Young artists inspire unity at PEACE Poster Competition 2025

With creativity, colours and compassion, young students once again came together at the PEACE Poster Competition 2025 to share their visions of unity and harmony. The event, themed Together as One, was held on 21 September 2025 at the Multipurpose Hall of UTAR Kampar Campus, marking the third year of collaboration between the Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS), UTAR Kampar Campus, and the Lions Club of Kampar.

The annual competition, an initiative by Lions Club International, aims to encourage young minds to express their hopes for global peace through art while fostering understanding and shared humanity amid a divided world.

This year’s competition attracted 48 participants from schools around Kampar. The contest featured three categories: Category A (Colouring Contest) for students aged seven to eight, Category B (Colouring Contest) for students aged nine to 11, and Category C (Poster Contest) for students aged 11 to 13. Participants in Categories A and B were given two hours to complete their artwork, while those in Category C had three hours to design a poster reflecting this year’s theme.

The event commenced with welcome remarks and a briefing on the competition rules by CFS academics Ms Chan Wan Ling and Ms Yip Mei Theen, who also served as emcees. The panel of judges comprised Ms Haw Ai Peng and Ms Foo Pik Yin from UTAR, together with Ms Ng Wah Leng from the Lions Club of Kampar.

Gracing the prize-giving ceremony was UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, who commended the participants for their creative efforts and highlighted the significance of such initiatives in nurturing talent, inspiring young leaders and cultivating the values of peace within the community.

In Category A, Wong Jie Xin from SJK (C) Min Te, Ayer Tawar emerged as the champion, followed by Chai Pei En and Lau Chee Hao from SJK (C) Chung Huah, Kampar as the first and second runners-up respectively.

In Category B, Ding Ruisyeun from SK Methodist (ACS), Sitiawan won the championship title, while Loh Yeng Yeng from SJK (C) Chung Huah, Kampar and Sandy Ngo Jing Ling from SJK (C) Min Te, Ayer Tawar were the first and second runners-up respectively.

For Category C, Cheah Chai En from SJK (C) New Kopisan, Gopeng was crowned champion and received a cash prize of RM150, while Lee Lok Him from SJK (C) Pei Yuan, Kampar and Lam Ke Qing from SJK (C) Chung Huah, Kampar were named first and second runners-up, receiving RM120 and RM80 respectively. Five consolation prize recipients each received RM50 in recognition of their creative efforts.

Expressing her appreciation, Organising Chairperson Ms Elaine Lau said, “It has been truly inspiring to witness the creativity, effort and meaningful messages conveyed through the students’ artworks in this year’s Peace Poster Competition. Each poster reflected the participants’ unique interpretation of peace, harmony and unity; values that our community continues to uphold.”

A parent of one of the participants, Mr Wong, shared his support, saying, “I’ll continue to support this event if it is organised again in the future. It provides great exposure for young children who are artistically inclined.”

The event concluded with smiles, laughter and vibrant artwork that not only decorated the hall but also served as a powerful reminder that peace begins with understanding, and that even the smallest hands can paint the biggest messages of unity.

Participants showcasing their creativity during the colouring contest

A young artist expressing creativity during the poster contest

Judges evaluating the posters (from left) Ms Ng Wah Leng, Ms Haw Ai Peng and Ms Foo Pik Yin

Group photo of the winners of Category A (Colouring Contest) with the organisers and distinguished guests

Group photo of the winners of Category B (Colouring Contest) with the organisers

Group photo of the winners of Category C (Peace Poster Contest) with their winning artworks