The 2011 MEA Award and Exhibition Held at WKSGM

A group photo with winning artists and guests

The second biennial Malaysian Emerging Artists Awards (MEAA) exhibition was opened on November 20, 2011 at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM (WKSGM). Co-organised by House of Matahati, Galeri Chandan and Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) with support from 30 Artfriends consisting of thirty art collectors, the event showcased 91 selected artworks submitted by 39 finalists for the award. The works were rich in diversity, styles and media. The first exhibition was held in WKSGM in 2009. This time, the exhibition ran from November 12 to 27 at the Soka Exhibition Hall, ground floor, WKSGM.

In his welcome remarks, SGM Deputy President Liu Cheng Choong highlighted the role of art in bridging the different cultures in Malaysia and fostering unity among races.

In his speech, En Mohammad Nazli, Managing Director of Galeri Chandan, mentioned that he believed that the most impartial way to advocate unity is through art.

On hand to open the exhibition was Ambassador Dato Mohd Yusof Ahmad, the Director-General of National Visual Arts Gallery. In his opening address, he thanked the organisers for their commitment in organising the second exhibition. He also mentioned that the event could form a platform to encourage and nurture emerging Malaysian artists by offering them vital exposure during the formative years of their careers.

The five winning artists were Chong Ai Lei, Muhammad Syahhbandi Samat, Ng Swee Keat, Sun Kang Jye and Tan Hong Shiun. Each of them received cash prizes, vouchers for art materials and a 10-day travel grant to a city in Southeast Asia with opportunities to showcase their artworks.