Dato' Chuah Thean Teng's distinct compositions are notable for bridging the style of cubism and the use of batik painting, with emphasis on the drawing of lines. This work reflects the combination of geometrically abstracted forms interlocked with flattened planes and delicate batik crackle effects. The entire structure is integrated through a harmonious balance of dynamic shapes and elegant colour palette. As acknowledged by Professor Michael Sullivan, Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was hailed as the ‘Father of Batik Painting' (Chinese Art in the 20th Century, 1959), the only Malaysian to have started a world art genre, Batik Painting. He was among the world's art elite in the Commonwealth Artists of Fame exhibition, to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The National Art Gallery Malaysia accorded him an early Retrospective in 1965 and a Tribute in 2008, while Penang's Retrospective came in 1994. Penang also awarded him with the Dato' title in 1998 and the Living Heritage status in 2005. He established Yahong Art Gallery, first at Leith Street (1953) and then Batu Ferringhi (1994), which functions as his veritable museum which includes batik works of his three sons and two grandchildren. He also held solos in the United States and London (Commonwealth Institute). His batik mural commissions included the Malayan Embassy in Canberra, Australia (1959), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur (1960), Malayan Tobacco Company, Kuala Lumpur (1960), and Bank Negara's branch in Penang (1974).