From Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok to Jakarta: Southeast Asia’s Artistic Heart Beats as One
This November, the usually bustling MR D.I.Y. Plus in Mid Valley Kuala Lumpur felt different.
Warmer. Brighter. Alive.
Not because of a sale or a product launch, but because Southeast Asia’s colours, cultures, and stories stepped into the spotlight at the first-ever MR D.I.Y. Regional Art Competition 2025.
The theme, “Identity & Diversity,” set the stage for a celebration of who we are as a region:
a tapestry of histories, languages, traditions, and lived experiences, woven together by creativity.
For the first time, artists from Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia stood side by side, their artworks sharing a visual conversation across borders.
A Regional Stage for Southeast Asia’s Rising Voices
Launched originally in 2022 as a Malaysia-only initiative, the MR D.I.Y. Art Competition quickly proved that the region was hungry for more spaces like this- places where creativity is nurtured, celebrated, and shared.
2025 marks a milestone.
A regional expansion.
A collective moment.
The MR D.I.Y. Regional Art Exhibition, running from 12–17 November, showcases the national winners from each country. Their artworks reach beyond aesthetics- they narrate lineage, identity, migration, folklore, memory, and the everyday beauty of Southeast Asian life.
Visitors wandering through the exhibition find themselves moving between worlds; each piece a doorway into an artist’s personal interpretation of heritage and belonging.
Meet the Regional Grand Prize Winners
After a rigorous judging session on 30 October- featuring nine esteemed judges representing all three countries- two standout artists emerged as regional champions.
The panel from Malaysia consisted of Ivan Gabriel, Bingley Sim and Liong Mei Yin. From Thailand, the panel comprised of Vichaya Mukdamanee, Subhachog Jumsai Na Ayudhya, and Watjanasin Charuwattanakitti, while Indonesia was represented by Ristyo Hartanto, Budhy Irawati, and Haryadi Tandio.
🏆 Grand Prize, Public Category
Mohd Al-Khuzairie (Malaysia)
Artwork: “In the Mood for Love: Time and Memory”
A moving visual meditation on nostalgia, longing, and the emotional landscapes we inherit through time.
🏆 Grand Prize, Educational Category
Diandra Lamees (Indonesia)
Artwork: “Upacara Imlek Versiku”
A vibrant, expressive depiction of heritage through the lens of personal interpretation, capturing both tradition and its evolving modern context.
These artworks didn’t just win prizes- they resonated deeply with the judges and audience, reminding everyone that identity is both shared and uniquely lived.
A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Connection
What makes this initiative truly meaningful isn’t just the awards, but the intention behind it.
MR D.I.Y. Group CEO, Adrian Ong, summed it up perfectly:
“This competition represents more than just art – it’s a celebration of who we are as a region. By connecting artists from different countries, we hope to inspire more creativity, understanding, and appreciation of the diverse cultures that make up Southeast Asia.”
In a world where borders often separate us, art brings us back together.
This competition proves that storytelling can transcend geography, and that Southeast Asia’s creative future is bright, bold, and deeply interconnected.
A Growing Movement for Creative Expression
Since its launch, the MR D.I.Y. Art Competition has been more than a contest.
It’s become:
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a platform for emerging artists
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a catalyst for cultural exchange
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a spark for conversations about identity
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and a celebration of community-driven creativity
By opening the competition to the region, MR D.I.Y. continues its mission of empowering local creatives, proving that even a brand rooted in hardware and home essentials can help build something far more meaningful: a thriving artistic ecosystem.
Visit the Exhibition & Explore the Winners
The exhibition is open to the public until 17 November 2025 at MR D.I.Y. Plus, Mid Valley KL.
To view the full list of winners and learn more about the competition, visit:
📎 mrdiy.com
📱 Watch the Facebook reel here
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