Two Malaysians Among Global Finalists for Young Guns 23

By The Malketeer

When the One Club for Creativity announced its Young Guns 23 finalists this week, two names from Malaysia stood proudly among the 102 emerging creative talents shaping the world’s next creative chapter — Michael Lim, animator at Space Dawg Studio, Petaling Jaya, and Vanissa Foo, Kuala Lumpur-based illustrator known for her playful yet emotionally layered style.

The Young Guns competition, now in its 23rd year, celebrates the best global creative professionals aged 30 and under — those who have already begun redefining visual culture across disciplines like design, illustration, film, animation, photography, and digital innovation.

Chosen from hundreds of entries spanning 18 countries, this year’s shortlist reflects a cross-section of creative energy that feels both global and deeply personal.

Malaysia’s Creative Firepower

For Malaysia’s creative community, the recognition of Lim and Foo feels symbolic.

It signals how homegrown talent, once seen as regional players, are now confidently stepping onto the global stage.

Lim’s work at Space Dawg Studio often blends surreal humour with local sensibility — a collision of pop culture and dreamlike storytelling that’s distinctly Malaysian.

Foo, meanwhile, represents a new wave of illustrators weaving identity, femininity, and quiet rebellion into her visual narratives, earning her collaborations with brands and publishers across Asia.

Together, their selection underscores what local creatives have long believed: Malaysia’s design scene doesn’t just participate in the global conversation — it contributes fresh perspectives shaped by diversity and lived experience.

The Young Guns Legacy

Organised by The One Club for Creativity in New York, Young Guns is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious cross-disciplinary awards for young creatives.

It has honoured luminaries who went on to shape the creative industry — from graphic designer Jessica Walsh to filmmaker Mac Premo.

Entries this year were judged by a 98-member international jury spanning 41 countries, many of them former winners.

The 2025 edition’s visual identity — including the reimagined Young Guns Cube trophy — was designed by Khyati Trehan (YG19), an Indian-born senior designer at Google Creative Lab in New York.

What Awaits the Winners

Winners, to be announced on January 14, 2026, will be celebrated at an in-person gala on January 28 at Sony Hall, New York.

Each receives a custom-designed Young Guns Cube, a year-long membership with the One Club, and lifetime inclusion in the Young Guns creative network.

A standout among these prizes is the Levine/Leavitt Artist In Residence Award, which grants one exceptional winner a full year of mentorship and professional development from the acclaimed international artist management agency.

It’s a rare opportunity that has accelerated the careers of several past winners.

A Moment for Malaysian Creativity

Lim and Foo’s recognition is more than a personal achievement; it’s a milestone for Malaysia’s creative industry.

It shows how local talent, backed by authentic storytelling and global fluency, continues to gain international visibility.

As the industry eagerly awaits the January announcement, Malaysian creatives can take pride in knowing that our stories, our imagination, and our craft are now part of a global celebration of what the next generation of creativity looks like.