SHAH ALAM, July 1 (Bernama) -- The 2026 Kreatif Aspirasi Reka (AKAR) Awards, organised by Yayasan KRU, has been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) after recording the largest participation of preschool children in a nationwide colouring competition.
Over 153,000 children from KEMAS and Unity kindergartens took part in the competition, which was held simultaneously nationwide.
The programme was supported by the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) and organised in collaboration with the Education Ministry (MOE), the Community Development Department (KEMAS) and the Department of National Unity and National Integration (JPNIN).
Yayasan KRU Board of Trustees president Datuk Norman Abdul Halim said the achievement marked a significant milestone made possible through the support of various parties, with the programme not only nurturing children's creativity but also promoting environmental conservation through the "I Love Orangutans" campaign.
"Alhamdulillah, today is a historic day for Yayasan KRU. Our aim is to nurture children's interest in creativity while raising awareness of environmental conservation," he told reporters after the official launch of AKAR 2026 here today.
Norman said prize money, totalling about RM100,000 at the state and national levels, would be credited into the winners' National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN) accounts.
He said the first, second and third prize winners from each state would advance to the national finals in Putrajaya on Aug 29 to compete for the top prize of RM3,000.
Meanwhile, KEMAS director-general Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man said creativity is an essential skill in developing a competitive generation.
"I would like to congratulate Yayasan KRU on organising AKAR 2026 and express my appreciation to all KEMAS preschool staff for successfully organising the competition simultaneously nationwide," he said.
Also present were JPNIN director-general Datuk Zulkifli Hashim and PTPTN chief executive Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid.
-- BERNAMA
