THE prize presentation ceremony for the Gundam Model Kit Contest 2014 was held recently, awarding winners in the Junior, Youth and Open Categories of the competition.

The contest was aimed at encouraging youths to showcase their talent and creativity in assembling and creating Gundam Model Kits.

The prize presentation was part of Sungei Wang Plaza’s mid-year school holiday activity, which included meet-and-greet sessions with Gundam Unicorn and Kirara.

Gundam, a popular animation series created by Sunrise Studios Japan features giant robots (or “mecha”) called “Gundam”.

The animation series has caught the attention of younger audiences and model builders, which led to the production of manga, collectibles, model kits, cosplays and competitions.

The first category of the contest, the Open Category, was for participants aged 26 years and above. The first prize went to Raymond Yap who walked away with RM1,800 and a trophy. The second-prize winner was Ho Yick Yin who received RM1,000 and a trophy while third-prize winner Becky Law received RM600 and a trophy.

Three merit prize winners were Daniel Foo, Mohd Redzuan and Azizol Shahrir who received RM200 each.

In the Youth Category, for participants aged 15 and above, the first prize went to Jeffrey Goh who received RM800 and a trophy. The second-prize winner was Mohd Hazim who received RM500 and a trophy followed by third-prize winner Nurul Eeman who received RM300 and a trophy.

Merit prizes went to Khairuddin Rosman, Muhd Nazree and Muhd Hafiz, who received RM100 each.

The Junior Category, for those aged 14 and below, the champion was Nasiruddin Yusri who won Gundam Model Kits worth RM300 and a trophy. The second prize went to Bryan Choo who won Gundam Model Kits worth RM150 and a trophy. Third-prize winner Yong Zi Mok received Gundam Model Kits worth RM80 and a trophy.

There were also two subsidiary awards given out. The New Challenge Open Category was won by Amar Asyrnaf and the New Challenge Junior Category was won by Muhd Aizat Abdul Aziz, both of whom received RM100 and a trophy.

Sungei Wang Plaza Marketing Communications senior manager KK Lim said the model kit contest was a platform for youths to showcase their skills in modelling and creating miniature dioramas.

“It requires patience, skill and creativity to create a model kit. We are proud of the winners as we have seen so many wonderful and extraordinary model kits for the contest,” said Lim.

Bryan Choo, 10, who won the second place in the Junior Category said, “I never thought I would win as there were older participants who did better than me. I am very happy today and would like to thank my mummy for supporting my hobby in building Gundam Model Kits.”

Brothers, Mohd Hazim, who won the second place in the Youth Category, and Nasiruddin Yusri, who won first prize in the Junior Category, attributed their success to their father who supported them by purchasing model kits fortheir practice.

“Our win today is a special Father’s Day gift,” said Mohd Hazim.

Winner of Gundam Model Kit Challenge (Open Category) 2013 Ronnie Khoon, Litt Tak Toys director James Lim, Bryan Tiew, Takayoshi Oyama from Bandai South Asia and Carina Chow of Sungei Wang Plaza Management Corporation presented the prizes to the winners.

A total 111 entries were received for the contest. The participants were judged on their painting skills, body decoration, modification, creativity and originality.