Gold Award winner Meilin Khamphilayvong proudly points to her winning photo at the 2025 National Treasures Drawing Competition exhibition in Hong Kong.

Young Lao artists showcase heritage through art

Six young Lao artists have won awards at an international drawing competition in Hong Kong, using their artworks to showcase the country’s culture and heritage.
The awards ceremony for the 2025 National Treasures Drawing Competition and International Cultural Exchange took place in Hong Kong on August 24, according to the Shine Tak Foundation.
Laos joined the programme through a cooperation agreement between the Learning House for Children Center and the Shine Tak Foundation, which aims to promote cultural exchange and understanding among children and young people.
The young artists were encouraged to explain the cultural meaning of their chosen animals and how they reflect their national identity.
The competition carried the theme “National Animal”, asking participants to draw a real or mythical animal they believed best represented their country.
Six Lao participants received Gold, Silver and Bronze awards in two age groups.
In the Children’s Group for ages 6 to 12, the Gold Award went to Anouxay Vorlachit of Patthana School, while Phoysirin Liemphrachanh of Itsalaphone School received Silver and Latxavong Xaimoungkhoun of Golden International School received Bronze.
In the Teenager Group for ages 13 to 18, Meilin Khamphilayvong of Sikham Phatthana School won Gold, Vatsana Xaimoungkhoun of AIS International School Laos received Silver, and Anisa Sivilay of Hakkaew School received Bronze.
Meilin’s Gold Award-winning piece centres on the striking silhouette of an elephant, its trunk proudly wrapped around a waving Lao flag.
Within the elephant’s form lies an intricate collage of Lao culture, featuring a golden Buddha, monks in saffron robes, classic temple architecture, and locals playing the khaen. The backdrop further highlights this heritage with colourful geometric patterns reminiscent of traditional woven textiles.
In her statement, Meilin explained that the elephant reflects the country’s former name, “The Kingdom of a Million Elephants”.
She described these majestic, intelligent creatures as vital in Lao history for transport and defence, making the elephant the perfect symbol to showcase her country’s beauty to the world.
Her Gold Award also gave her the chance to experience the cultural exchange programme in person. She was invited to Hong Kong with one adult family member to attend the National Treasures Carnival and Awards Ceremony, as well as other cultural activities.
The programme covers travel and accommodation costs for eligible overseas Gold Award winners.
The competition aims to do more than recognise artistic talent. It gives children and young people the chance to learn about their own heritage while discovering the traditions and cultures of other countries.
Through art, participants can share ideas about their national identity and learn to see cultural diversity as a way to build friendship and understanding.
The winners also received honorary certificates and specially produced puzzle boxes featuring their own artworks. Gold, Silver and Bronze winners are eligible for cash prizes of HK$2,000, HK$1,000 and HK$500, respectively, under the competition rules.
The participation of the six Lao artists was another opportunity to introduce Laos’ cultural heritage to an international audience.
It also encouraged the younger generation to take pride in their heritage and use creativity to share the story of their country with the wider world.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update August 26, 2026)