Youth express thoughts on Visit Malaysia 2020 at UCSI’s painting competition

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 3 – UCSI University recently hosted the mySeni 2019 painting competition to encourage students in expressing their ideals of going green to ensure a sustainable, prosperous and equitable future.

The campaign themed “Green City” was held in accordance with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), at UCSI University, KL Campus.

A total of 40 finalists were shortlisted in the slightly more than two-month long annual campaign. Jeannie Tew won the grand prize that came in the form of RM10,000 in UCSI Bursary, RM2,000 in cash, and a certificate of participation.

“I feel incredible, especially receiving recognition in a competition of this scale. It is a big encouragement for my artwork to be recognised by professionals,” said the 18-year-old from Hin Hua High School, Klang.

Besides Jeannie, prizes were given to a first runner-up, a second runner-up and five others as consolation prize winners.

Each winner walked home with bursaries and scholarships from UCSI, as well as cash prizes from event partner, Guocoland. UCSI had allocated a total of RM735,000 in bursaries and scholarships for the event.

The ceremony was attended by former director-general of National Art Galley Malaysia, Dato’ Mohd Yusof Ahmad, UCSI Group Corporate Affairs vice-president Leong Sat Sing and De Institute of Creative Arts and Design (ICAD) Director Assistant Professor Dr Khairul Azril Ismail.

Mohd Yusof described the event as a meaningful competition that acknowledged the artistic talents of the younger generation, especially in articulating their ideas and ideals of the country.

“I am hopeful that amongst all the young talents here today, we have those who will flourish Malaysia’s name on the world map through their creative talents. Congratulations to UCSI and ICAD for going a step further in shaping the minds of the younger generation and future leaders through education,” he added.

Chairperson of mySENI competition, Lucas Lim, said that the mySENI 2020 Painting Competition entitled “Malaysian Landscape” will emphasise on the beauty of the country.

“I am hoping for these young artists to share their creative and extravagant ideas in promoting Malaysia as a tourist attraction destination in the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign,” he said.

Besides Hin Hua High School, other participating schools were Keat Hwa Private High School, Kedah, SMK Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, SMJK San Min, Perak, SMK Arau, Perlis, SMJK Katholik, Selangor and Chung Hwa High School, Muar, Johor.