Supporting Thai art matters: UOB’s 16-year journey through paint

For almost two decades now, UOB Thailand has been a key supporter of Thai artists through its flagship UOB Painting of the Year (POY) competition. Now in its 16th year locally and 44th year regionally, the initiative continues to spotlight the creativity and cultural depth of Thai visual art, connecting local talent with audiences across Southeast Asia.

But what drives a financial institution to support art? According to Dhornratana Olanhankij, Country Head of Brand, Media and Communications at UOB Thailand, it’s about purpose beyond profit.

"We've been supporting Thailand's art ecosystem for 16 years through the Painting of the Year competition because we believe that art reflects the heart of the community. It's about creating opportunities for artists to grow locally and to gain international exposure."

A platform with purpose

Launched in Singapore in 1982, the UOB POY competition gives both established and emerging artists the chance to tell their stories and gain recognition regionally. Winners from Thailand compete against top entries from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam at the UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year competition.

The Thai edition welcomes artists from all backgrounds, from seasoned professionals to first-time entrants. Finalists’ works are first displayed at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) and then at UOB Plaza Bangkok, with the top two artists advancing to the regional finals in Singapore.

"This is more than just a contest. It's a journey. For many artists, especially emerging ones, it's their first step into professional recognition"

 

 

Beyond the competition, UOB’s engagement extends to community art initiatives. These include training programmes with BACC to help the public better understand art and projects that make creativity more accessible. 

One notable effort is the tactile art programme for the visually impaired, which transforms winning artworks into 3D-printed pieces that can be experienced through touch.

UOB has also launched Art Around, a digital initiative curating global art content, from exhibitions to e-magazines, to bring inspiration directly into people’s everyday lives.

"Art doesn’t have to live only in galleries. It can live in your feed, your commute, or even in your thoughts."

Spotlight on the winners

This year’s UOB Painting of the Year Thailand 2025 celebrated two standout winners whose works captured the judges’ attention and reflected the competition’s spirit of creativity and meaning.

Jamilah Haji – Dua (Pray for a Blessing)

 

The top Established Artist Award went to Jamilah Haji for her intricate embroidery piece Dua (Pray for a Blessing). The artwork portrays women in prayerful poses, woven with dreamlike motifs that blend spirituality, hope, and resilience.

"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."

Her inspiration stems from her upbringing. Having learned embroidery from her mother, who worked in garment production, she combined her family craft with fine art training to develop her unique style.

Jamilah received 750,000 Thai baht in prize money, and Dua will represent Thailand in the regional competition in Singapore. She is also eligible for an overseas artist residency sponsored by UOB.

Tanyapat Manasarakul – Ctrl + Alt + Destruct

 

The Most Promising Artist of the Year award in the Emerging Artist category went to Tanyapat Manasarakul, a senior student at Chulalongkorn University, for her bold mixed-media work Ctrl + Alt + Destruct.

Her piece reimagines the familiar “Control + Alt + Delete” computer command as a hand grenade, symbolising how technology can both create and destroy.

Tanyapat’s creative process begins with hand sketches that she later digitises before painting. She described the grenade as a metaphor for unexpected disruption.

"When you see a grenade, you instantly know it's powerful. I considered using a gun or a sword, but those felt too direct. The grenade was more unexpected, more disruptive."

Tanyapat received 125,000 Thai baht and aims to return next year with an even more experimental concept.

The exhibition

The winning artworks from both categories are being showcased at:

• Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC): October 14 to 26.

• UOB Plaza Bangkok: October 27 to December 31.

These exhibitions are free and open to the public, inviting viewers to engage with the emotions, conflicts, and ideas captured through each piece.

A lasting legacy

 

Since its inception, the UOB Painting of the Year competition has grown into Southeast Asia’s longest-running art award, now spanning five countries. 

UOB’s art collection exceeds 2,800 works, and the bank frequently organises art workshops for underprivileged and special-needs children, reinforcing its mission of art as a force for inclusion and progress.

In a world increasingly driven by digital distractions, UOB’s enduring investment in Thai art demonstrates a commitment to building something more lasting, a community where creativity thrives, and artists are truly seen.

2025 UOB Painting of the Year (Thailand) Winners

Established Artist Category

• UOB Painting of the Year Award: Jamilah Haji, Dua (Embroidery) – 750,000 THB

• Gold Award: Janejira Khodchawat, To Those We Leave Behind – 300,000 THB

• Silver Award: Tudpong Outayamagul, At the Sanctuary – 240,000 THB

• Bronze Award: Somrak Maneemai, Sea Turtle on Sorrow Mountain – 150,000 THB

Emerging Artist Category

• Most Promising Artist of the Year: Tanyapat Manasarakul, Ctrl + Alt + Destruct – 125,000 THB

• Gold Award: Sathit Pobteepueng, It Might Become a New Normal – 90,000 THB

• Silver Award: Yospong Yothongyos, Virus – 60,000 THB

• Bronze Award: Kitipong Huanin, Thai Mecha Myth – 45,000 THB

 

Over the years, UOB Thailand’s commitment through the Painting of the Year competition has become a vital part of the country’s art ecosystem, inspiring creativity, celebrating cultural identity, and elevating Thai artists to the global stage.

 

 

 

 

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