This Merdeka amidst the background of a new norm, Beaconhouse School group – one of the world’s largest private and international school networks, has uplifted spirits, fostered patriotism and driven home the vital message of staying safe in these COVID-19 times amongst its students in Malaysia.
Coming off months of being cooped up at home and determinedly trying to adapt to the new normal through online classes during the Movement Control Order (MCO), Beaconhouse has taken this month of independence as an opportunity to excite and unite students.
The Mask for Malaysia inter-school facemask design competition engaged students at a very real and basic level by utilising what is now an everyday accessory – the facemask, as a canvas to unmask the students’ creativity, nationalism, and sense of unity.
“This year, instead of just waving the national flag, we wanted to let the children show their unity & solidarity for our country as we continue our collective fight against COVID-19 using what has become the symbol of this precautionary era, the facemask,” said Alister Bartholomew, Regional Director Southeast Asia, Beaconhouse School.
The contest comprising of 4 categories – representing different age groups, garnered a lot of interest with over 2000 submissions from the students and 22 designs were shortlisted. As a reward for their expression of national pride and unity the winners from each category received an RM300 cash prize.
Tham Chuan Jin – Category A
Winning designs for the competition were unveiled with Tham Chuan Jin, aged 6 years old from Beaconhouse Bunga Raya Klang won the first prize in the 6 to 8-year-old category by designing a sequin filled facemask that captured the national colours and the iconic hibiscus flower.
Meanwhile, Chong Carlyn, aged 11 from Beaconhouse Sri Murni National School, took home the winning design in the 9 to 11-year-old category with an innovative 3 mask-spanning design. The design also featured iconic Malaysian landmarks as well as the national flag and was anchored by depictions of front-liners – the heroes of this Merdeka.
Chong Carlyn – Category B
“I know things have been very different and difficult this year because of all that has happened. I’m glad that in our own way through the Masks for Malaysia contest we were able to celebrate Malaysia and show our creativity. We wear masks everyday now, everywhere we go – so I’m happy that I can now go around in my special Malaysia inspired mask!” said Carlyn, winner of the 9 to 11-year-old category.
Dhurjaya Kumar – Category C
Meanwhile, Dhurjaya Kumar, aged 13 from Beaconhouse Sri Inai International School came out tops in the 12 to 14-year-old category. The distinctive Beaconhouse logo formed the centrepiece of the dynamic and vivid design. The design showcased an eclectic combination of iconic Malaysian imagery from the Petronas Twin Towers and the Sarawakian Hornbill to the immense Rafflesia and the majestic Leatherback Turtle.
Finally, Melina Charu Joseph, aged 16 from Beaconhouse Sri Inai International School won in the 15 to 17-year-old category. The captivating artwork showcased the iconic Harimau Malaya and national flower, hibiscus. Expressing skillful strokes of watercolour art, the design holds a strong a meaningful message with the Malayan tiger symbolising bravery, strength and grandeur surrounded by hibiscus being the celebratory flower showing the life and the rapid growth of Malaysians.
Melina Charu Joseph – Category D
“We are very proud of the submissions we have gotten and are wowed by the winning designs. Our Mask for Malaysia contest got the students to engage with their artistic sides whilst simultaneously providing us with a platform to drive home the importance of wearing facemasks and staying safe. In this way the contest aligns perfectly with this year’s National Day theme of Malaysia Prihatin and we are proud to play our role in inculcating a more conscious and caring society whilst simultaneously fanning the flames of patriotism,” Alister added.
For further information on the Beaconhouse Group of Schools please visit www.beaconhouse.edu.my.
