What does strength really mean to Malaysians?
According to the winners of the MR D.I.Y. 2026 Art Competition, it is not about brute force or grand displays of power. Instead, strength is found in the quiet moments of life – in family bonds, personal identity and the ability to adapt to change.
The annual competition, themed “Strength & Resilience”, attracted more than 900 entries from participants aged between eight and 61 from across Malaysia, including Sabah. The artworks offered a refreshing perspective on resilience, reflecting how Malaysians navigate life’s challenges while remaining grounded and connected to their roots.
Among the standout winners is Ng Chit Keong, whose artwork, Bayang dan Arah – Shadow and Direction, features a mechanical butterfly adorned with cultural and technological symbols. The piece explores how identity is shaped by diverse influences and portrays resilience through balance and adaptability rather than conflict.
In the Student Category, Brenda Goh Xsue Thoong captured hearts with Our Birthday, a touching tribute to childhood memories and the enduring strength of family relationships. Her artwork highlights how meaningful moments and emotional connections remain with us as time passes.
Meanwhile, established artist Chang Yoong Chia won for Weight of a Feather, an artwork inspired by the idea of balance. Through contrasting symbols such as an eagle and a bat, the piece reflects resilience as a journey of self-discovery and harmony.
The competition’s organisers noted that this year’s entries challenged conventional notions of strength, with many artists choosing to focus on perseverance, identity and human connection instead of conflict and dominance.
Beyond celebrating artistic talent, the competition also serves as a platform to nurture Malaysia’s creative ecosystem and showcase the stories that shape the nation’s identity. The top four winners in each category will now have the honour of representing Malaysia at the regional MR D.I.Y. Art Competition in Indonesia later this year.
For those keen to experience these inspiring works firsthand, the winning artworks are being exhibited at Galeri 2, Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, until 3 July.
At a time when the world often associates strength with power and competition, these Malaysian artists offer a timely reminder: true resilience may simply lie in staying true to oneself, cherishing family and finding balance amid life’s uncertainties./LOCCO
