UOB Indonesia calls for submissions for 15th UOB Painting of the Year competition

Jakarta, 8 May 2025 – UOB Indonesia is inviting artists to participate in the 15^th UOB Painting of the Year (UOB POY) competition. Established in 1982 in Singapore and expanded to Indonesia in 2011 and other ASEAN markets thereafter, the UOB POY competition remains one of the most recognised art platforms in the region.

UOB Indonesia continues to encourage artists from all walks of life, across both the emerging and established categories, to push their creative boundaries and join the Bank’s flagship art competition.

Empowering artists through overseas residencies
One of the most sought-after prizes of the UOB POY competition is the opportunity to participate in international artist residencies. 2024 UOB POY Indonesia winner, Muhammad Yakin, recently completed the UOB-NAFA Artist-in-Residence programme at Cité Internationale des arts in Paris, where he gained valuable global exposure, including participating in an exclusive open studio and talk show session, while engaging with the international art community

As part of UOB’s commitment to support the artist’s journey development, Yakin will be sharing his residency experience with the public and the UOB Artist Alumni Network, a regional platform set up to elevate the profiles of winning artists from the UOB POY competition. The network was launched to enhance UOB’s long-term support for artists through four key areas such as artwork exhibitions at marquee platforms like Art Jakarta and Art Central in Hong Kong, where UOB is a lead partner, artwork commissions for display or auctions, overseas artist residency programmes and networking opportunities and engagements with peers and leaders of the art community

Mrs Maya Rizano, Head of Strategic Communications and Brand, UOB Indonesia, said, “As part of a leading regional bank in Asia, which celebrates its 90 years of heritage, UOB Indonesia is committed to creating long-term impact that goes beyond banking. The UOB POY competition and the UOB Artist Alumni Network reflect our dedication to nurturing the artistic community through sustained growth and regional collaboration. By providing Indonesian artists with the opportunity of international residencies and access to a Southeast Asian network, we help them to grow their artistic careers and make their mark on the regional and global art scene.”

Launch of 15^th UOB POY competition from today
Submissions for the 15^th UOB POY competition will open from 8 May to 2 August 2025. All Indonesian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to submit one artwork online for either the Established or Emerging Artist Category at UOBandArt.com.

The panel of judges this year comprises art experts with international backgrounds:

1. Dr Agung Hujatnika, Independent Curator and Lecturer at Bandung Institute of Technology, as the Head of Judge who will represent Indonesia at the regional competition in Singapore
2. Ms Venus Lau, Director of Museum MACAN (Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara) Jakarta; and
3. Ms Alia Swastika, Curator and Director of the Biennale Jogja Foundation.

The winners of the 15^th UOB POY (Indonesia) competition will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on 15 October 2025. The top winning artist from the Established Artist Category will also compete with winners from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam for the coveted UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year award and a chance to attend an overseas residency programme. The winner of UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year award will be announced on 12 November 2025, in Singapore.

Bringing art to the public through from “Palette to Plate: Elevate your Senses with Art”
Following the success of last year’s collaboration, UOB Indonesia continued to partner with Remboelan Indonesian Soul Food to present a new edition of “From Palette to Plate: Elevate your Senses with Art”, a culinary-meets-art experience inspired by winning artworks of the UOB POY competition.

This year’s exclusive menu features newly-crafted dishes by Remboelan’s chefs, each telling a unique story inspired by past UOB POY Indonesia artworks, translating colours, themes, and emotions into rich, authentic Indonesian flavours:

1. Es Cincau Sang Berdiam (The Silent Ice Cincau)
   Inspired by “The Idol of Unmoved Uncaused Cause Mover” by the artwork of Muhammad Yakin, 2024 UOB POY Winner (Indonesia), the drink’s black and white contrast reflects the balance between personal ambition and insecurity in facing internal conflicts.
2. Nasi Pelangi Puan (Puan’s Rainbow Rice)
   Comprising of eight delightful elements, the all-in-one main course symbolises the challenges faced by modern women. Inspired by ‘Puan Hari Ini’ by Diana Puspita Sari, Silver Winner of Established Artist Category, 14^th UOB POY, the colourful dish celebrates a woman’s courage to forge new paths while embracing cultural traditions as part of their whole identity.
3. Es Bayang Selendang Aruna (Aruna's Shadow Ice Shawl)
   A tribute to the interconnectedness of all living beings, Es Bayang Selendang Aruna is inspired by the artwork of I Wayan Sudarsana, Gold Winner of Established Artist Category, 14^th UOB POY, titled “Tubuh di antara Tubuh” (Bodies among Bodies). The white-based dessert blends with slices of fluorescent red, reflecting the harmony of diversity in every refreshing bite.

Available from 10 May to 30 June 2025 at selected Remboelan outlets , the menu invites the public to experience art in a fresh and immersive way.