In a recent showcase at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the creative talents of Malaysian university students took center stage with the exhibition of two distinctive artworks. These pieces, crafted as part of the HONOR Talents initiative, stood out among a curated collection of Chinese dragon-themed artworks from around the globe. The event, titled “Dragons Soaring Across Four Seas, Welcoming the Lunar New Year Together,” served as a platform to celebrate cultural heritage, landmarks, and myths from participating countries.
Representing Malaysia were Zyed Hamidi Zainal Abidin from Universiti Teknologi MARA, and a team from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman comprising Hoh Sheng Yue and Sheanne Chin Seng Wei. Their inclusion among the 28 selected HONOR Talents designers worldwide underscored Malaysia’s presence on the global artistic stage.
One of the showcased artworks, titled “Year of Dragon: Prosperity at Its Peak,” was crafted by Hoh Sheng Yue and Sheanne Chin Seng. Inspired by Malaysia’s traditional Chinese salad, Yee Sang, the piece symbolized prosperity and good fortune. Depicting a dragon tossing the salad ingredients high into the air, the artwork creatively incorporated iconic Malaysian landmarks such as the KL Tower.
Another notable artwork, “Soaring in The Sky Together: A Memorial of Understanding and Friendship,” was created by Zyed Hamidi. This piece served as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, representing unity, luck, and the shared cultural diversity between the two nations.
The HONOR Talents initiative, established in 2020, serves as a platform for nurturing and recognizing youthful creativity. Through contests and exhibitions, it provides aspiring talents with opportunities to showcase their skills and artistic vision on a global platform.
The remarkable global participation in the 2023 HONOR Global Design Competition, with over 12,000 submissions from more than 40 countries and regions and 240 universities, highlights the initiative’s success in fostering international collaboration and artistic exchange.