Juniper
Two thought-provoking artworks exploring memory, culture, and resilience were crowned the Grand Prize winners of the MR D.I.Y. Art Competition 2025, reflecting the competition’s theme, “Identity and Diversity”.
The winning masterpieces – one using old photographs and mixed media to explore heritage and cultural preservation, and the other chronicling a personal and national journey through the COVID-19 pandemic – stood out among more than 1,000 entries submitted by artists nationwide.
Now in its fourth year, the annual art competition is organised by MR D.I.Y. Group [M] Berhad, Malaysia’s largest home improvement retailer, in partnership with its philanthropic arm, Yayasan MR D.I.Y. The works of 41 talented Malaysian artists were recognised at a prize-giving ceremony held yesterday at KEN Gallery, Menara KEN TTDI. More than RM200,000 in cash prizes were awarded, including RM30,000 and RM10,000 for the Grand Prize winners in the Public and Education categories, respectively.
Commenting on the initiative, MR D.I.Y. Group’s Chief Executive Officer [CEO], Adrian Ong said, “The MR D.I.Y Art Competition celebrates the power of art to spark thought, connect communities, and inspire change. This year’s theme, ‘Identity and Diversity,’ encouraged artists to reflect on personal and collective identities in today’s global society.
We hope their work inspires Malaysians to embrace our differences, appreciate our shared stories, and view the world with greater empathy.” He added that as Malaysia’s favourite home improvement retailer, MR D.I.Y was proud to support local talent by offering a meaningful platform for artists to share their ideas, stories, and creativity.
This year marks the first time the MR D.I.Y Art Competition is expanding regionally. The national winners announced today will now represent Malaysia at the regional level of the competition, offering them a broader platform and international exposure.
“We are thrilled to take this next step, giving our artists a bigger stage to shine and be celebrated across the region,” said Ong. “The opportunities this presents for artists across Asia are tremendous, and are one of the ways in which we add value to the communities we operate in.”
The Public Category Grand Prize was awarded to Mohd Al-Khuzairie Ali, 41, for his artwork “In the Mood of Love, Time and Memory”. Using mixed media and vintage photographs, Al-Khuzairie explored the intersections of time, memory, and identity. The piece celebrates Malaysia’s rich cultural fabric while calling attention to the importance of heritage in an ever-changing world. Judges praised the work for its emotional depth, textured layers, and strong visual storytelling.
In the Education Institution Category, Nasrin Nadhirah Suhaidi, 21, a student from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Seri Iskandar, Perak, won for her powerful piece “Harapan”. Her artwork captures her personal experience of loss during the pandemic, including the passing of her mother, while honouring the collective strength and resilience of Malaysians. Judges described the painting as “profoundly moving and quietly hopeful.”
The winners received cash prizes of RM30,000 (in the public category) and RM10,000 (in the education category) respectively. They will be joined at the regional finals by the winners of the CEO Award and Founder’s Choice Award.
The judging panel for the 2025 edition included renowned artists Bingley Sim, Liong Mei Yin, Yap Sau Bin, and Ivan Gabriel, alongside MR D.I.Y. Group’s Founder and Advisor, Tan Yu Yeh, and CEO Adrian Ong.
The public is invited to view the winning artworks at KEN Gallery, Menara KEN TTDI, from 23 to 28 May 2025.
Launched in 2022, the MR D.I.Y. Art Competition aims to nurture homegrown artistic talent and foster a vibrant, inclusive creative ecosystem in Malaysia. Through this platform, MR D.I.Y. and Yayasan MR D.I.Y. continue to champion arts and culture as powerful drivers of community, identity, and social connection.
For a full list of the winners and more information on the MR D.I.Y. Art Competition, visit the website, mrdiy.com, and social media pages, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
