Thailand artist Jamilah Haji has won the 2025 UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year (SEA POY) award for her artwork “Dua (Pray for a Blessing).” Her piece, which was selected from entries across Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, features embroidered images of women in prayerful poses. The work symbolizes a collective wish for renewal and harmony.
Jamilah Haji will now compete with four other country winners for an overseas art residency at Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, sponsored by United Overseas Bank (UOB). In describing her work, Jamilah said, “In a world overwhelmed by conflict, disease, and inequality, I feel a responsibility as an artist to be a voice for peace and hope. Through my work, I want to remind people not to stop dreaming, to hold on to hope, and to believe in their ability to create change. I drew inspiration from the idea of beauty as a reflection of resilience, using symbolic elements to echo the aspirations of humanity.”
The winners were announced at the 2025 UOB Painting of the Year Awards Ceremony held at National Gallery Singapore. The event was attended by Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Senior Minister of State for Education David Neo. Artists from across Southeast Asia joined past winners and guests from the arts community.
Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UOB stated: “As UOB marks 90 years, we reaffirm our commitment to grow with businesses and communities across the region. Our footprint across Southeast Asia is more than just about business connectivity – it is also about giving back to the communities we serve, including through our support for art. Through the UOB POY competition, we nurture artistic talent, bring art closer to people and foster closer ties within the art ecosystem through initiatives such as the UOB Artist Alumni Network. Together with our broader corporate social responsibility efforts, we aim to create meaningful and lasting impact for the long term.”
The judging panel included chief judges from each participating country: Dr Vichaya Mukdamanee (Singapore), Dr Agung Hujatnikajennong (Indonesia), Ms Intan Rafiza (Malaysia), Mr Amrit Chusuwan (Thailand), and Mr Dang Xuan Hoa (Vietnam).
Singaporean artist Ian Tee received the top award in Singapore’s Established Artist Category with an abstract artwork that uses industrial tools on aluminum composite panels instead of traditional ink or brush. His piece explores movement through shifting light and shadow.
In addition, Dayna Lu was named Most Promising Artist of the Year in Singapore’s Emerging Artist Category for her acrylic painting depicting societal expectations among youth.
The winning artworks will be displayed at National Gallery Singapore’s UOB Discovery Space from November 13, 2025 through January 31, 2026. The works are also available online at UOBandArt.com.
