Strength does not always come from overcoming conflict. Sometimes it is found in family, identity, balance and the determination to keep moving forward. That was the message shared by many of the winning artworks at the MR D.I.Y. Art Competition 2026, where artists redefined what resilience means through deeply personal and meaningful creations.
Organised as part of MR D.I.Y.’s ongoing commitment to supporting Malaysia’s creative community, this year’s competition invited participants to interpret the theme “Strength & Resilience” from their own perspectives. More than 900 entries were received from artists aged between 8 and 61, making it one of the competition’s biggest editions to date.
Artists Share New Perspectives on Strength
Rather than portraying physical power or dramatic struggles, many of this year’s winning pieces explored quieter forms of resilience.
The artworks reflected how Malaysians find strength through adaptability, emotional connections and staying true to their identity despite life’s changing circumstances. According to MR D.I.Y. Chief Executive Officer Adrian Ong, the entries demonstrated that resilience is often found in everyday moments rather than extraordinary events.
He said the competition continues to provide local artists with a platform to tell stories that reflect the values and experiences shared by communities across Malaysia.
Winning Artworks Celebrate Identity, Family and Balance
The Public Category grand prize went to Ng Chit Keong for Bayang dan Arah – Shadow and Direction. Featuring a mechanical butterfly filled with cultural and technological symbols, the artwork explores how identity evolves while remaining grounded through balance and adaptability.
In the Student Category, Brenda Goh Xsue Thoong received the grand prize for Our Birthday, a heartfelt piece inspired by childhood memories and the enduring strength found in family relationships.
Meanwhile, Chang Yoong Chia won the Established Artists Category with Weight of a Feather. Using contrasting symbols such as an eagle and a bat, the artwork reflects how resilience can emerge through accepting different perspectives and finding harmony in life’s opposing forces.
Supporting Malaysia’s Creative Community
Since its launch in 2022, the MR D.I.Y. Art Competition has become an important platform for discovering and nurturing local artistic talent.
This year’s competition attracted participants from across the country, including Sabah, highlighting the growing interest in creative expression among Malaysians of all ages. The top four winners in each category will also represent Malaysia at the regional MR D.I.Y. Art Competition in Indonesia later this year.
The winning artworks are currently on display at Galeri 2, Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, until 3 July 2026, giving members of the public an opportunity to experience the artworks up close.
Celebrating Creativity That Brings Communities Together
Arts and culture continue to play an important role in preserving identity, encouraging creativity and strengthening communities across Malaysia and the wider region.
For more information about the competition, visit https://www.mrdiy.com or follow MR D.I.Y. Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, XiaoHongShu, X and YouTube.
