KUCHING: Muhammad Abal Hakim Abal Mukam, a 19-year-old student from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak, has been selected to represent Malaysia at the highly anticipated Certiport’s Adobe Certified Professional World Championship 2023, set to be held in Orlando, Florida, the United States.
The global event, scheduled from July 28 to Aug 3, will see Abal, a designer from Sabah, compete against participants from across the globe.
His qualification for the international competition came after securing second place and receiving the esteemed Best People’s Choice Award at the CCC’s Adobe Certified Professional Malaysia National Championship 2023, held on June 1 earlier this year.
Expressing his excitement, Abal stated: “This upcoming championship marks my first international event, and I am eager to compete against participants from all over the world.
“The format will be similar to the national championship, where participants will be tasked with utilising their design skills to create a project based on a client’s requirements.”
On Tuesday (July 25), he shared with the media at Kuching International Airport (KIA) that he had received sponsorship of RM20,000 from the Sabah government.
Currently pursuing a Diploma in the Faculty of Arts and Design at UiTM Sarawak, his passion for design began in childhood, encouraged by his father, a Form 6 arts lecturer, who motivated him to participate in arts competitions in Sabah.
Over the years, Abal has honed his artistic skills and gained recognition for creating a multitude of illustrations.
Eager for the challenge, he described the competition as “the biggest leap I have ever taken in my life. It presents a chance to explore new horizons and experiences. Representing Malaysia and UiTM on a global stage is a dream come true, and I hope to make my country and institution proud.”
Accompanying Abal at KIA were Dr Asmah Alia Mohd Bahari, head of the Centre of Studies, Art & Design, Architecture, Planning & Surveying; and Clement Jimel, programme coordinator for Graphic Design and Digital Media.
