The Maybank Foundation Artist Fellowship Programme (MFAFP) empowers 12 ASEAN artists, enhances their artistic inspirations via cross-cultural immersions and highlights the cultural diversity of the ASEAN region.

As part of Maybank’s ongoing effort to drive ASEAN’s art industry forward, Balai Seni Maybank is currently hosting an exhibition themed ‘Those Who Make Tomorrow’ at Balai Seni Maybank. The exhibition is held as a result of the successful implementation of the inaugural Maybank Foundation Artist Fellowship Programme (MFAFP) 2023 held in Bali, Indonesia.

Dato’ Khairussaleh Ramli, President & Group CEO Maybank (Center in blazer) together with featured artists who participated in the Maybank Foundation Artist Fellowship Programme (MFAFP) 2023 where they showcased their artworks at the ‘Those Who Make Tomorrow’ exhibition at Balai Seni Maybank.

Those Who Make Tomorrow exhibition brings together a creative collision of 32 artworks from 12 emerging ASEAN artists from Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Philippines and Singapore which are expressed in paintings, animated videos, digital print and animation, ceramics, photo montages, creative art installations and performance art.

At the exhibition, visitors will be immersed by an array of contemporary art creations that portrays the expressions of conceptual frameworks of architecture, art, culture, visual narratives that communicate mythical stories, ceramic sculptures that capture the essence of offerings and sacrifices and traditional and modern imagery.

Krista Nogueras, an artist from the Philippines sharing a moment to explain to Dato’ Khairussaleh Ramli, President & Group CEO Maybank (Center in blazer) on her artwork titled ‘Divine Unraveling’.

The exhibition is a testament to the incredible journey of the ASEAN artists, showcasing their growth and the transformative impact of their experiences through the MFAFP. It offers a unique platform for the artist to showcase their creations, inspired by their enriching experiences in Bali as well as their self-preservation and reflection on their place and function within the expansive society.

Speaking at the recent launch event, Dato’ Khairussaleh, President & Group CEO Maybank said “With Maybank Foundation, our main social impact arm, the Balai Seni Art Series has now expanded its reach to support capacity building of emerging artists regionally within ASEAN through our inaugural fellowship programme – MFAFP. In support of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025, we are committed to lift the quality of life of the ASEAN people through cooperative activities that are people-oriented, people-centred, environmentally friendly, and geared towards the promotion of sustainable development.”

Chang Shanghai, artist from Cambodia (in white) presenting his artwork titled ‘Mind Cage’ to Dato’ Khairussaleh Ramli, President & Group CEO Maybank (Center in blazer).

Launched in November 2023, Maybank Foundation in partnership with Khai Hori, an internationally renowned curator from Chan + Hori Contemporary (Singapore), Chief Curators, Eriko Kimura and Taro Amano from the Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art and Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery, Japan and facilitators of local and regional mentors kick-started its inaugural MFAFP with workshops in Bali, Indonesia.

The aim of the workshops were to enhance the artists’ professional development through the sharing of artistic impressions and inspirations beyond their known knowledge and usual art mediums. Through the facilitations and networking with global art mentors and peers, the initiative serves as a stepping stone for the artists to be recognised within the ASEAN region.

With Bali being a renowned art haven, its uniqueness provided the perfect backdrop for the artists to immerse themselves in its rich cultural heritage. The 12 artists were paired with a total of 20 mentors, including local experts from diverse fields through immersive learning experiences at iconic Balinese locations and in-depth discussions. At sites such as the Pura Luhur Natar Sari temple, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces, the historic Tandjung Sari Hotel in Sanur, Bale Banjar MekarSari, a community hall in Ubud, the Museum Puri Lukisan in Ubud, and the still growing Jimbaran Hijau sustainable district in Jimbaran, participants delved deep into art, the impact of tourism, religion, culture, and socio-economic issues on society and the arts.

An artwork titled ‘Citizen to Heaven’ by artist Candrani Yulis from Indonesia, one of the many unique arts displayed at the ‘Those Who Make Tomorrow’ Exhibition at Balai Seni Maybank.

The participating artists for the ‘Those Who Make Tomorrow’ exhibition are Blank Malaysia (Malaysia); Chong Yan Chuah (Malaysia); Lith Ng Yee Leng (Malaysia); Paul Nickson Atia (Malaysia); Sarah Radzi (Malaysia); Candrani Yulis (Indonesia); Ruth Marbun (Indonesia), Chang Shanghai (Cambodia); Prak Dalin (Cambodia); Ella Mendoza (Philippines); Krista Nogueras (Philippines); and Naziya Nicole Phua (Singapore).

Prak Dalin, one of the participating artist of the exhibition said “This program introduced me to a new group of talented artists and great mentors who have helped broaden my perspective. Their sharing has been inspiring and motivating my practice to explore further and braver.”

Curator Khai Hori said “By supporting this exceptional and urgently needed artist fellowship and professional development program, the Maybank Foundation reaffirms its pioneering role as a cultural leader. Mentored by a diverse group of professionals including curators, gallerists, policymakers, urban developers, and cultural stakeholders, the Maybank Foundation Artist Fellowship departs from traditional, rigid learning structures, offering instead a dynamic, real-world experience. I am profoundly grateful to the Maybank Foundation for their steadfast support, collaborative spirit, and confidence in my role as a Southeast Asian curator.”

Izlyn Ramli, Head of Group Corporate Affairs and CEO of Maybank Foundation said "This unique exhibition not only highlights their creative achievements but also reinforces our dedication to promoting the cultural diversity of our region. Over the years, Maybank Foundation has supported numerous artists, photographers, graphic designers, and writers, by sponsoring and promoting a wide range of events to celebrate unique, diverse, and vibrant cultures locally and regionally under our commitment to Arts and Culture, which is part of Maybank Foundation’s broader Community Empowerment pillar. Touching the lives of over 800 artists in more than 35 exhibitions both physically and virtually to date, the Balai Seni Art Series programme provides a platform for emerging, young, and established artists to build capacity, showcase and market their talents, engage with the community and promote social values, among others.”

Paul Nickson Atia, a Malaysian artist explaining to Dato’ Khairussaleh Ramli, President & Group CEO Maybank and Izlyn Ramli, CEO Maybank Foundation on his artwork titled ‘One-Zero [10]’ at the ‘Those Who Make Tomorrow’ Exhibition in Balai Seni Maybank.

At the exhibition, the public will be able to participate in public sharing session programmes hosted by the MFAFP artists, the MFAFP curator, Khai Hori and the Balai Seni Negara curator on topics such as ‘The Female Journey’, ‘Performance Art’, ‘Curating the Maybank Artist Fellowship’, ‘Curating Those Who Make Tomorrow’ & ‘Working with Emerging Artist and Malaysian Artist Talks’.

The exhibition is open to the public starting from 6 to 23 August 2024 between 10:00am – 6:30pm (Mon –Friday), and 11AM – 4PM (Saturday), with no bookings or ticket purchases required. Although the displayed artwork is not for sale, art enthusiasts and members of the public are invited to experience the various artworks on display.