For over a decade, the Kao International Environment Painting Contest for Children has served as a global platform for young minds to express their hopes, dreams, and concerns about the environment through art. Since its inception in 2010, the contest has encouraged children worldwide to translate their thoughts into compelling paintings, inspiring others to take action toward a sustainable future. This year, in its 15th edition, the contest saw an overwhelming response, receiving a record 16,639 entries from all over the world under the theme: “Let’s make our environment sustainable, together!”
A Commitment to a Sustainable Future
At the heart of this initiative lies Kao’s mission to create a Kirei World where people, society, and the planet coexist in harmony. Kao Corporation, known for its commitment to corporate citizenship, supports sustainability through three core pillars: a Comfortable Lifestyle, a Thoughtful Society, and a Healthy Global Environment.
“We hope that the paintings expressed by children with their thoughts on the environment and the future of the planet will inspire people around the world to take action for sustainable lifestyles,” said Mr. Nishimaki Akira, President of Kao Malaysia.
Malaysia’s Remarkable Participation
This year, Malaysia stood out as the leading contributor, submitting an impressive 7,904 entries—48% of the total submissions worldwide. Among these, 80% came from national schools, while 20% were from public participants. With such overwhelming enthusiasm, it is evident that Malaysian children are deeply engaged in environmental issues and eager to share their vision for a better future through art.
Kao’s collaboration with Malaysia’s Ministry of Education (Bahagian Sukan, Kokurikulum & Kesenian) has played a significant role in increasing participation. The contest also contributes to PAJSK (Pentaksiran Aktiviti Jasmani, Sukan dan Kokurikulum) merit points, further encouraging students to showcase their artistic talents while promoting environmental awareness.
Giving Back Through Art
This year, Kao introduced a donation program to make each child’s contribution even more meaningful. For every entry submitted, Kao donates 50 Japanese yen to an environmental organization selected by the participants. The three organisations benefiting from this initiative are:
Through this initiative, Kao successfully donated 831,950 Japanese yen to support environmental conservation efforts. By combining creativity with real-world impact, the contest not only raises awareness but also enables young artists to take tangible steps toward sustainability.
Celebrating Young Artists: Memorable Moments and Standout Works
Each year, this contest brings forward breathtaking artwork, reflecting the creativity and profound thoughts of young minds. One of the most inspiring stories this year comes from Tay Qi Yin, 16, who won an honorable mention for her painting depicting animals and humans coexisting in harmony.
“I joined this contest because my teacher and friends encouraged me to participate. I’ve been drawing for five years, and I really love it. Honestly, I’m so surprised and happy to be one of the winners—I didn’t expect it at all because there were so many participants from all over the world,” she shared.
Encouraging other children to take a leap of faith, she added: “To my friends who are unsure about joining a contest like this—just try! I never expected to win, but I put my ideas into my art and gave it my best shot. You never know what might happen.”
Another standout participant, Wong Yun Yee, 10, created a painting that beautifully illustrates a joyful coexistence between people and nature. Her work was so impactful that it has been selected to be featured on Watsons’ premium gift bag this mid-April, bringing her art to a wider audience.
Expanding the Contest’s Reach
Kao’s dedication to inspiring the younger generation extends beyond this contest. Last year, the company distributed contest forms to 1,300 schools across Peninsular and East Malaysia, encouraging wider participation. Moving forward, Kao aims to collaborate with more organisations and educational institutions to expand the contest’s reach and impact.
Be Part of the Change
The Kao International Environment Painting Contest for Children is more than just an art competition—it is a movement that empowers young voices and drives global awareness for sustainability. With each stroke of color, these children are advocating for a healthier planet and a brighter future.
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