People

Materiality

Artisanal

At ONG CEN KUANG we create original, hand-crafted pieces that allows the unique materials’ characters to speak for themselves. Our creations are timeless and innovative, fusing traditional craft with modern elements, resulting in pieces filled with stories and soul.

Brand founder Budiman Ong has always been drawn to lighting. He is originally from Kisaran, a small town in Sumatra, Indonesia and a passionate creator from a young age, Budiman's journey in design began at the Grays School of Art in Aberdeen, Scotland, part of Robert Gordon University, where he majored in Applied Arts with Honours. Back in Bali, he joined John Hardy - leader in the luxury handmade jewellery and lifestyle products - and his team as Head of Lifestyle Design, working with Guy Bedarida as Creative Director until 2008, when he founded Ong Cen Kuang to focus on decorative lighting.

Portrait of Budiman Ong, founder of Ong Cen Kuang, in his Bali atelierKelopak Pendant Light – Handcrafted floral-inspired lighting by Ong Cen Kuang

Budiman’s Asian heritage fuels his inspiration while his western education shapes his aesthetics and knowledge in design. His work, rooted in a deep appreciation for materials and craftsmanship, strives to create products that evoke emotions, turning common or unexpected materials into beautiful, sculptural pieces, each with a distinct character and strong tactile characteristics.

Close-up of unique materials used in Ong Cen Kuang's lighting designs

He has always been drawn to lighting - the irreplaceable element in any home. Following his interest in exploring different materials’ unique characters and his passion for modern forms, he leads on the design and crafting of lighting pieces that are made by hand, one at a time, by a dedicated team of talented artisans in the Ong Cen Kuang’s atelier in Bali.

Today, Ong Cen Kuang is chosen by leading architecture and interior design practices and distributed across Asia, Europe, and the USA. Its designs have been commissioned for or distinguished locations, including the Jacyz Hotel in Sweden, JW Marriott in the Maldives, Como Shambala in Bali, and the Cabinet Meeting Room of the new Presidential Palace (IKN) in Indonesia.