Kuala Lumpur – Rado, the visionary Swiss watchmaker strikes yet another milestone in its book of history as it presents for the first time in Malaysia, the Rado Young Design Prize, Malaysia 2010 (“RYDP”).
Held at the Concourse of Suria KLCC, the RYDP honours the inspiration and work of outstanding young creative individuals in Malaysia. The grand exhibition displayed a spectacular array of art in a multitude of disciplines, such as architecture, product design, animation, painting and illustration created by the RYDP finalists.
The backdrop of such an infusion of disciplines provided a one-of-a-kind ambience at the Concourse of KLCC. The Top 3 winners of the RYDP walked away with cash prizes totalling RM18,000 and an r5.5 designed by Jasper Morrison each.
Rado’s Brand Manager, Mr Bernard Yong and the Vice President of Marketing of Rado Switzerland, Mr Patric Zingg, presented the cash prize of RM10,000 and the r5.5 to 24-year-old Shahrul Anuwar bin Mohamed for his aesthetic creation of a unique piece of decorative yet functional furniture with a touch of Mother Nature reflected in the shape of a fern leaf – the ‘Fernature Chaise Lounge’.
Bernard Yong explains, “We are extremely delighted with the success of the RYDP in Malaysia. The exhibition is a step forward that Rado has taken to help realize the dreams of these emerging designers. The response has been so positively overwhelming that I am looking forward to what’s in store for RYDP 2011.”
“A local initiative with international outreach to promote upcoming talents best describes the Rado Young Design Prize,” said Zingg.
“While great ideas have no boundaries, they need a platform in order to be successful. And since a dynamic Malaysia has this great amount of creativity, the Rado Young Design Prize proudly provides the necessary elements to nurture these ideas and turn them into potential projects. With that in mind, we convey our vision in promoting young creative talents with an unlimited spirit on a worldwide base,” he added. The event commenced with a warm welcome by Chermaine Poo.
Guests were then awed by a multicultural performance of sand art painting by Mr. Loong Bee. As a tribute to Rado and its deep passion for design, Loong Bee artistically outlined the evolution of the materials used in the creation of Rado watches, from hard metal to high-tech ceramics, then to high-tech diamond, and ended the performance with a painting of Rado’s design award-winning watch r5.5.
Also present at the glamour-filled soiree were renowned photographer and portrait painter Mr Jen Siow, fine artist and educator Mr Jalaini Hassan and established architect Dr Ken Yeang, who have diligently handpicked the finalists and winners.
Jalaini and Jen expressed their pleasure to be part of such an inspirational platform that Rado has brought to their local shores. It was a boost of encouragement to the Malaysian design scene. Moreover Dr. Yeang was amazed with the level of maturity embedded in the work of such young individuals.
Finally, guests were invited to view the finalist’s projects, the Rado ceramic exhibition and also to see the pioneering brand’s showcase of 2010 watch novelties, which are newly launched in the Malaysian market.
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