Yayasan KRU has launched a new nationwide initiative aimed at discovering and empowering creative talent among Malaysian children and youth called Anugerah Kreatif Aspirasi Reka (Akar) 2026.
The programme will begin by focusing on preschool and primary school students through drawing and colouring competitions centred on environmental conservation.
The initiative is carried out in collaboration with National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM), the Community Development Department (Kemas) and the National Unity and National Integration Department (JPNIN).
According to Datuk Norman Abdul Halim, President of Yayasan KRU’s Board of Trustees, the programme is designed to cultivate creativity and innovation from a young age while instilling awareness on environmental sustainability.
“Akar is a national platform designed to cultivate creativity and innovation from a young age. Through this inclusive approach, we aim not only to uncover talent, but also to shape a generation that is more responsible, competitive and conscious of global issues such as environmental preservation,” he said.
Norman added that Yayasan KRU plans to expand the programme to secondary schools and higher education institutions within the next two years as part of its long-term vision to develop a sustainable creative talent ecosystem.
One of the key components of Akar 2026 is its collaboration with PTPTN for a nationwide roadshow involving 40 schools in June and July this year.
Winners will receive prizes in the form of savings deposited into the National Education Savings Scheme (Simpan SSPN), as well as trophies and certificates.
During the launch, Norman also shared the official Akar logo and slogan, “Reaching for the Sky, Rooted to the Earth”.
For more information go to Yayasan KRU's offcial website.
