Winning a prestigious art competition is a dream for any artist, but to achieve it twice as Sukit Choosri did with his first-place wins at the UOB Painting of the Year competition in 2017 and again in 2024, is a remarkable testament to his talent and dedication.

“The winnings reaffirm how UOB has created continuous opportunities for artists to keep honing their skills. The contest is not just about awards but about connecting with other artists – to build our careers and grow as individuals,” Mr Sukit said.

First launched in 1982 and introduced to Thailand in 2010, the UOB Painting of the Year competition has grown into one of Southeast Asia’s longest-running and most prestigious art competitions in Southeast Asia, revealing over 1,000 unique artworks and bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds across the region.

Mr Sukit, who teaches art at the Buditpatanasilpa Institute of Fine Arts in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, won his first award with “One Life.”, a work depicting a young girl’s portrait overlaid with decaying banyan leaves, symbolising life’s fragility. His 2024 winning piece, Disguise, reflects a more critic tone, portraying a man surrounded by microphones adorned with flowers and flies—a thought-provoking statement on deception and public facades.

“Art is a mirror of the society—they are one and the same,” Mr Sukit said. “Art has the potential to move people, drawing attention to social issues. I hope my work encourages the younger generation to question what they see and resist falling prey to deception or public fraud.”

Mr Sukit’s vision aligns with UOB Thailand’s broader mission to build a future for ASEAN that balances economic growth with social wellbeing and a strong sense of community.

“At UOB, we support social development of communities through three pillars—art, children, and education—as these are essential for the quality and progress of society,” stated Richard Maloney, President and Chief Executive Officer of UOB Thailand.