The Maybank Foundation Artist Fellowship Programme (MFAFP) 2024 continues to empower ASEAN artists, nurturing talent and strengthening cultural connections within the ASEAN region
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. Zamzamzairani, Chairman of Maybank and Maybank Foundation (center in blue batik), Dato’ Khairussaleh Ramli President & Group CEO of Maybank (center right in blazer) and honourable attendees catching a light moment with featured artists of the Maybank Foundation Artist Fellowship Programme (MFAFP) 2024 where they showcased their artworks at the “Form Before Fusion” exhibition at Balai Seni Maybank.
As part of Maybank’s ongoing commitment in nurturing artistic development of ASEAN talents, Maybank Foundation, the social impact arm of Maybank Group recently launched the Maybank Foundation Artist Fellowship Programme (MFAFP) 2024 “Form Before Fusion” exhibition at Balai Seni Maybank. The exhibition is held following the successful completion of the second MFAFP held in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.
The theme “Form Before Fusion,” is a profound tribute to the journeys of ASEAN artists. It highlights the essential foundations of artistic practice—the distinct identities, traditions, and perspectives that form the base of their creativity—before blending into a harmonious collective expression. The exhibition underscores the value of process over product, where collaboration, engagement, and shared experiences are as vital as the final creation.
This celebration of organic growth reaffirms Maybank’s commitment to nurturing artistic development, fostering cross-border connections, and amplifying the unifying power of art.
The exhibition brings together 11 artworks from 11 emerging ASEAN artists from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos which are expressed in the forms of visual and mixed media artworks, installations, sculptures and performance art. The artworks also incorporate sustainable materials and techniques, reflecting the theme of individual artistry and cultural fusion.
At the exhibition, visitors will get to experience an array of contemporary art creations and performances inspired by their journey during the October 2023 MFAFP incubation programme. It also portrays the expressions of artist’s heritage and individuality and how it influences their creations, reflecting ASEAN’s vibrant cultural mosaic.
The launch of the “Form Before Fusion,” exhibition saw the attendance of Tan Sri Dato' Sri Ir. Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, Chairman of Maybank and Maybank Foundation, Dato’ Khairussaleh Ramli, President and Group CEO Maybank, Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, Trustee of Maybank Foundation, Izlyn Amylia Ramli, Head Group Corporate Affairs of Maybank and CEO of Maybank Foundation, Roussel R. Reyes, the Minister & Consul General of the Philippines, Wishnu Krisnamurti, the Minister Counsellor of the Indonesian Embassy, and Ms. Low Ngai Yuen, President of Kakiseni.
Speaking at the event, Tan Sri Dato Sri Ir. Zamzamzairani, said “The MFAFP 2024 exemplifies our continued commitment in promoting regional unity and cultural exchange through the arts. By integrating artistic growth with entrepreneurial mentorship, the programme equips ASEAN artists not only to elevate their craft but also to build sustainable careers. As Malaysia becomes the host for ASEAN Chairmanship this year, initiatives like these highlight the power of art in uniting and celebrating our region’s diversity.”
Following the success of the inaugural MFAFP 2023 held in Bali Indonesia, this year’s programme curated in Kuala Lumpur, saw emerging ASEAN artists of various art backgrounds drawing their inspirations from Malaysia’s uniquely rich heritage and converging it with their own unique cultures.
The MFAFP 2024 programme which comprised an eight-day incubation period, saw participants undergo artistic mentorship and entrepreneurial skills training. Modules during the programme include topics such as ‘Artistic Growth’, Entrepreneurial Mentorship’ and ‘Cultural Immersion’.
Syamimi Razali, a professional Songket Weaver from Kuching, Sarawak presenting her masterpiece entitled ‘The Spirit of Growth & Collaborations: Stronger Together’ to Dato’ Khairussaleh Ramli, President & Group CEO of Maybank (in blazer), Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. Zamzamzairani, Chairman of Maybank and Maybank Foundation (in blue batik) and Mr. Wishnu Krisnamurti, the Minister Counsellor of the Indonesian Embassy (yellow batik).
The participating artists for the “Form Before Fusion,” exhibition are Noutnapha Soydala (Laos); Xuân-Hạ (Vietnam), Syamimi Razali (Malaysia); Lim Tong Xin (Malaysia); Zaw Thu Rein Tun (Myanmar); Kyaw Min Htet (Myanmar), Gandhi Eka (Indonesia), Ryan Andrew (Indonesia); Rhaz Oriente (Philippines); Orland Espinosa (Philippines) and Roan Alvarez (Philippines).
Noutnapha Soydala, one of the participating artist of the exhibition said “As a female performing artist in Laos, opportunities to create and develop are limited, but I believe art has the power to transcend boundaries – geographic, cultural and societal. This programme has allowed me to expand my practice, collaborate with artists across Asia, and gain invaluable experiences for personal and professional growth. Stepping outside my comfort zone, I’ve come to recognise my value as an artist while discovering how other art forms can inspire my work.”
Noutnapha Soydala, a Dancer-Choreographer from Laos, performing a symbolic opening ceremony piece to mark the opening of the Maybank Foundation Artist Fellowship Programme (MFAFP) 2024 “Form Before Fusion” exhibition at Balai Seni Maybank. Her performance was entitled “90”, a reflection on time, transformation, and the body through movement.
Through Maybank’s partnership with Kakiseni, the MFAFP amplifies ASEAN artists’ voices while positioning Malaysia as a creative hub. Low Ngai Yuen, President of Kakiseni said “This exhibition transcends borders, connecting us through shared creativity and experiences. These artists have transformed their journeys into compelling narratives, and their works are truly inspiring.”
Xuan-Ha, an artist and community art worker based in Da Nang-Quang Nam, Vietnam presenting her masterpiece entitled ‘Who Once Lay Down Here?’ made of US military uniforms, used clothing, beads, sequins and mirror.
Izlyn Ramli, Head of Group Corporate Affairs Maybank and CEO of Maybank Foundation, said, “We remain deeply committed to advancing artistic talent across the region. By nurturing creativity and fostering collaboration, MFAFP embodies the transformative potential of the arts to inspire and connect communities.”
The MFAFP is part of the Balai Seni Art Series (BSAS), Maybank Foundation’s core Art and Culture programme for cultivating artistic talent, which has been enriching the cultural landscape since 1988. Over the past three decades, BSAS has influenced the lives of over 840 local and international artists through 36 thematic exhibitions held both physically and virtually. By providing a vital platform for emerging, young, and established artists, BSAS fosters skill development, showcases creativity, and facilitates meaningful community engagement. This legacy sets the foundation for initiatives like MFAFP, which exemplify the power of art to connect people and inspire transformation.
The “Form Before Fusion” exhibition is open to public from 8 to 24 January 2025 between 10.00am–5.00pm (Monday–Friday) and 10.00am–4.00pm (Saturday) with no bookings or ticket purchases required. The exhibition is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
For more information on MFAFP and the “Form Before Fusion” exhibition, visit www.maybankfoundation.com
About Maybank Foundation: Transforming Lives Across ASEAN
Maybank Foundation, the social impact arm of the Maybank Group, addresses regional community needs by generating meaningful, measurable, and long-term positive impacts for the communities it serves across ASEAN. To date, Maybank Foundation has touched more than 454,160 lives, and its efforts remain strong. In 2021, Maybank Foundation received accreditation status as an entity associated with ASEAN in recognition of its community efforts across the region — the second corporate foundation to be accorded this honour.
Through its regional flagship initiatives, the foundation aims to uplift ASEAN communities, creating a more equitable society by empowering individuals with lifelong financial skills and knowledge, addressing immediate needs, and building financial resilience for sustainable livelihoods. The foundation currently focuses on three main pillars: Community Empowerment, Empowering Education, and Environmental Diversity, with six flagship programmes operating alongside other core programmes that fall under its community investment activities.