Kuala Lumpur, 11 August 2026 – Khazanah Nasional Berhad (“Khazanah”) continues its long-term commitment to national talent development through the Khazanah Associate Artist Residency (KAAR) programme aimed at strengthening emerging and mid-career Malaysian artists with the opportunity to deepen their practice, gain new perspectives and build meaningful connections through international exposure and cross-cultural exchange.
Selected from 51 applicants by an independent panel of judges, the selected recipients will begin their 12-week residency at Acme Studios in London this September.
The KAAR 2026 recipients are:
- Umar Sharif – a Kuala Lumpur-based conceptual artist, archivist and curator whose practice explores memory, identity and the semiotics of everyday objects. Working across drawing, assemblage and installation, he is also actively involved in the Malaysian art scene through archiving, curating and project management.
- Fauzan Fuad – a visual and multimedia artist whose practice draws inspiration from the textures, rhythms and visual language of urban life. Working across painting, photography, installation and video performance, his work explores identity, memory and human experience through abstraction.
Since its introduction in 2017, and now in its seventh edition, KAAR has supported 14 Malaysian artists across diverse disciplines by providing international exposure, professional development opportunities and connections to the wider arts community. During the residency, the artists will participate in mentorship sessions, workshops and peer collaborations while engaging with one of the world’s leading contemporary art communities. Their residency also coincides with Frieze Week, an annual art exhibition held in London, offering valuable exposure to one of the world’s leading contemporary art events.
Congratulating the recipients, Khazanah Managing Director Dato’ Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir said: “Developing Malaysian talent is an important part of Khazanah’s role as a purpose-driven, long-term investor. Arts play a vital role in shaping our national identity, broadening perspectives and connecting Malaysia to the world. Through KAAR, we are investing in the people behind Malaysia’s creative future by giving these artists exposure, networks and opportunities to deepen their practice. This sits alongside our broader efforts to preserve and promote Malaysian art through Galeri Khazanah, connecting the development of artists today with the stewardship of Malaysia’s artistic legacy for the future.”
While KAAR focuses on developing artists and their practice, Galeri Khazanah provides a platform for Malaysian art to be preserved, presented and made accessible to the wider audiences, both digitally at https://galeri.khazanah.com.my/ and physically at Seri Negara. Together, these initiatives connect talent development with the continued preservation and promotion of Malaysian art and serves as a catalyst for learning, collaboration and cultural stewardship, creating deeper connections with the stories behind each artwork.
The impact of KAAR can be seen in the continued development and achievements of its alumni. Among the many examples are 2024 KAAR recipient Paul Nickson Atia, recipient of the Bakat Muda Sezaman 2025 Jury Award, and 2018 KAAR recipient Winnie Cheng, whose commissioned artwork, The Dragon’s Servant, is currently displayed at Galeri Khazanah in Seri Negara following its reopening. Their work is among the many examples of how ideas first developed during the residency continue to evolve beyond the programme, reflecting the lasting value of investing in Malaysian talent and the contribution KAAR alumni continue to make to Malaysia’s arts scene.
At the event, 2024 KAAR alumni Paul Nickson Atia and Sarah Radzi presented their artworks, Telling Torun Tanah and On Borrowed Time, to Khazanah. The development of the artworks was influenced by the knowledge, exposure and experiences they gained during their residency at Acme. The artworks will become part of Khazanah’s art collection, creating a lasting connection between the artists’ residency experience, their continued development and Khazanah’s efforts to preserve Malaysian art.
As Malaysia’s arts community continues to grow and mature, supported by sustained efforts and investment across the public, private and philanthropic sectors, KAAR is set to enter a new chapter for the next decade. As KAAR transitions to a new format next year, Khazanah thanks ACME for its partnership and contribution to KAAR, and the role it has played in building the platform to where it is today.
For the year 2027 onwards, Khazanah will continue to build strength in the arts ecosystem and is committed to contribute further to its vibrancy, diversity and long-term development as part of its Advancing Malaysia strategy.
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