'wow' this CNY

1. Bata Malaysia and Singapore 

Bata is stepping into Chinese New Year with a limited-edition angpow set created in collaboration with local artist Lihua, and yes, it’s as joyful as it sounds. Inspired by her childhood memories of reunion dinners, lion dances and fireworks, the designs feature expressive strokes and vibrant colours that capture the movement and energy of the festive season.

According to Bata, the collaboration was about celebrating tradition “in a fresh and more expressive way”, turning the humble angpow into something meaningful, uplifting and meant to be shared from hand to hand. For Lihua, the project was deeply personal. Having grown up wearing Bata shoes, the collaboration brings together nostalgia and tradition, transforming her memories of Chinese New Year into a shared cultural experience for a new generation.

The angpow packets are available now with a minimum purchase, in-store and online, while stocks last.

2. BilaBila Mart

BilaBila Mart is keeping things local (and a little cheeky) this Chinese New Year with a festive angpao series designed in collaboration with Malaysian illustrator Jean Lynn. Known for her cute, character-filled illustrations and subtle batik touches, the designs feel instantly familiar, in a "this feels like home" kind of way.

Inspired by the mix of local goodies lining BilaBila Mart’s shelves, the red packets come with a clever twist. The back is designed to resemble receipt paper, but instead of prices and product codes, it’s filled with festive wishes. Adorable? Absolutely.

The angpaos are available from 20 January to 22 February at all BilaBila Mart outlets, redeemable with a minimum spend of RM30 in a single receipt, while stocks last. Selected stores are also offering the angpao as part of a limited-edition merchandise set for members.

3. CHAGEE Malaysia 

CHAGEE Malaysia is serving up a festive red packet that moves, quite literally. Designed in-house, the brand’s Year of the Horse angpao draws inspiration from one of Chinese New Year’s most energetic rituals: Yee Sang (prosperity toss).

Flowing, line-based graphics mirror the motion and momentum of the iconic toss, with layered strokes coming together to form a dynamic horse illustration. The result feels lively, celebratory and full of movement, very on-brand for a season built around gathering and shared moments. Sharp-eyed fans will also spot citrus elements woven into the design, a nod to yuzu, the key ingredient in CHAGEE’s seasonal Yuzu Tie Guan Yin Tea. Fresh, bright and symbolic of new beginnings, it ties the red packet neatly to the brand’s festive drink offering.

The limited-edition design launched on 30 January and is available nationwide at all CHAGEE outlets in Malaysia. Customers can redeem them with a minimum spend of RM30 in-store or RM35 via GrabFood, while stocks last.

4. dáo desserts

dáo desserts is bringing a sweet twist to the Year of the Horse with red packets inspired by a nostalgic carousel. The design reimagines the zodiac horse through dáo’s signature pastel palette and playful bean mascot, creating a lighthearted, cheerful vibe perfect for both givers and receivers.

The angpao also features a clever pun on the idiom 马到成功, meaning “instant success upon the horse’s arrival,” swapping in the brand name “dáo” for an extra dash of festive wordplay. It’s whimsical, joyful, and unmistakably dáo. Launched on 19 January 2026, the packets were available at all dáo desserts outlets, but according to the brand, demand was so high that most stores have already sold out.

5. Eco-Shop Malaysia

Eco-Shop’s Year of the Horse angpao puts a playful, personalised spin on a classic tradition. Collaborating with local illustrator YelloBanana, the red packets feature cheerful, locally inspired designs and stickers, inviting givers to add their own messages and labels for a thoughtful, customised touch.

The campaign leans into the festive tradition of angpau as a symbol of goodwill and prosperity, while tackling a relatable problem: keeping track of who gets what. By letting customers personalise each packet, Eco-Shop turns a simple gesture into a meaningful expression of care, proving that celebration isn’t about spending big but celebrating thoughtfully.

The red packets are available for a limited time at Eco-Shop outlets nationwide. With festive deals such as Buy 5 Free 1, the campaign encourages families to start the Year of the Horse with smarter spending, intentional gifting, and moments of joy shared together.

6. Maxis

Maxis is helping everyone prosper together this Chinese New Year. The limited-edition angpao collection, created with local design house Loka Made, features tiny characters connecting over festive goodies, all on sustainable materials. Cute, clever, and perfect for sharing.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Maxis is turning these designs digital with AI-powered personalised greetings. Upload a photo, sprinkle in some festive cheer, and send your own one-of-a-kind CNY message to friends and family anywhere in Malaysia. The red packets are available from 31 January at all Maxis Centers, while the AI greetings launched on 10 February via the Maxis app and microsite. With festive deals and creative touches, Maxis is making sure prosperity, and smiles, are always better when shared.

7. Maybank

Maybank is wishing everyone a thriving Year of the Horse with its festive angpao, designed by Craftwerkz Design. Bright, cheerful motifs celebrate happiness, abundance, and all the little blessings that make the new year feel extra prosperous.

The packets are available at selected Maybank branches, ready to add a splash of luck and joy to your CNY celebrations.

8. McDonald's Malaysia

McDonald’s is turning the Prosperity Meal into a mini treasure hunt this Chinese New Year. The Fu-Pow angpao, created by Leo, comes as a set of four designs, each carrying a festive wish, perfect for displaying at home as little reminders of luck and togetherness.

Every purchase brings a surprise, from menu-inspired goodies to chances at bigger rewards like 10g gold, RM888 cash angpows, and limited-edition Prosperity Fu-Charms. It’s a playful twist on a classic tradition, giving fans a festive treat that lasts beyond the meal. The Fu-Pow angpao set brings festive fun with four designs and four wishes, spreading joy until 11 February.

9. MR. DIY

MR DIY is kicking off the Year of the Fire Horse with angpao packets full of energy and optimism. Galloping horses, festive pinks and yellows, and clean gold calligraphy come together in a design that feels lively, confident, and ready to spread good vibes.

The minimalist-yet-cheerful look makes these packets feel friendly and uplifting, perfect for sending a little positivity with every exchange. Launched on 16 January, the packets are available nationwide as a gift-with-purchase, bringing a cheerful start to 2026.

10. ONE condoms (Karex Malaysia)

ONE has been turning heads (and raising eyebrows) with its annual angpao series since the Year of the Rat. Designed in-house and full of playful surprises, the packets are famous for containing… well, a condom, proving that Chinese New Year can come with a twist.

The Year of the Horse edition keeps the tradition alive, blending festive fun with a nudge toward safer practices and open conversations about sexual health. Over the years, the series has also become a collectible for fans who appreciate its bold, unexpected humour. The latest edition is available ahead of Lunar New Year via the ONE official Shopee store and Lazada, continuing the streak of cheeky celebrations.

11. Pos Malaysia

Pos Malaysia is trotting into the Year of the Horse with its POSperity Parade angpao packets. Featuring a lively parade of people and a spirited horse at the centre, the designs capture festive energy, unity, and the joy of shared celebration.

Each set is priced at RM5.80, or can be received complimentary with a minimum spend at Pos Shop outlets nationwide. The packets tie into Pos Malaysia’s broader CNY offerings, including special stamp packs and collectible acrylic charms, creating a playful and meaningful festive experience.

12. RHB Banking Group

RHB’s Chinese New Year angpao packets are taking flight with a flock of symbolic birds, each bringing wishes for joy, harmony, ambition, and success. The embroidery-inspired designs add a touch of timeless elegance while keeping things festive and fun.

The Premier packet features a graceful phoenix at its heart, symbolising renewal and rising fortune, while the general packets showcase cheerful bee-eaters and magpies, a nod to energy, diligence, and good news. Launched now, the packets are available at RHB branches, spreading a little avian-inspired luck for the Year of the Horse.

13. ZUS Coffee

ZUS Coffee’s red packets are all about gathering round the table, literally. Inspired by Kongsi Meja, the design celebrates togetherness with traditional prosperity symbols, circular coin motifs, and floral patterns that reference blooming wealth. The elements interlock to form a seamless, expanding design, echoing continuous blessings.

Three bold colours carry festive wishes of “Heng, Ong, Huat” (prosperity, luck, and wealth), making each packet as eye-catching as it is meaningful. Launched on 26 January 2026 in Malaysia and Singapore (9 February in Thailand and Brunei), the packets are available while stocks last.

Thank you to all the brands and agencies who shared your red packet designs with us. Wishing everyone a joyous and prosperous Chinese New Year.

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