ONE Asia holds first-ever judging in Malaysia

The Kuala Lumpur programme is part of ONE Asia’s approach of moving its judging to a different Asia-Pacific city each year.

ONE Asia Creative Awards will hold its judging in Kuala Lumpur for the first time, bringing 42 creative professionals from across Asia-Pacific to Malaysia from 17 to 19 October 2026. The programme will also include a student MasterClass and portfolio reviews, extending the awards’ engagement with the local creative community.

The judging will take place at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, with Directors Think Tank serving as exclusive judging sponsor. The jury comprises talent from 15 countries and regions across Asia-Pacific.

ONE Asia connects regional creative communities

The judging will be followed on 20 October by a student MasterClass and portfolio reviews presented with Level Up. The programme will give Malaysian creatives an opportunity to learn from experienced creative leaders from across the region, with further details to be announced.

The format is intended to give jurors direct exposure to local talent, industry and culture while strengthening connections across the regional creative community.

Tay Guan Hin, Director, APAC Region, The One Club for Creativity: "Asia-Pacific creativity doesn't come from one place, and ONE Asia shouldn't either. Holding judging in Kuala Lumpur gives regional creative leaders the chance to experience Malaysia, meet its creative community, and exchange perspectives with the next generation. Those relationships are what make the region stronger."

Malaysia shapes the ONE Asia judging experience

The programme will introduce visiting judges to Malaysian food, hospitality, creative voices and cultural experiences. The partnership with Directors Think Tank will provide a local perspective on the judging experience and connect jurors with Malaysia’s creative community.

Rajay Singh, Director and co-founder of Directors Think Tank: "Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, languages and perspectives, which makes our creatives naturally adaptable. The best work comes from being true to who we are, and Malaysia gives us no shortage of great stories to tell."

The Malaysian influence also extends to the visual identity for this year’s judging. ONE Family. Many Worlds. was created by Malaysian illustrator and director Aston Choong at CUE Art & Design Associates in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysian culture informs the visual identity

The hand-crafted illustration incorporates references including the durian, Malayan tiger, hornbill, tropical vegetation, traditional forms, colourful costumes and local visual motifs. These elements are presented through hand-drawn linework, exaggerated characters, movement and humour.

Aston Choong, illustrator and director: "I was inspired by the idea of Asia-Pacific as a vibrant meeting place of cultures, personalities, traditions and everyday experiences. At the heart of the illustration is the idea that although we may come from different backgrounds, we share a sense of community and connection."

Choong’s approach follows the theme of ONE Asia’s 2026 Where Taste Matters call for entries campaign, created by Muma Malaysia in Petaling Jaya. The campaign focuses on human taste, instinct, experience and judgment as factors that distinguish memorable creative work from content that is quickly forgotten.

ONE Asia 2026 winners to be announced in November

Season Zhou, APAC Director, Growth and Partnership, The One Club for Creativity: "We're proud to work with our Malaysian partners to bring ONE Asia to Kuala Lumpur. Our aim is to work with local creatives, gain a better understanding of the culture, engage the community, and create connections that continue beyond the event itself."

ONE Asia 2026 finalists will be announced on 9 November, followed by the winners on 24 November. Winners will earn points toward the ONE Asia Creative Rankings, The One Club’s Global Creative Rankings and the Campaign Brief Asia Rankings.

www.oneclub.org

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