Championing our heritage through art
USAHA Tegas Heritage Art Competition, previously known as Tanjong Heritage, is a national level art competition organised by Usaha Tegas Sdn Bhd.
In its 17th consecutive year, the event encourages talented young artists all over Malaysia to showcase their abilities and impress judges with their artistic illustrations of Malaysia’s rich heritage.
With a growth in prominence and reputation, the entries soared high as skilled artists compete to win the attractive prizes.
Continuing The One Academy’s tradition of scoring in the competition, four illustration students tested their skills and managed to prove themselves worthy of the cash prizes.
Two of them even managed to place in the competition.
In the watercolour category, the first prize of RM8,000 cash went to Seow Yong Khin.
His other entry also won the consolation prize worth RM500.
In the same category, Ho Wen Hong placed third winning him RM2,000 and Teo Zhee Fong secured a consolation prize.
In the charcoal/pencil/ink category, Goh Kok Wei won another RM500 worth of consolation prize.
Every winner also received a certificate and RM500 worth of TGV tickets.
As a corporate social responsibility, the competition was first launched by Tanjong Public Limited Company in 2001.
It aims to promote awareness of our rich and diverse Malaysian heritage while giving recognition to aspiring youth from tertiary institutions, allowing them to showcase their artistry to a wider audience.
This year’s theme revolves around the interpretation of “traditions, practices, beliefs, activities, objects and buildings which have been inherited from the past”.
Participants were also given the freedom to incorporate nature and national elements with creativity and imagination, expression, originality and technique in their artwork.
Winning the top prize in the watercolour category with his montage painting “Malacca’s Tradition”, Seow was inspired by the historical state as it is full with beautiful old traditions.
He assembled a few features such as Chinese calligraphy, vintage bicycle and an old building because these represented Melaka well.
As presumed, the watercolour painting consumed a lot of his time.
The painting portion of the process, which took most of his effort, and sketching were done in five days.
He had to make sure the whole piece did not look messy.
Ultimately, he was excited to win the competition and that his hard work paid off.
Seow said that it was a good experience for him.
In addition, his victory will fare well for him and the other winners from The One Academy in terms of career opportunities and future prospects as this formidable platform has solidified their name as promising young artists.
The One Academy offers digital animation with game development, multimedia design with digital media and interactive design, interior architecture and design, advertising and graphic design, film visual effects, illustration, movie and game art, ESMOD fashion design and pattern making and fine arts.
The One Academy of Communication Design was established in 1991 with the aim of promoting the region as the world’s centre of creative reference.
Strategically located in the thriving creative hub of Bandar Sunway, Selangor, with a branch in Georgetown, Penang, The One Academy is today a top-notch leading international institute in art, design and creative multimedia, renowned with graduates who steer successful careers in creative capitals worldwide.
■ Visit www.toa.edu.my or call 03-5637 5510 or e-mail your enquiries to enquiry@toa.edu.my for details on The One Academy.