Kuala Lumpur, 8 September 2025 – This Merdeka and Malaysia Day, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, Malaysia’s first Islamic digital bank is sparking creativity among Malaysian students with its inaugural AI Digital Art Competition 2025*, with the theme ‘My Digital Banking Aspiration, This Merdeka and Beyond’.
The online competition will run from 26 August to 16 September 2025, and the closing date for the artwork submission is 16 September 2025, 11.59 pm. Part of the objective is to inspire Malaysia’s future leaders and young innovators to embrace STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), while challenging bright young minds to create original digital artwork using AI tools and explore the creative potential of artificial
intelligence. The competition also serves as a platform for students to express their vision of Malaysia’s fintech and digital future through their own creative lens.
As part of the effort to engage as many students as possible, AEON Bank is collaborating with the Ministry of Education – Sports, Co-Curricular and Arts Division, as well as the National Art Gallery. This strategic collaboration is aligned with the nation’s aspiration to empower the younger generation with emerging technologies and digital skills that are increasingly vital in today’s tech-driven era, while connecting arts with technology and contributing towards the National Art Gallery’s role as a catalyst for the nation’s visual arts among budding young talents.
This online competition is free with no participation fee, and open to students aged 7 – 17 years old with a valid MyKad/MyKid. The students can participate the following category:
- Neko Comel : 7 – 9 years old
- Neko Kecil : 10 – 12 years old
- Neko Juara : 13 – 15 years
- Neko Wira : 16 – 17 years old
- Neko Kucing : Special category for the children of AEON Bank employees
Symbolic of the 68th year of independence, there will be a total of 68 winners and the winning artworks will be showcased as part of the prize giving ceremony in October 2025. In addition to that, the first 300 valid submissions will be rewarded with participation gifts. All submitted artwork will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- 50% theme relevance
- 50% creativity, uniqueness and originality of the artwork
- The artwork must be original, does not plagiarise existing work of arts and does not copy the creative style of any artists or animation studio
- Each MyKad/MyKid is only entitled to one (1) submission.
How to Participate in the AI Digital Art Competition?
- Step 1 : Scan the QR Code to go to AEON Bank’s website >> Media Centre.
- Step 2 : On the website, read the competition’s details and Terms and Conditions [ https://www.aeonbank.com.my/about-us/media-centre ]
- Step 3 : Based on the theme, input your own prompt into any generative AI app, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Genie, Canva, etc, to generate visual artwork based on the theme. Save the final AI artwork, prompt text and screenshot.
- Step 4 : Go to AEON Bank’s website and click on the link [https://www.aeonbank.com.my/ms/about-us/media-centre ] to submit your particulars and the final AI artwork.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Campaign #MerdekaUntuk and Exciting Promotions for AEON Bank Customers
Uplifting the meaning of Merdeka and expressing the spirit of independence in a fresh, people-first way, AEON Bank has launched a special campaign aptly named #MerdekaUntuk. The campaign invites all Malaysians to embrace Merdeka from a heartwarming perspective, where independence is not just about freedom from something, but also about freedom for something, for example the freedom to chase your dreams (kebebasan untuk mengejar impian), to nurture growth and to share blessings. Through this lens, #MerdekaUntuk empowers Malaysians to define independence on their own terms, highlighting the everyday journeys of families, entrepreneurs and individuals who continue to build a brighter future while actively contributing to the nation’s development.
As Malaysia’s first Shariah-compliant digital bank, AEON Bank stands with Malaysians in making financial inclusion part of their empowerment journey. The campaign blends authentic storytelling with modern digital banking experiences, showcasing how AEON Bank supports customers not only in their banking transactions but also through life’s milestones, big or small. #MerdekaUntuk underscores the Bank’s purpose of “memperkasakan setiap langkah rakyat Malaysia,” while celebrating the unity, freedom and progress that Merdeka represents. Click on the link to view the #MerdekaUntuk video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpkZMKfgJ80 Video: Merdeka_2508_2.mp4
Meanwhile, throughout August and the upcoming months, customers of AEON Bank can enjoy various promotions, including:
- 4% cashback for groceries purchased using AEON Bank Debit Card-i at any grocery stores or supermarkets
- 3% p.a. profit rate across all Savings Pot
- RM9 reward for each successful referral
- Exciting Neko Missions with fabulous rewards
- New customers are also entitled to over RM25 worth of exclusive rewards when signing up to be AEON Bank customers
For students that are interested to participate in the AI Digital Art Competition 2025, just scan the QR code below or click on the link https://www.aeonbank.com.my/about-us/media-centre/44-Calling%20All%20Young%20Digital%20Artists!
