Labuan student wins Lions International Peace Poster contest
LABUAN: Tiong Yieng Jun, a Form One student at SM St Anne has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Lions Club of Labuan Mandarin.
Tiong's poster was among the 19 artworks at the annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest held on Monday at the Financial Park Convention Hall.
Lions Clubs of Labuan Mandarin is sponsoring the program to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere and to invite young individuals to express their vision of peace in drawing.
Nineteen particpants from nine schools namely, SMK Labuan, SM St Anne, Labuan International School, SMK Taman Perumahan Bedaun, SRJK(C) Chi Wen, SRJK(C) Chung Hwa, SK Kerupang, SK Layang -Layangan and SK Bukit Kalam took part in the contest.
“I wish to see everyone living peacefully in harmony within all races throughout the world,” the 13-year-old from Labuan said.
The poster was selected by a panel of three judges - Mary Lau of Global Arts Labuan, Safirah Rashid a professional artist and photographer from Kuala Lumpur and Hassan Majin, Sabah SPM head of assessor for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “The Future of Peace”.
Labuan Mandarin Lions Club president Chin Kin Yin said he was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students from nine schools.
“It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them. I'm so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions.”
“Tiong's poster will advance through the district, multiple district and international levels of competition if she is to be declared the international grand prize winner,” contest chairperson Lion Jessica said.
One international grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be selected.
The grand prize includes a cash award of US$5,000, plus a trip for the winner and two family members to a special award ceremony.
The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of US$500.
“Our club is cheering for Tiong Yieng Jun as her poster advances in the competition, and we hope that her vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world,” Chin said.
Locally, Tiong and 18 other students were honored for their participation by the Labuan Mandarin Lions Club with a pewter trophy and certificate.
The club wishes to accord its gratitude to Azhar Othman, chairman of Labuan Society for the support towards this contest in conjunction with the Labuan Borneo Arts Festival.