UTAR lecturer and student honoured at MR D.I.Y. Art Competition 2025

UTAR proudly celebrated the achievements of Mr Goh Kiang Kuan, an academic from the Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI), and FCI student Wong Wei Shern, who were both honoured with the MR D.I.Y. Outstanding Award at the MR D.I.Y. Art Competition 2025.

Mr Goh was recognised in the Public Category and received a cash prize of RM3,000, while Wong won in the Educational Institution Category and took home RM2,000. Their creative talents were celebrated at the award ceremony held on 24 May 2025 at Menara Ken TTDI, Kuala Lumpur.

The MR D.I.Y. Art Competition 2025, themed Identity and Diversity, was a national-level initiative aimed at celebrating artistic talent and providing a platform for Malaysians to express cultural, personal, and social narratives through visual art. The competition attracted hundreds of entries from across the country, highlighting the diverse interpretations of identity in Malaysian society.

Reflecting on his achievement, Mr Goh shared, “Digital art and animation have shaped much of my experience as a practitioner and lecturer, but painting brings me back to the essence of creating. This return isn’t about looking back—it’s about pushing forward, challenging myself where art feels most human in this era of AI. I’m deeply grateful to UTAR and the Faculty of Creative Industries for the time and support granted to me as an academic. That space has allowed me to explore my artistic journey more deeply.”

Wong also expressed his gratitude, saying, “Winning this award means so much to me. I sincerely thank Mr. DIY for creating a platform that inspires young talents to express their creativity through art. I couldn’t have done this without the unwavering support of my friends and family, the mentorship and encouragement from my lecturer Ms Liong Mei Yin, and the art materials sponsored by UniUti Stationery & Services. This journey has been incredible, and I’m truly grateful.”

These accolades not only bring pride to the recipients but also reaffirm UTAR’s commitment to excellence in education and the arts. The University extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mr Goh and Wong for their inspiring accomplishments and for showcasing UTAR’s vibrant artistic spirit on the national stage.