Ismail Embong is recognised for painting narratives in Malaysian history, ethnic cultures and legends. His paintings of history and local heritage featuring landscapes and portraits on large murals have received wide acclaim. Walking through the forest in the dark, a courageous torch bearer is seen confronting the mysterious land. Such is life, filled with uncertainties, and we move forward with Faith, Hope, and Courage. Ismail is a prolific national artist whose works include a mural of Malaysia's history and a life-sized painting called Tujuh Negarawan that features the seven past and present Umno presidents. He was awarded the Tokoh Negara (National Figure) award, Pelukis Negara (National Artist) award and Tokoh Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam (Great figure in the Malay and Islamic World) award. His exhibition "Splendours of Malaysia: Paintings of Ethnic Cultures of the Land" was held at the Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gokkai Malaysia (SGM) in 2018.