UTAR student’s artwork shines at UN poster contest

Cheng Hui Xin, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Graphic Design and Multimedia student from the Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), has achieved international acclaim by winning the United Nations World Wildlife Day 2024 Official Poster Contest.

The prestigious competition, organized by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and the United Nations, concluded on 5 January 2024. Cheng’s winning artwork, a testament to her creative prowess, now graces all official communications channels for World Wildlife Day 2024.

The theme for this year’s poster designs was “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.” Cheng’s design beautifully captures the essence of the theme, blending traditional depictions of Malaysia’s diverse wildlife with modern symbols and digital tools. The design incorporates elements such as rhinoceros, hornbills, Malayan tapirs, drones, a person with a phone and GPS, and a camera trap on a tree, symbolizing the intersection of nature and technology.

Fostering youth empowerment through art

World Wildlife Day 2024 aims to foster intergenerational exchange and empower youth through art, presentations, and discussions for a shared sustainable future in digital wildlife conservation. Cheng’s poster will play a central role in this global initiative, being featured on the WWD website, social media accounts, Trello Board media kit, print-out posters, and even livestreamed on UN WebTV during the United Nations event on 4 March 2024.

Expressing her journey and inspiration, Cheng credited Ms. K. Jeevamalar for igniting her passion for wildlife conservation through design. Cheng’s posters, inspired by Malaysia’s natural beauty, convey creativity with purpose. She stated, “Winning this prestigious contest reflects dedication and artistic passion. This recognition by the UN extends beyond personal achievement, emphasizing the global importance of wildlife conservation.”

Cheng’s winning design emphasizes the critical message of wildlife conservation, highlighting the need to leverage digital tools for the protection of the planet’s diverse flora and fauna. As the global celebration of World Wildlife Day 2024 approaches on 3 March 2024, Cheng’s contribution stands as a beacon of Malaysian creativity on the international stage, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to environmental conservation.

SOURCE: utar.edu.my