Young artists showcase Msia’s rich heritage at art contest

Twenty-three talented young artists proved their mettle with their creative rendering of Malaysia’s rich heritage as 24 of their art pieces were chosen by a panel of judges for this year’s Usaha Tegas Art Competition

Usaha Tegas Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Lim Ghee Keong presented prizes worth a total of RM59,500 to all the 23 winners in a prize giving ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur recently. One winner Tan Siew San from Dasein Academy of Art bagged two prizes; 2nd prize in the Watercolor category and consolation prize in the Oil/Acrylic category.

“As we celebrate 19 consecutive years of encouraging our nation’s youths to take pride in Malaysia’s heritage through art, we at Usaha Tegas are pleased to be able to continue this remarkable tradition and inspire a brand-new generation of talented young artists,” said Lim.

Lim said the annual Usaha Tegas Art Competition in its 19th year received 1,531 entries, with 595 artworks shortlisted for judging, marking a new record for the contest. The Competition attracted the participation of 26 institutions and seven individuals.

“As a nation of multiple cultures, we have been shaped by our diverse roots and it heartens us to see so much of our heritage honoured and commemorated on canvas today.

“Our heritage is never stagnant, it is an ever-evolving facet. Our identity as a nation is shaped not only by physical heritage structures such as architectural relics, ornate building façades and heirloom antiques but also by our somewhat more intangible, cultural heritage. With the support of our esteemed judges, every year, we encourage our young artists to challenge their notions as well as society’s notion of what heritage truly is,” said Lim.

Pang Lai Yin of Alfa International College emerged victorious in the Watercolour category while Norfatihah binti Yusof of Universiti Sains Malaysia took home 1^st prize for the Charcoal/Pencil/Ink/Oil Pastel category.

Chong Shin Yen of ATEC Academy bagged the top prize for the Mixed Media category while Muhammad Amirul from UiTM Shah Alam topped the Print Making category.

Dasein Academy of Art once again emerged as the competition’s most successful institution with six prizes. Coming in second was ATEC Academy with five prizes.

The eminent panel of judges for the Usaha Tegas Heritage Art Competition this year included chief judge Chin Kon Yit regarded as the Watercolour Maestro of Asia, Ar. Laurence Loh, conservation architect and cultural heritage expert in Malaysia and Asia-Pacific region; Dr. Kim Phaik Lah, adviser to several art and heritage education organisations; Juhari Said, award-winning Malaysian printmaker; Hasanul Isyraf Idris, award-winning artist and Ar. Parama Nathan, involved in the conservation of heritage buildings in Singapore and Penang for over 30 years.

The Usaha Tegas Group, an investment holding company owned by prominent Malaysian businessman T. Ananda Krishnan has interests in various local and international companies operating across diverse industries such as telecommunications, media, property, and oil & gas.