Unity-based Projek57 Partners with Acclaimed Artist Yusof Majid to Raise Funds

With Malaysians’ renewed hope for brighter days ahead as the country recovers from the pandemic, social enterprise Projek57 continues to make its mark in instilling unity and inclusivity among underprivileged youth communities from all walks of life.

Unity-based Projek57 Partners with Acclaimed Artist Yusof Majid to Raise Funds
Co-founders of Projek57 Syed Sadiq Albar and Collin Swee with Yusof Majid and two pieces from The Merdeka Drawings collection

Established in 2015 in the spirit of Merdeka and the nation’s founding father Tunku Abdul Rahman, Projek57 this year has collaborated with celebrated Malaysian artist Yusof Majid to create an exclusive collection of 18 paintings based on a shared interpretation of what Merdeka represents for the country’s people. 

Yusof Majid (centre) is flanked by two of his creations to raise funds for Projek57. Joining him are Co-founders of Projek57 Syed Sadiq Albar (far left) and Collin Swee (far right)

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. 

The altruistic collection entitled “The Merdeka Drawings” will be on exhibit from 10 to 18 September 2022 at Nadine Fine Art, Petaling Jaya.

Contemporary artist Yusof Majid has been exhibiting his artwork for more than three decades. 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.” 

The Orang Asli preschool children in which Projek57’s Education Fund aided

Since its start, Projek57 has raised more than RM450,000 for underprivileged Malaysians of all societal backgrounds.

Co-founders Syed Sadiq Albar and Collin Swee firmly believe the social enterprise must be committed to staying true to Tunku’s vision of a united, peaceful nation where every citizen can prosper, live, and work together regardless of background, race or culture.

Syed Sadiq said, “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.”

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 channeled towards other programmes that support underprivileged Orang Asli youth.  

Co-founders of Projek57 Syed Sadiq Albar (third from left) and Collin Swee (second from right) are joined by project champions involved in the Orang Asli preschool

Swee added, “With this year’s Merdeka and Malaysia Day theme symbolising 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.”

Yusof’s paintings centred around Malaysian life have been exhibited in galleries here and abroad. He continues to find inspiration through our diverse culture and landscape.

In addition to its art partnership, Projek57 is also participating in Merdekaverse, a unique tech-centric Metaverse National Day festive event, from 25 August to 16 September 2022. The event is the country’s first-of-its-kind immersive virtual platform combining various technologies to create a ‘lifelike digital space’ by Xanadu Asia. 

For more information, please visit https://www.projek57.com/ or visit Projek57’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram