Lawrence Kok Hua Yang on Shaping Identity Through Art at LK Group Tech

Thank you! It's an honor to be recognized by the MUSE Creative Awards. I am Lawrence Kok Hua Yang, the founder of LK Group Tech. We specialize in innovative and impactful artistic creations, aiming to spread positivity and inspire people from all walks of life.

My journey into the creative industry began with a deep passion for art and design. From a young age, I was enchanted by the beauty of visual storytelling and its ability to touch hearts and minds. However, life’s challenges once forced me to abandon this passion, leading to a period of profound loss and uncertainty.

But in a moment of serendipity, when I met my mentor, Dato Wira (Dr.) Calvin Khiu, my love for art was reignited, and I vowed never to let it go again. This renewed passion gave birth to LK Group Tech. Through our work, we hope to spread positivity and remind everyone that no matter how tough life gets, there is always a way to reignite your passion and find your path.

We believe that the traditional art of plaque-making, if not preserved, will fade away in the modern world. By combining positive energy with traditional art, we aim to keep this cultural heritage alive in a contemporary form.

Our mission is to promote the culture of plaque-making and connect people beyond boundaries of race, ethnicity, and background. In Malaysia, a country rich in cultural diversity, our art celebrates the unity of all races—Malay, Chinese, Indian, and others—coming together in harmony.

As long as I live, I am committed to this cause. I will ensure that the legacy of plaque-making continues to inspire and bring people together, transcending barriers and fostering a sense of community. Our art celebrates diversity and inclusivity, uniting people from all races and walks of life in a shared appreciation for beauty and positivity.

In Malaysia, this unity is our strength—and through our art, we aim to reflect and reinforce this beautiful mosaic of cultures.

It came from a strong desire to share our unique blend of traditional and contemporary art with a wider audience. We wanted to showcase how the art of plaque-making, infused with positive messages, can transcend cultural and racial boundaries—especially in a diverse country like Malaysia. MUSE provides the perfect platform to highlight our mission of spreading positivity and unity through art.

Winning this award is incredibly meaningful, both personally and professionally. On a personal level, it validates the journey I embarked on—reigniting my passion for art after overcoming significant challenges. It is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that art can make a difference in people's lives.

Professionally, this recognition elevates our agency, LK Group Tech, to new heights. It affirms the impact of our work and motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity. It also gives us a greater platform to promote unity among races in Malaysia through our art, fostering a sense of community and shared appreciation for beauty and positivity.

This award is not just a milestone; it is a stepping stone toward furthering our mission and reaching even more hearts and minds.

Our success is driven by resilience, passion, and a commitment to preserving and innovating traditional art forms. Despite significant challenges that once led me to abandon my artistic pursuits, a serendipitous moment reignited my passion.

Inspired by the belief that art transcends boundaries, we use plaque-making infused with positive messages to promote unity in Malaysia, a country rich in cultural diversity. Our goal is to create art that resonates with people from all walks of life, offering hope and inspiration.

Our work represents a fusion of tradition and modernity, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage while embracing contemporary trends. It underscores the significance of inclusivity and unity in the creative industry, encouraging artists to celebrate our diverse society.

Our success demonstrates that traditional art forms can be revitalized to inspire and connect people across different backgrounds.

I believe our project stood out due to its unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements, coupled with a strong message of positivity and unity. The fusion of the ancient art of plaque-making with modern design techniques created a visually striking and meaningful piece that resonated with a wide audience.

Our focus on spreading positive messages and highlighting the unity of races in Malaysia added depth and relevance, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity. These elements combined to create a project that not only stood out visually but also carried a powerful and resonant message, helping it shine in a competitive field.

Balancing tradition with modernity was a significant challenge. Plaque-making is deeply rooted in cultural heritage, and we aimed to preserve its authenticity while making it relevant to contemporary audiences. This required thoughtful experimentation to respect traditional elements while incorporating modern design techniques.

We adopted a collaborative approach—engaging traditional artisans to understand the nuances of plaque-making and seeking their guidance to preserve its integrity. At the same time, we infused modern aesthetics into our work, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.

Another challenge was conveying positive messages that resonate with Malaysia's diverse audience. We conducted extensive research and community engagement to understand the values and sentiments of various racial groups, allowing us to craft messages that are universally uplifting and inclusive.

Through perseverance, collaboration, and a strong commitment to our vision, we overcame these challenges—creating a visually impactful project with a powerful and meaningful message.

Winning an award of this caliber is a significant milestone for us. For my career, it represents a validation of the hard work, creativity, and dedication that have gone into our projects. It reinforces my belief in the power of art to make a positive impact and motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity.

For my team, this achievement is a testament to their talent, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to our vision. It boosts morale and instills a sense of pride in our work. It also serves as a reminder that our efforts are being recognized and appreciated on a global scale, encouraging us to strive for even greater heights.

For our agency, LK Group Tech, this recognition opens up new opportunities for growth and expansion. It enhances our reputation and credibility, making us more attractive to potential clients and collaborators. It also provides a platform to further promote our mission of spreading positivity and unity through art, reaching a wider audience and making a more significant impact.

It has been overwhelmingly positive and heartwarming. Clients, audiences, and stakeholders have expressed their admiration and appreciation for our work, highlighting the unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements, as well as the powerful messages of positivity and unity. They are proud of our achievements and eager to see us reach new milestones. Many clients have reached out to congratulate us and share how our work has inspired them.

These reactions and moments have not only validated our efforts but also fueled our passion to keep creating art that inspires and unites. The feedback has been a powerful reminder of the impact we can have through our work, motivating us to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity.

Success in the creative field really starts with passion and persistence. You need to let your love for your craft drive you, even when challenges arise. It's important to stay true to your unique voice and vision, and don't be afraid to infuse your personal experiences into your creations. Continuously seek inspiration from various sources and do thorough research to enrich your work. Paying meticulous attention to detail and crafting a compelling narrative around your projects can make a big difference.

Engaging with your community is also crucial. Listen to feedback and involve them in your process. Collaboration can bring fresh perspectives and enhance the quality of your work. Being adaptable is key too; embrace new trends while maintaining your core vision. Maintaining a positive mindset is essential—use challenges as learning experiences. Approach your work with professionalism, meet deadlines, and build strong relationships.

When it comes to crafting award-worthy entries, understanding the competition criteria is vital. Highlight what makes your work unique, create visually striking and emotionally engaging pieces, and present them clearly and professionally. Seeking feedback to refine your entry before submission is also a good strategy.

By embracing these practices, aspiring creatives can thrive and create compelling, award-worthy work. Remember, success is a journey, and every step forward is a testament to your dedication and passion.

The creative industry is indeed always changing, and I see these changes as exciting opportunities for growth and innovation. New technologies, trends, and cultural shifts continuously reshape the landscape, offering fresh ways to express creativity and connect with audiences. Embracing these changes allows us to stay relevant and push the boundaries of what’s possible in art and design.

Looking to the future, I hope to position myself and LK Group Tech at the forefront of this evolution. We aim to be pioneers in blending traditional art forms with modern techniques, creating works that resonate across generations and cultures. Our goal is to continue spreading positivity and unity through our art, reaching even more people and making a meaningful impact.

By staying adaptable, continuously learning, and embracing new trends, we aspire to inspire and lead in the ever-evolving creative industry.

Entering awards can indeed feel intimidating, especially for those who are just starting out. To individuals with limited experience or who are hesitant to showcase their work, I would say: Believe in your unique voice and vision. Every artist starts somewhere, and your perspective is valuable. Competitions are not just about winning; they are opportunities for growth, learning, and exposure.

To build confidence, start small by entering local or smaller competitions to gain experience. Seek feedback from trusted peers, mentors, or online communities to get constructive feedback and encouragement. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, as each step forward is a testament to your dedication. Learn from others by studying past winners and successful entries to understand what makes them stand out, and use this knowledge to refine your own work.

Seeing the value in participating is crucial. Competitions provide exposure, offering a platform to showcase your work to a wider audience, including industry professionals and potential clients. The process of preparing and submitting your work helps you refine your skills and push your creative boundaries. Even if you don’t win, being part of a competition can boost your credibility and open doors to new opportunities.

Remember, every entry is a learning experience. Embrace the journey, stay true to your vision, and let your passion shine through. Participating in competitions is a valuable step in your creative career, helping you grow and gain confidence along the way.

To all fellow creatives, marketers, and advertising professionals, I would say: embrace the power of community. Creativity flourishes when we come together, share ideas, and support each other. Collaboration and mutual inspiration are key to pushing boundaries and achieving greatness.

Always be open to new ideas and perspectives. Curiosity drives innovation, and learning from others can spark fresh creativity. Lift each other up by celebrating successes, offering constructive feedback, and being a source of encouragement.

A supportive community fosters growth and resilience, which I am fortunate to have found in OEEdu Group, where I met my mentor. Our unique experiences and insights are valuable, so share your journey, challenges, and triumphs. Authentic storytelling connects us and inspires others.

Embrace and celebrate the different voices and perspectives within our community, as diversity in thought, background, and experience enriches our creative work. Stay adaptable, welcome new trends, and continuously seek ways to innovate and improve.

Let your passion for your craft drive you, as passion is contagious and can inspire those around you to strive for excellence. Together, we can create a vibrant, dynamic community where creativity thrives and impactful work is born. Let’s continue to support, inspire, and elevate each other, making the creative industry a place of endless possibilities.

Absolutely, winning this award is truly a team effort, and there are several people I’d like to dedicate this achievement to. First and foremost, I want to thank my incredible team at LK Group Tech. Their talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our vision have been instrumental in our success. Each member brings unique skills and perspectives, and together, we create something truly special.

I also want to dedicate this achievement to the traditional artisans who have shared their knowledge and passion with us. Their guidance and expertise have been invaluable in preserving the authenticity of our work while allowing us to innovate and evolve.

Lastly, I want to thank our community and supporters. Their encouragement, feedback, and belief in our mission have been a constant source of inspiration. This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and the strength of our collective efforts. It’s a reminder that when we come together, we can achieve remarkable things. Thank you all for being part of this journey.

We are thrilled to announce a spectacular 3-day event in May 2025, celebrating the best of traditional and modern arts. Prepare to be amazed by art and performances like you've never seen before!

Join us as we honor creativity and innovation, showcasing a unique blend of traditional plaque-making infused with contemporary design. This event promises a visual feast, uniting artists from diverse backgrounds in a harmonious fusion of old and new.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to witness groundbreaking art, connect with fellow creatives, and be inspired by the power of artistic expression. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details. Let’s make this event a true celebration of unity, diversity, and the boundless possibilities of art!