Squid Game gets a Malaysian twist with batik ddakji and on-ground thrills

Netflix Malaysia gave fans one final chance to step into the high-stakes world of Squid Game with a distinctly local spin. Over the weekend of 27 to 29 June, "Squid Game: The exhibit" transformed LaLaport Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur into an immersive arena where over 8,000 visitors relived key moments from all three seasons of the hit series, reimagined through the lens of Malaysian culture.

The post-event experience marked the conclusion of the globally acclaimed show, with Season 3 having premiered on 27 June. As a farewell to the franchise, Netflix Malaysia pulled out all the stops, from localised games and installations to pop-culture cameos.

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Among the standout features was a giant dalgona installation (a nod to Season 1’s infamous honeycomb game) but with a Malaysian twist: the sugary treat featured the shape of a wau bulan, a traditional Malay kite. The fusion of local heritage with the drama of Squid Game added a fresh layer of relevance for Malaysian fans.

Season 2’s flying stone game was also localised. Instead of using a regular stone, Netflix Malaysia turned the game into a larger-than-life version of baling selipar, a nostalgic childhood game involving slippers. Visitors took turns hurling a giant selipar to knock down targets, drawing cheers from onlookers and participants alike.

Then came Season 3’s highlight: the jump rope challenge, monitored by none other than Young-hee and her new partner, Chul-su. The towering 18-foot-tall animatronic pair, easily the centrepieces of the activation, watched as players tested their agility to win exclusive Squid Game merchandise. The exclusive merch included a pair of batik-patterned ddakji, another iconic game element in the series.

The entire space buzzed with energy as 50 pink guards marched through LaLaport’s open-air atrium to kick off the event. Fans were welcomed with a massive Squid Game invitation card and pink carpet, signaling their entry into the exhibit. Attendees, some cosplaying their favourite characters, were guided through different challenges while being kept in line by roving Pink Guards.

Local actor Amir Ahnaf, known for his comedic turn as “Panos” (Malaysia’s answer to Thanos) in Netflix Malaysia’s now-viral video, made a surprise appearance on 28 June, adding a celebrity touch to the festivities. The event was also attended by a number of local influencers, including Mark O'Dea and Arwind Kumar. 

While Squid Game has become a global sensation, Netflix’s Malaysian activation demonstrated the brand’s commitment to connecting with local audiences through cultural relevance and nostalgia. By infusing well-known games with Malaysian elements and inviting fans to physically engage with the narrative, the exhibit became more than just a promotion, it was an immersive celebration of the series’ impact and local fandom.

Netflix Malaysia began teasing its on-ground activation at LaLaport over a week ago with a FOOH social video, depicting the iconic invitation card embedded into public streets, highways, and LRT railways in Kuala Lumpur. In conversation with A+M, Netflix said the activation would offer an immersive arena experience “where haunting memories, games and unforgettable moments come alive.”

To drive anticipation, Netflix also released a series of playful videos. One reimagines fan-favourite character Choi Su-bong (better known as Thanos) in a local parody starring Malaysian actor Amir Ahnaf, who puts a fresh spin on the character while revisiting iconic scenes such as 'Red light, green light', the 'Round and round' game, and the dreaded ‘fork’ moment.

Other videos spotlight the show’s pink guards from inviting viewers at Lalaport Bukit Bintang to play, to engaging in everyday Malaysian activities such as visiting tourist sites, ordering from street stalls, and even playing ddakji with a cat and a businessman.


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