Usaha Tegas Art Competition Grows in Prominence

Once again, the Usaha Tegas Heritage Art Competition has taken centre stage in shining a light on Malaysia’s talented young artists.  

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

The annual Competition recorded a sizable rise in the number of participants in its 19th year, receiving a record-breaking 1,531 entries, with 595 artworks shortlisted for judging.  

The Competition attracted the participation of 26 reputable and established institutions with six new participating institutes. For the first time in its history, the Competition received entries from Kelantan, Sabah as well as Sarawak.

In line with the growing nation-wide interest in the Competition, for the first time in its history, the competition also garnered standalone entries. The competition recorded a total of seven individual submissions for 2018.  

Present at the prize giving ceremony held recently was Mr. Lim Ghee Keong, Chief Operating Officer of Usaha Tegas Sdn Bhd, who presented prizes worth a total of RM59,500 said, “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.”

“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.”

Talented young Malaysians proved their mettle with their creative rendering of Malaysia’s rich heritage for this year’s Competition, with 24 exceptional art pieces by 23 artists handpicked by the judges.

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. In terms of individual accomplishments, this year saw one winner walking away with two prizes. In addition, the Competition recorded four repeat winners. In particular, one of the winners who bagged third prize last year took home first prize this year, clearly demonstrating that hard work and perseverance will pay off in the end.

The Watercolour category saw Pang Lai Yin of Alfa International College emerging victorious 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 topped the Print Making category.

Muhammad Amirul from UiTM Shah Alam, who bagged the first prize for the Print Making category with his emotive and graphically balanced silk screen composition titled ‘Panggilan Dari Mama’ said, “I am overjoyed to be an Usaha Tegas Heritage Art Competition winner, particularly looking at the calibre of talent I was up against. Moreover, this win is very special to me as the artwork I developed was an ode to my late mother and my roots. I hope other young artists can find inspiration in my win and are encouraged to explore the theme of heritage through art in next year’s competition.”

Chief Judge, Mr. Chin Kon Yit who is regarded as the Watercolour Maestro of Asia, led the eminent panel of judges for the Usaha Tegas Heritage Art Competition this year.  He was joined by Ar. Laurence Loh, a leading conservation architect and cultural heritage expert in Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific region whose conservation work has won many UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards. Dr. Kim Phaik Lah, adviser to several art and heritage education organisations has been part of the judging panel since 2001.

Joining them was En. Juhari Said, an award-winning Malaysian printmaker with a career spanning over 35 years and En Hasanul Isyraf Idris, an award-winning artist who has been part of numerous exhibitions and art fairs locally and globally. 

The distinguished panel of judges saw the addition of a new member this year. Ar. Parama Nathan has been actively involved in the conservation of heritage buildings in Singapore and Penang for over 30 years.

Additionally, three former competition winners and regionally renowned young contemporary artists, Najib Ahmad Bamadhaj, Yim Yen Sum and Khairudin Zainudin showcased their art pieces exclusively at the event.

For more information regarding this competition, please contact:

Usaha Tegas Heritage Committee

Email Add  :  UTHeritage@ut.com.my