Connect with us

Media OutReach

Youth In Action: 115,000 Young Malaysian Artists Illustrate A Greener Future For All

Published

on

  • Faber-Castell champions creativity and sustainability among young Malaysians, empowering environmental awareness and advocacy through art.
  • The Young Artist Award workshops saw a record-breaking four-year high in participation, reaching 77,000 students and 3,456 teachers across Malaysia.
PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA –
Mr. Andrew Woon, Managing Director of Faber-Castell Malaysia, with the top 30 finalists of the Faber-Castell Young Artist Award 2024.

Certified by the Malaysia Book of Records as the ‘Largest Young Artist Colouring Contest’, this year’s programme saw remarkable growth with submissions more than doubling from last year, garnering over 115,000 entries from schools nationwide.
In line with Faber-Castell’s commitment to sustainability, the Young Artist Award serves as a platform that encourages environmental advocacy and nurtures creativity among young artists. This year’s theme, “Ensuring Sustainable Growth Together”, inspired participants to imagine a greener future, fostering compassion, awareness, and responsibility for the environment through art.
Empowering Young Changemakers Through Art
The Young Artist Award 2024 welcomed entries across three age groups: Category A (5 to 8 years old), Category B (9 to 12 years old), and Category C (13 to 17 years old). Through three contest rounds, students engaged with environmental-focused topics and showcased their unique perspectives on sustainable practices through their art. Grand Winners in each category were awarded RM2,000, Faber-Castell products worth RM500, a custom trophy, and the title of Young Artist Ambassador for Faber-Castell Malaysia.

Empowering their creative journey, participants attended masterclasses led by expert artists from MY Art Studio and MY Craft Studio. Beyond art, each workshop embedded sustainability teachings alongside themes of eco-friendly living, empathy and community engagement. The workshops not only nurtured artistic talents, but also inspired participants to grow as responsible, compassionate individuals. For many, the workshops expanded their artistic skills and strengthened their understanding of environmental themes. Notably, over 77,000 students took part in the workshops, which were conducted both online and in person.
In line with this year’s contest theme of sustainability, Faber-Castell has also forged a partnership with Gamuda Land, an eco-friendly developer, to facilitate educational field trips and hands-on activities. Ahead of the final round, the top 30 finalists were invited to Paya Indah Wetlands, one of Malaysia’s protected Wetlands Reserve, where they joined handicraft workshops and explored the reserve’s natural landscapes, gaining an appreciation for Malaysia’s biodiversity and interconnected ecosystems. This immersive experience sparked new ideas, especially for urban students, enabling them to incorporate nature-inspired motifs into their artwork.
The Young Artist Award offers a two-pronged approach to enhance the teacher’s teaching techniques with the Art Experience Teacher’s Edition and the student’s learning process through the competition. The Art Experience Teacher’s Edition introduced teachers to different art materials and mediums to encourage creativity in the classroom. In 2024, the program has engaged over 3,456 teachers nationwide.

Young Voices for Environmental Change
The Young Artist Award encouraged students to look beyond traditional art, fostering critical thinking on sustainability and environmental advocacy. The programme culminated in a sustainability-themed colouring contest, where participants showcased their newly honed skills, reflecting their visions for a sustainable future. Their artworks embodied a deeper understanding of environmental issues, blending artistic skill with their commitment to change.
Chan Ellen, the Grand Winner of Category C (13 to 17 years old) shared that her piece reflects her ambition to become an environmental scientist. Featuring a vibrant depiction of nature and technology coexisting in harmony, Ellen envisions a future where innovation drives sustainability. “The workshops not only helped me hone my artistic skills but also inspired me to think deeply about how I can use my passion and future career to contribute to a greener world,” she said.

For Ooi Joelle, the Grand Winner of Category B (9 to 12 years old), the trip to Paya Indah Wetlands was an eye-opening experience that directly influenced her winning piece – a lush, thriving landscape intertwined with symbols of sustainable living. Joelle shared, “It was a meaningful and unforgettable trip that gave me a close-up view of nature’s beauty found in diverse flora and fauna. Through the blending techniques we learned in the workshops, I tried to capture that beauty in my art to show how important it is to protect our planet. I hope my piece inspires others to feel the same and care about ensuring our world stays vibrant and full of life.”
Another winner, Wong Ler En, Category A (5 to 8 years old) Grand Winner, imagined a future where people actively care for the planet. Her artwork showcases a world with solar panels, wind turbines, reforestation, and sustainable practices like reducing waste and conserving resources. “This contest made me think about all the small ways we can help the earth, like planting trees and using clean energy,” she explained. “The workshops taught me to use art to bring my ideas to life. I hope my artwork encourages others to take care of the earth and make it greener.”
“As both a parent and educator, I’ve seen the programme’s positive impact and growth in outreach over the years,” said Miss Lim Suk Wen, whose son is a participant this year and sibling to a 2022 Young Artist Award winner. “With environmental themes at the forefront, the Young Artist Award engages students, connecting their creativity with a sense of responsibility. This hands-on experience not only enriches their artistic skills, but also fosters a powerful lifelong appreciation for sustainability in the next generation.”
Mr. Andrew Woon, Managing Director of Faber-Castell Malaysia, expressed pride in the programme’s role in fostering environmental awareness and creativity among youth. “The future is in the hands of our children and empowering them as changemakers is vital. By combining creativity with environmental responsibility, programmes like the Young Artist Award help students gain confidence and find their own voices using mediums like colour pencils, poster colours and oil pastels. We hope they emerge not only as skilled artists but also as advocates for sustainability.”
Faber-Castell Malaysia is committed to expanding the Young Artist Award by actively engaging with schools nationwide, ensuring all Malaysian school children have the opportunity to participate. These efforts aim to promote more young voices for sustainability through art and empower the next generation of environmental advocates.
For a full list of winners and to view their respective artworks, log on their Facebook, Young Artist Award 2024 – Faber-Castell Young Artist Award (1, 2, 3)

Hashtag: #fabercastell

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Media OutReach

MarsLab Introduces Singapore-Based AI Inference Infrastructure Roadmap for Enterprise and Edge Deployment

Published

on

MarsLab outlines a system-first approach to AI inference infrastructure for enterprise and edge deployment scenarios.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 May 2026 – MarsLab Pte Ltd today introduced its Singapore-based AI inference infrastructure roadmap, focused on deployment-oriented systems for enterprise and edge AI workloads.
MarsLab takes a system-first approach to AI infrastructure, bringing together hardware systems, software stack integration, workload validation, and deployment economics. The company is focused on practical scenarios where AI inference needs to operate reliably across real-world environments, including enterprise applications, edge deployment, and industry-specific systems.
MarsLab’s near-term M100 platform is designed for commercial and system-level validation. The platform is intended to help the company evaluate real workloads, software behavior, integration requirements, operational constraints, and customer deployment needs. These learnings will support MarsLab’s longer-term M200 roadmap, which is planned as a future self-designed silicon direction informed by practical deployment data.
“We believe future AI infrastructure should be developed with a system-first mindset,” said Zhongwei Liao, CEO of MarsLab. “Before moving toward deeper technology roadmaps, it is important to understand real workloads, system integration requirements, and deployment economics in practical environments.”
MarsLab is building its presence in Singapore and engaging with partners across Southeast Asia’s semiconductor and AI infrastructure ecosystem. The company aims to support enterprises and technology partners seeking practical, efficient, and deployable AI inference infrastructure.

Hashtag: #AIInfrastructure #AIInference #EdgeAI #EnterpriseAI #Singapore


The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About MarsLab Pte Ltd

MarsLab Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based AI inference infrastructure company focused on enterprise and edge AI deployment scenarios. The company works across hardware systems, software stack integration, workload validation, and deployment economics, with a system-first approach to practical AI infrastructure.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

CP AXTRA Partners with Ayala to Strengthen Mall Development and Asset Management

Published

on

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 May 2026 – CP AXTRA Public Company Limited, the operator of ASEAN’s leading wholesaler – retailer Makro and Lotus’s, will strengthen mall development and asset management at Makro in Thailand under a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed with Ayala Corporation, one of the Philippines’ largest conglomerates. Through its consumer retail and mall arms, ACx Holdings Corporation (“ACx”) and AyalaLand Malls, Inc (“ALMI”), the partnership will also unlock greater shared value from CP AXTRA’s mall assets nationwide.

Under the agreement, ACx and ALMI will share methodologies and best practices in mall asset operations, leasing strategy and project development to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experience and maximize the long-term value of CP AXTRA’s land and assets, initially focusing on seven key stores of Makro. The parties will also explore future investment opportunities related to mall and asset development in Thailand, alongside collaborative initiatives for the development of new sites and the redevelopment of existing CP AXTRA sites across the country. This is the third agreement signed between CP AXTRA and Ayala, underscoring the strong partnership and continued collaboration between the two groups, following their previous agreements to operate Makro in the Philippines and expand regional business opportunities.

“This agreement with Ayala allows us to combine CP AXTRA’s deep understanding of the Thai retail market with Ayala’s decades of experience in developing and leasing shopping mall spaces. By applying proven methodologies to our Makro mall, we aim to elevate the standards of the retail environment we offer, not only improving the experience for our shoppers and tenants, but also fostering sustainable growth and creating long-term value for our asset and the surrounding community,” said Tanit Chearavanont, Group Chief Wholesale Business Officer, CP AXTRA Public Company Limited.

“This is another milestone in our growing relationship and collaboration with the CP Group. Through this partnership, we intend to leverage the complementary strengths of two leading conglomerates to create world-class retail and real estate developments across markets. This also marks Ayala’s entry into the Thailand market, giving us a strong opportunity not only to share our expertise, but also to gain valuable insights from one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and developed retail markets. More broadly, this partnership aligns with Ayala’s strategy of bringing the best of the world to the Philippines while showcasing the best of the Philippines to the world,” said Mark Uy, Managing Director and Group Head of Strategy and Business Development, Ayala Corporation.

“Makro’s nationwide footprint gives it a meaningful role in the everyday lives of Thai consumers. Our opportunity is to help turn that everyday relevance into places people choose to stay, explore, and return to. By combining CP AXTRA’s market knowledge with Ayala Malls’ experience in curating retail partners, improving customer journeys, and building community-oriented retail destinations, we believe these sites can become stronger platforms for shoppers, merchant partners, and long-term asset growth,” said Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Managing Director and Group Head of Leasing and Hospitality of Ayala Land.

The collaboration brings two complementary strengths together. CP AXTRA is one of ASEAN’s leading wholesale and retail operators, with more than 2,700 Makro and Lotus’s stores. The company is a regional leader in multi-format, omnichannel retail platforms across Southeast Asia and is advancing toward retail-tech company. ALMI, is one of the Philippines’ leading mall operators, managing 34 shopping centers recognized for their strong retail planning, curated tenant mix, and enhanced customer experience across Southeast Asia. With extensive expertise in leasing, mall operations, facility management, and mixed-use development, ALMI is well positioned to support CP AXTRA in maximizing the value and potential of its Makro mall assets in Thailand. Ayala Corporation also brings a broader consumer and enterprise ecosystem that can complement CP AXTRA’s regional retail expansion, while ACx, its consumer retail unit, adds perspective on evolving customer behavior, format innovation, and retail partnerships.

The MoC builds on the two groups’ existing strategic partnership, which began in 2025 with the formation of CP AXTRA AC CORPORATION to operate Makro stores in the Philippines and was expanded to include a wider range of collaborative opportunities. This new agreement deepens that partnership further, marking the first time Ayala will bring its mall development and leasing expertise directly to CP AXTRA’s operations in Thailand.

Hashtag: #CPAXTRA

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About CP AXTRA

CP AXTRA Public Company Limited, is an operator of Asia’s leading wholesaler and retailer, Makro and Lotus’s. The Company is based in Thailand, with operation across 10 countries. CP AXTRA is committed to fulfilling people’s lives with good health, love, joy, and well-being, by providing solutions and meeting customers’ daily needs with technology, innovation, and operational excellence. With over 30 years of retail experience, CP AXTRA is a trusted partner for both B2B and B2C customers, offering a comprehensive range of products and services. Today, it manages over 2,700 offline stores in Thailand and Asia, with strong online presence.

About Ayala Corporation

For more than 190 years, Ayala Corporation has been building businesses that enable people to thrive.
Ayala, currently one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines, has meaningful presence in real estate, banking, digital services and telecommunications, and renewable energy. It likewise has a growing presence in healthcare, mobility, and logistics as well as investments in industrial technologies, education, and other ventures. Ayala manages its corporate social responsibility initiatives through Ayala Foundation.

About Ayala Malls

Ayala Malls is the premier lifestyle mall network in the Philippines, known for creating vibrant, well-curated destinations that bring together shopping, dining, culture, and community experiences. With 34 malls nationwide, Ayala Malls continues to lead in elevating the Filipino retail experience by offering a diverse mix of global and local brands, innovative spaces, and enriching events that celebrate local creativity and inclusivity. As part of Ayala Land, the country’s leading real estate developer, Ayala Malls is committed to building dynamic, sustainable spaces where people can connect, thrive, and enjoy life’s everyday moments.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

Aon Brings Leadership Forum to Manila to Help Organisations Navigate Risks and Drive Growth

Published

on

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 May 2026 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, is today hosting its Better Decisions Leadership Forum in Manila, bringing together senior business leaders to discuss how organisations can navigate from risk to resilience and growth in an increasingly complex environment. The invitation-only forum is taking place at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati.

The event is expected to convene more than 70 C-suite and senior business leaders from top organisations across the Philippines for a closed-door exchange on managing economic, workforce, climate and operational pressures. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the forum aims to foster practical insights and strategies that help organisations navigate uncertainty, protect their businesses and drive sustainable growth.

The program will be officially opened by Karl Hamann, CEO of Philippines for Aon, followed by a keynote from Andrew Jeffries, country director for the Asian Development Bank on the macroeconomic and geopolitical trends shaping the business environment.

Notable speakers include Terence Williams, head of Commercial Risk in Asia Pacific for Aon, and other firm executives alongside external regional leaders, including Annacel Natividad, chief risk officer and sustainability head for Aboitiz Foods Group, and Raymond Martin Aguilar, vice president and head of risk and property management for Globe Telecom, Inc.

“This forum reflects a fundamental shift in how organisations are evolving their approach to risk,” said Williams. “Across Asia Pacific, we are seeing a growing focus on using data and analytics to understand trade-offs, test scenarios and act with greater confidence. Bringing leaders together to share practical experience is critical to strengthening resilience while continuing to drive growth.”

A central feature of the forum will be a C-suite panel on adaptive leadership in a digital world, where senior leaders will share how they are balancing risk, resilience and growth, and the decisions shaping their organisations today. The session will be moderated by Irma Gaviola, head of Commercial Risk, Philippines for Aon.

The program will include risk masterclasses focused on key enterprise exposures, including cyber and climate risks, exploring how organisations can quantify risk, strengthen resilience and design more effective risk transfer strategies.

Participants will also be introduced to Aon’s Risk Analyzers, an interactive environment where clients can experience a suite of analytics-led tools that support scenario testing and supports better risk capital decisions. The tools are designed to help organisations assess exposures and evaluate strategic choices in real time.

“The Philippines sits at the intersection of strong economic growth and increasing risk complexity, said Hamann. “This forum creates a space for candid dialogue and practical insights to help organisations navigate risk with greater clarity and confidence.”

The Better Decisions Leadership Forum is part of Aon’s ongoing commitment to helping organisations turn insight into action – enabling more informed decision-making to protect and grow their business.

Hashtag: #Aon

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Aon

(NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.

Follow Aon on and sign up for news alerts .

Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.

Continue Reading

Trending