By Geryl Ogilvy
KUCHING, Jan 9: Voon Cherng Jyh, who received RM10,000 for his winning Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) logo design, plans to share the money with his parents and charity.
The 20-year-old software engineering student was not hesitant when asked how he would spend his winnings.
“This money will go towards my education, my family and some for charity. We should give back for our blessings, and I must give some to my parents as well,” he told reporters after the official unveiling of the GPS logo at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters here today.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg launched the logo and presented Voon with a certificate and cheque for his winning entry.
The GPS logo competition was held in July last year after the formation of the coalition on June 12, the same day its component party members — PBB, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) — announced their exit from the Barisan Nasional.
Voon revealed that the thought of cementing his place in history as the creator of GPS’ logo had gotten him excited, yet overwhelmed. He could not believe that his entry was chosen as the symbol to represent the state’s governing coalition.
“I have participated in several graphic design competitions before, but the GPS logo is the first that I have actually won something,” said Voon, who picked up graphic design as a hobby three years ago.
Currently studying at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman in Kuala Lumpur, the youngest of three siblings from Mile 10 here said the inspiration for his hornbill-centric logo came from the general perception of Sarawak to the world.
“When I think of Sarawak, hornbill comes to mind. I designed the hornbill to look (upwards) towards the sky, symbolising that we should be proud to be Sarawakians,” he explained.
As for the colour theme of red, white and black, Voon said it was in accordance with the competition requirements.
At the logo unveiling ceremony, Abang Johari said GPS is a coalition of Sarawak-based parties with the objective of fostering a cohesive and harmonious state while safeguarding Sarawak rights.
On the logo concept, the design in the shape of the letter ‘S’ reflects the pose of the hornbill, which is indigenous to Sarawak.
Red in the logo mirrors the supremacy of the Constitution and white represents fairness of the Rule of Law that should be respected. Black symbolises the coalition’s resolve to uphold its objective to protect Sarawak rights and interests under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, state and federal constitutions.
The GPS logo competition, open only to Sarawakians, received hundreds of entries. The winner of the contest received RM10,000 in cash prizes, while second and third place entries received RM5,000 and RM3,000 respectively. Five consolation prizes of RM1,000 were also awarded. — DayakDaily
