Graphic designer clinches RM3,000 prize in Komtar logo design contest

Winning design: Zulkifli showing his artwork that won him the first prize in the Komtar Logo Creation Competition.

FREELANCE graphic designer Zulkifli Harun, a Penangite, had always wanted to contribute to his home state although he has been living in Kuala Lumpur for years.

When he chanced upon the Komtar Logo Creation Competition, the 42-year-old knew it was his opportunity and sprang into action immediately, spending three hours working on his masterpiece.

His effort earned him RM3,000 and his best prize was leaving his mark on Komtar, Penang’s iconic tower.

“I am glad to have won the competition. It is a dream come true for me to give back to my hometown.

“My artwork reflects simplicity, just the way how we carry out our daily routines in Penang here.

“Besides, the colour red also symbolises ‘ong’ (the hokkien word for auspicious) to the Chinese,” he said after receiving a cheque from Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

Four others who won RM500 each were Owen O.W. Chong Boon, 51, Ler Hui Min, 23, Nik Mohd Fadhil Mohamed, 32, and Yew Souf, 41.

The competition to create a logo for Penang’s 40-year-old Komtar tower was open to all Malaysians.

It was organised by PDC Setia Urus Sdn Bhd, the management company of Komtar.

PDC Setia’s chief executive officer Ang Choo Hong had said the competition was aimed at revitalising the tower with a visual image of a logo to capture the attention of the public.

Lim said the competition was part of the state’s rebranding exercise for Komtar, the tallest building in the state.

“It is not just an administration office or shopping complex, but a symbol and pride of Penang since the 1980s.

“It is our part of our effort to ensure Komtar remains as a symbol of prosperity,” he said.