Kuala Lumpur, 15th October 2024 – BMW Group Malaysia introduces ENvision.NEXT – an Art, Innovation, Sustainability and Responsibility (AISR) initiative that invites local artistic talents to conceptualise and develop innovative creatives for BMW Group Malaysia’s Retail.NEXT dealerships. Blending form and function, the initiative is a celebration of creativity, sustainability, and the spirit of innovation that aligns with the values of Responsibility & Circularity of the BMW Group.
Beginning with Auto Bavaria Balakong as the first project for the ENvision.NEXT initiative, BMW Group Malaysia invited several established artists to pitch their concepts and ideas for an AISR creation within the dealership, with the winning artist awarded RM30,000 to bring their vision to life. Auto Bavaria Balakong, the first BMW Retail.NEXT dealership in the Klang Valley, features a modern design language and expansive facilities and spans over 240,057 square feet, providing a canvas for the winning artwork. This pilot phase sets the stage for future iterations of the initiative, which aim to evolve into an open competition format, welcoming emerging artistic talents to participate.
Benjamin Nagel, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “ENvision.NEXT is a testament to BMW Group Malaysia’s commitment to nurturing local talent, while aligning with our global values of sustainability and innovation. Through this AISR, we are excited to see how these creative visions will transform our Retail.NEXT dealerships, starting with Auto Bavaria Balakong, into spaces that truly resonate with our customers and the community.”
Andy Tian, Dealer Principal, Auto Bavaria Balakong said, “As the first dealership in the Klang Valley to embody the Retail.NEXT concept, we are honoured to be able to host the first-ever Envision.NEXT project. By incorporating the winning creative work from the ENvision.NEXT initiative, we are not just showcasing a beautiful piece of art, but also the spirit of collaboration with local creators that deserve a spotlight on their talents.”
William Koong, a waste art sculptor based in Ghetto Playground, captivated the judges with his concept of “Resonance of Progress”, a solar-sound sculpture that produces sound in response to sunlight throughout the day. The solar-powered sculpture symbolises the dynamic relationship between the dealership and its environment of Balakong – a location known for its vibrant energy, bustling with the hum of industry and progress. According to William, the creation is also a symbolic bridge between the BMW brand’s legacy and its forward-thinking vision. This remarkable piece will be unveiled at Auto Bavaria Balakong at a later time, where it will stand as a testament to the innovation and talent found within the creative industry of Malaysia.
William Koong said, “I feel deeply honoured and grateful for the opportunity to create ‘Resonance of Progress’ as part of the ENvision.NEXT initiative. Auto Bavaria Balakong’s rich history – centred around its relationship with the surrounding community both before and after its relocation – has served as a strong inspiration behind the concept. This sculpture is not only a tribute to the spirit of imagination, but also to the deep connection we share with our surroundings, and an enduring reflection of its elegance and movement.”
ENvision.NEXT was evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges, each bringing a unique perspective and expertise. The panel included Shawn Leishman, academician at UCSI University and Chartered Architect from the Royal Institute of British Architects; Suzy Sulaiman, KL-based artist, researcher and educator known for her work in community engagement through education, architecture, and digital technology; Christina Lee, Director at the National Art Gallery of Malaysia & Business Development Manager at Qing Gallery, together with Benjamin Nagel, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia and Andy Tian, Dealer Principal of Auto Bavaria Balakong.
Suzy Sulaiman said, “The ENvision.NEXT initiative presents a great opportunity to further cement the BMW brand’s role as a patron for the creative industry, while at the same time providing a platform for emerging creatives to have their visions presented at BMW showrooms. I look forward to seeing this event evolve into an annual competition.”
Conceptual Component of the Solar Sound Sculpture
Christina Lee added, “Bringing art into a future-forward BMW dealership is such an exciting way to blend culture with innovation. It not only serves to elevate the space but also the visual literacy of the surrounding community that the dealership serves. For artists, it would be a dream come true to showcase their work in such a unique setting! Personally, I love initiatives like this because they spark conversations, inspire new perspectives, and connect people through the appreciation of beautiful things.”
Shawn Leishman shared that it is inspiring to see a global brand like BMW giving local Malaysian creatives a platform to share their work and be heard, adding that it is a meaningful way to support and celebrate the creativity in the Malaysian community.
This initiative marks the beginning of an annual tradition, where emerging and established artists and creatives alike will have the opportunity to contribute their creative visions to future BMW Retail.NEXT dealerships. By continuing to collaborate with local talent, BMW Group Malaysia aims to consistently integrate innovative and sustainable art into their evolving dealership spaces.
