JAPEN Invites Public To Showcase Patriotism Through 2025 National Day, Malaysia Day Art Contests

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- The Information Department (JAPEN) is once again inviting the public to showcase their creativity and patriotic spirit through two visual arts contests in conjunction with the 2025 National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) celebrations.

The Klik@Merdeka photography contest and the MyDoodle@Merdeka colouring and drawing competition will run from Aug 1 to Sept 1, with entries to be submitted via the official portal, www.merdeka360.my.

JAPEN senior deputy director of the Visual Communication and Design Division, Nor Azli Mohd Nor Azian, said both competitions were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and have remained relevant, drawing strong participation each year.

“We received more than 80,000 entries for the colouring and drawing competition and over 5,000 for Klik@Merdeka at the time. The contests continue to this day, and we welcome the public to take part,” he said during Bernama TV’s Apa Khabar Malaysia programme today.

The Klik@Merdeka contest is open to Malaysians aged 15 and above, with photographic submissions required to capture the spirit of independence in line with the HKHM 2025 theme “Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni” and the values of the Rukun Negara.

Entries for Klik@Merdeka may be captured using a smartphone, DSLR camera, or any other recording device. Judges will be looking for fresh, original moments and novel ideas, said Nor Azli.

The grand prize, runner-up, and third-place winners will receive RM3,000, RM2,000, and RM1,000 in cash, respectively, as well as five consolation prizes of RM500 each. All winners will also receive a plaque and a certificate of appreciation.

As for the MyDoodle@Merdeka competition, Nor Azli said it is divided into a colouring contest for primary school pupils and a drawing contest for secondary school students.

The primary school category is divided into two age groups, seven to nine, and 10 to 12, with participants limited to using colour pencils. The drawings, provided by the organisers, can be downloaded from the competition portal.

For secondary school students aged 13 to 17, participants are free to draw using any medium of their choice, provided the artwork is sized A3 and reflects this year’s independence theme.

Further information and registration details are available at www.merdeka360.my.

-- BERNAMA