Social enterprise Projek57 is collaborating with Malaysian artist Yusof Majid to raise funds for the Orang Also community with his paintings.
The modern and contemporary artist will create an exclusive collection of 18 paintings based on a shared interpretation of what Merdeka represents for the country’s people.
The altruistic collection entitled “The Merdeka Drawings” will be on exhibit at Nadine Fine Art in Petaling Jaya from September 10 to 18, 2022.
Fifty percent of the proceeds from the sale of Yusof’s paintings will be channelled towards Projek57’s Education Fund which was set up to serve the needs of the underserved.
Funds will be used for the ongoing development of its first preschool for five- to six-year-olds in Gua Musang, Kelantan, which is expected to open its doors to a group of 40 preschool Orang Asli children later this year.
Contemporary artist Yusof Majid has been exhibiting his artwork for more than three decades. His paintings centred around Malaysian life have been exhibited in galleries here and abroad. He continues to find inspiration through Malaysia’s diverse culture and landscape.
Yusof said, “I see this collection as my contribution towards not just spreading the eternal message of hope but to amplify the significance of Merdeka through my art. It is an honour to partner with Projek57 and to know that my efforts will make a positive impact in improving the lives of fellow Malaysians who are less fortunate.”
Since its establishment in 2015, Projek57 has raised more than RM450,000 for underprivileged Malaysians of all societal backgrounds.
Projek57 co-founders Syed Sadiq Albar and Collin Swee firmly believe the social enterprise must be committed to staying true to the nation’s founding father Tunku Abdul Rahman Tunku’s vision of a united, peaceful nation where every citizen can prosper, live, and work together regardless of background, race or culture.
“Despite the challenges brought on by Covid-19, Malaysians who share our vision of hope have continued to be stalwart supporters of Projek57’s efforts to make a difference. With Yusof Majid’s generous contribution towards our education pillar this year, collectively we can do our part to instil the importance of learning and empower the Orang Asli community who often face obstacles in this area,” said Syed Sadiq.
One of Yusof’s “The Merdeka Drawings” works will be used later as a customised design for Projek57 t-shirts and other merchandise, enabling more Malaysians to own a Yusof Majid original with a noble cause. All profits will be channelled towards other programmes that support underprivileged Orang Asli youth.
“With this year’s Merdeka and Malaysia Day theme symbolizing the importance of standing together to be stronger, Projek57 is thankful that we can continue our work to elevate the quality of living for Malaysians. Every contribution can and will make a difference to ensure a better future for one and all,” said Swee.
