MBCS + UNICEF Malaysia amplify the voices of children through #AShotAtLife virtual exhibition
Mediabrands Content Studio (MBCS), the media-fuelled creative content practice within the IPG Mediabrands network, has launched a special campaign together with UNICEF Malaysia to commemorate World Children’s Day on 20 November 2023.
Voices of Children was launched with an event at the Parliament of Malaysia, with a special proclamation by the Speaker, speeches by children, and a unique exhibition on children’s rights as captured by the Picture My Rights photo competition which ran from July 2023.
Concurrently on World Children’s Day, 21 digital billboards were activated over a three-day period, to feature the competition’s winning entries and finalists across selected digital billboards across the Klang Valley, sponsored by IPG Mediabrands, Laguna Media & iCandy Ads.
Amir Faiz, Group Creative Director of MBCS said, “It’s important for children of Malaysia to know and understand their rights, and this campaign showcased the power and depth of these rights, especially when viewed from the perspectives of the children themselves. Connecting with the children of Malaysia to understand their rights is a fundamental step forward in our progress as a nation. With technology as a tool, the magnitude of reach is unlimited, borderless, and truly amplifies the voices that matter. The voices of our children.”
The Picture My Rights competition invited young people to express their views about children’s rights and issues that matter to them through the medium of a photo. Over 300 photos were received from children and young people across Malaysia, with photos of the finalists open to view on the #AShotAtLife virtual exhibition gallery.
The Picture My Rights: A Shot at Life grand prize winners are Airiena Batrisyia Binti Anuar Kamal (16) and Afiq Bin Sharkawi (16) for the 13-17 age category; and Irfan Bin Sharkawi (18) and Tanzina Khan (23) for the 18-24 age category. Their photos reflect children’s right to be heard, to freedom, to a family, and to rest, play and friendships.
Judges for the competition were Malaysia’s Children’s Commissioner, Dr Farah Nini Dusuki, Amir Faiz, Group Creative Director of MBCS (IPG Mediabrands) and UNICEF Malaysia Communication and Advocacy Chief, Niko Wieland.
Robert Gass, UNICEF Representative to Malaysia said, “Where there are children, there is hope. In the midst of the many problems affecting children today, we want to focus on the transformative power of children and young people to bring about positive change. When children actively participate, they can lead the way in creating a better world for all.”
World Children’s Day is a Global Day of Action for children by children. It marks the adoption of the birth of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989 that outlines the fundamental rights of every child. The convention recognises children as individuals with their own rights and asserts that childhood is a special, protected time for children to grow, learn, play and develop with dignity. Malaysia acceded to the CRC 1995, albeit with reservations.
Amir added, “This is by far the most meaningful campaign I’ve worked on in my entire career. I’d like to express deep gratitude to the UNICEF team for giving us the opportunity to play a big part in this important campaign. Together, we can all make a difference for children in Malaysia and all over the world.
Visit the #AShotAtLife gallery here (access via laptop or download the Spatial app for mobile).
