Wun Ju (centre) receiving her prize from Sultan Ismail Library’s senior librarian Tengku Tarmizi Tengku Aziz while Woo (left) looks on.
SECONDARY school student Tan Wun Ju let her passion for art shine through when creating a watercolour painting that reflected her idea of peace.
The 17-year-old from SMK Dato’ Usman Awang in Taman Perling, Johor Baru, who came out tops in her category at the International Loving Peace Art Competition, spent about two hours to complete her painting.
“I was inspired by the dove and olive branch, which are symbols of peace.
“I decided to paint children to represent the different races in Malaysia and show the importance of planting the seeds of kindness in the younger generation, in line with the competition’s theme,” she said.
The Form Five student said she found out about the competition from her teachers and decided to take part as she had always been passionate about art.
She said studying in the science stream did not stop her from pursuing her interest as she took art as an additional subject.
“I enjoy creating pieces using watercolour, acrylic paint and crayons. My parents and teachers have been supportive of my participation in competitions.
“My most memorable awards were the two gold prizes I won separately at the China (Hangzhou) International Children’s Comics Contest.
“Now I stand another chance at representing Malaysia for an international competition in South Korea,” said Wun Ju.
She was among some 200 students who took part in the competition, organised by International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Malaysia at Sultan Ismail Library in Johor Baru, Johor.
IWPG Malaysia president Woo Sow Pheng said the competition – which was held physically and online – was themed “World united by the light of peace” where participants were free to draw or paint their own interpretation of it.
She said the competition was divided into three categories – for children aged seven to 12 (category A), 13 to 15 (category B) and 16 to 17 (category C).
“One participant from each category was named the winner during the physical event where we gave out certificates, hampers and fast food vouchers.
“The winners from each category will represent Malaysia in the 4th IWPG International Loving Peace Art Competition, which will be held in Seoul in November,” she said.
SMK Mohd Khalid student Nor Laila Mawaddah Aziz, 15, said she was overjoyed to be named the winner of category B as she had never won an art competition before.
“I did not expect to win because I have never won despite participating in many competitions before this.
“Hopefully, I will get picked to represent Malaysia in South Korea.
“I used my own creativity to come up with a colourful piece of artwork using crayon, which is my favourite art medium,” said the teenager.
Meanwhile, category A winner Chiam En Qi, 12, said she was excited just to be able to participate in an art contest again.
“Before Covid-19, I used to take part in art competitions regularly. I am thrilled to be part of one again.
“I am keeping my expectations low so I will not be disappointed if I do not get selected.
“I saw many wonderful drawings created by the other participants,” added the pupil from SJKC Pu Sze in Skudai, Johor Baru.
Wun Ju (centre) receiving her prize from Sultan Ismail Library’s senior librarian Tengku Tarmizi Tengku Aziz while Woo (left) looks on.
Nor Laila says she is overjoyed to be named the winner of category B of the International Loving Peace Art Competition.
En Qi showing her winning artwork for the competition.
