KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) — UOB Malaysia presented the 15th UOB Painting of the Year (POY) (Malaysia) award to Mr Nik Mohd Shazmie Bin Nik Shairozi for his artwork, ‘Rumah Kita (Our Home)’. He received a cash prize of RM100,000.
The winning painting will represent Malaysia in the regional competition for the 2025 UOB Southeast Asian POY award. The regional award ceremony will take place in Singapore where Mr Nik will compete against winning entries from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam for a cash prize of S$13,000. In addition to the regional award, country winners will also compete for a UOB-sponsored overseas residency programme.
Ms Ng Wei Wei, Chief Executive Officer of UOB Malaysia, said, “This year marks an exciting milestone for UOB POY in Malaysia. For the first time since its inception, we invited an international judge to join the three-member judging panel to evaluate the artworks, reflecting our continued commitment to elevating Malaysian art on the global stage.”
“UOB POY has been held in Malaysia for 15 years, and every year we witness greater talent and diversity. I’m especially touched that this year’s submissions included entries from the hearing-impaired community, with one of them honoured as a winner tonight. This reinforces what we have always believed: Art knows no boundaries, and diversity only deepens its impact.”
Mr Nik, who had previously clinched the Gold Award, Established Artist Category in the 2015 UOB POY (Malaysia), returns to the spotlight a decade later with this winning artwork. His winning acrylic painting captures the spirit of Malaysian unity through an imperfect, spiky clay form inspired by the durian, Malaysia’s most iconic fruit.
Describing his artwork, Mr Nik said “Like the durian, tough on the outside, sweet on the inside, our path to unity is not always smooth, but it is resilient and full of life. The cracks and raw textures speak to the challenges we face, while also highlighting the strength and spirit that drive our progress.”
Since his first Gold Award win, Mr Nik’s work has been showcased in both individual and group exhibitions across the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. He now joins the ranks of distinguished UOB POY (Malaysia) winners, including Mr Hasanul Isyraf Idris, Mr Chong Kim Chiew, and Mr Seah Ze Lin, who have continued to gain international recognition following their wins.
Ms Intan Rafiza, Chief Judge of the 2025 UOB POY (Malaysia) competition, said, “It has been a privilege to witness the incredible talent showcased in this year’s UOB POY competition. Each piece told a story that is rich with emotion and creativity. Malaysia’s art scene is full of passionate and talented individuals, and I’m excited to see how they continue to grow.”
Mr Putra Aqmal Danish Bin Mohd Zuraimi wins the 2025 UOB Most Promising Artist of the Year (Malaysia) award under Emerging Artist Category
In the Emerging Artist Category, Mr Putra Aqmal Danish Bin Mohd Zuraimi was named Most Promising Artist of the Year for his artwork titled “I Love You, Bearbear”. His moving piece explores the struggle of homelessness and the aching absence of affection, attention, and acceptance that often accompanies it. Painted on cardboard, a material often discarded yet essential to those without shelter, his artwork transforms a humble surface into a powerful symbol of survival and dignity.
As a street artist based in Bukit Bintang, Mr Putra drew inspiration from his daily encounters to create this deeply personal piece. Through his painting, he encourages viewers to pause and reflect on those whom society often overlooks. His work serves as a compelling reminder that behind every face on the street lies a life and soul.
The UOB Painting of the Year competition was launched in Malaysia in 2011. It is also the longest-running art competition in Singapore and one of the most prestigious in Southeast Asia.
