The iconic Merlion of Singapore, a half-lion, half-fish statue standing along the waterfront of Merlion Park, is beloved by both locals and tourists. Today, Singaporean design brand Uniplay (a sustainable art toy division under Unigons Global) has reimagined this national symbol in a fun and low-waste way. Their “Fortune Merlion” is a 3D-printed collectible made from approximately 30 recycled plastic bottles. Initially released as a limited-edition colorful surprise blind box for Singapore’s 60th National Day (SG60), it sold out quickly. Now, a new white version is available for pre-order, giving fans another chance to own this special figure.
What exactly is the Merlion?
The original Merlion statue stands 8.6 meters tall, weighs 70 tons, and is located in Merlion Park near the Marina Bay Central Business District, a waterfront plaza covering 2,500 square meters. The Merlion first appeared as the logo of the Singapore Tourism Board in 1964, and the iconic statue in Merlion Park was created by sculptor Lim Nang Seng in 1972. More importantly, it captures Singapore’s dual identity: the fish body symbolizes its origins as a fishing village (Temasek), while the lion head represents its original name “Singapura,” meaning “Lion City.”
The Merlion is more than just a statue; it is a cultural symbol and a popular photo spot. In Singapore, which welcomed 16.5 million visitors in 2024, the Merlion, along with Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, consistently ranks among the most popular attractions. In fact, millions of tourists have taken selfies with this so-called “mythical guardian beast,” and it often appears on souvenirs and in movies such as Crazy Rich Asians.
Fortune Merlion
To celebrate Singapore’s 60th National Day (SG60), local startup Unigons collaborated with Uniplay to create the “Fortune Merlion.” This version is unlike any previous collectible, as it is entirely 3D-printed from recycled PET plastic bottles. The first batch of 60 limited-edition blind boxes, featuring ten colors representing Singapore’s multiculturalism and festive spirit, sold out almost instantly.
Now, a new white version is back, priced at $118. Each 18-centimeter-tall figure is sold in a blind box, containing a hidden compartment with a talisman. The latest version, called “LOVESG” Fortune Merlion, includes a blind box series of nine colorful heart-shaped magnetic bubbles that can be attached to the Merlion’s mouth, as well as six talismans representing universal values such as growth, love, luck, joy, wealth, and blooming.
Unigons collaborated with local organizations, including Yeo’s, PlasticTinkers, and Greenfinity, to bring the Fortune Merlion to life. Yeo’s provided recycled plastic bottles, Greenfinity supported the collection through local recycling programs, and PlasticTinkers handled production using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology and custom filaments made from recycled PET. They not only sourced materials in a sustainable manner but also ensured the project was significant enough to be included in the Singapore Book of Records.
“LOVESG” Fortune Merlion, new white limited editio
The Fortune Merlion is the intersection of several important concepts. It combines 3D design with sustainability, demonstrating how modern technologies like 3D printing can be applied in smarter, more environmentally friendly ways. It also reinterprets a beloved cultural symbol in a creative manner. By using recycled plastic, it supports a circular economy, reduces landfill waste, and gives new life to discarded materials.
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