Armed with crayons, colour pencils, watercolours or fabric paints, children can draw inspiration from familiar landmarks, traditional celebrations and cultural heritage to depict colourful visual stories.
Their medium is the cardboard figure of the sun bear, mascot of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
The children’s interpretation of Malaysian culture, traditions, nature, food and everyday life is part of the “100 Sun Bears, 100 Malaysian Stories” showcase at Artsense Carnival which will take place from Sept 4 to 6.
Selangor Tourism chief executive officer Chua Yee Ling said children’s artworks offered more than creative expression.
“They provide a glimpse into how the country’s next generation sees, understands and interprets the nation’s rich cultural landscape.
“Children exposed to simple artworks, drawing iconic buildings and colouring cardboard mascots allow them to capture elements of Malaysia’s heritage through their own distinctive perspectives,” she said at the soft launch of the carnival, themed “Colours of Malaysia”, in Petaling Jaya.
“The approach highlights the role of creative activities in making heritage more accessible and meaningful to children.
“Rather than simply learning about history and culture through books, young participants are encouraged to engage with it through observation, imagination and hands-on creativity.”
Chua said the painting activity gave the children the freedom to experiment with colours and contemporary interpretations.
“Such initiatives can help nurture a stronger sense of appreciation and ownership of Malaysia’s cultural heritage among younger generations.
“Through their colourful interpretations, children are not merely depicting the country as it is today.
“They are also contributing to a fresh and evolving narrative, one in which culture and tourism are experienced through the eyes of the generation that will carry these traditions into the future,” she said.
Artsense Edu Sdn Bhd founder and director Shawn Yap Chun Siong said the carnival aimed to give children a platform to express their understanding of Malaysia through art.
“It provides children a platform to share their creativity and their perspective of Malaysia.
“Through their artwork, we hope they can discover and express the culture, places and stories that make our country unique.”
The launch event also saw children from National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) taking part in an activity to colour in cardboard figures of the sun bear mascots.
The carnival is a collaboration between Artsense and Tourism Selangor, hosted by Megah Rise Mall in Petaling Jaya.
It is open from 6pm to 9.30pm on Sept 4, and 10am to 9.30pm on Sept 5 and 6. Entry is free.
