Charity Auction Lights Up Sabah Village With Hydroelectric Power After Raising RM38K

By Danial Martinus  •  30 Jul 2024 in News

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The village of Sumatalun in Pagalungan, Sabah now has access to hydroelectric power thanks to a joint effort by collectible livestreaming platform, Collektr, and Sabahan artist, Hannah Bhatt — who’s also the founder of The Uncanny Valley Studios and Light Up Borneo. The latter is an NGO that promotes access to electricity and lighting up Borneo’s vast interior.

Together, they held a charity art auction called “The Gift of Light”, reaching their target of RM38,000 in just under an hour.

Celebrating local artistic talent and highlighting art’s impact on communities

The auction featured 20 ceramic works sculpted by Hannah Bhatt, adorned with illustrations and paintings from local artists including Pangrok Sulap — a Malaysian collective of artists, musicians, and social activists dedicated to empowering rural communities and the marginalised through art.

Collektr facilitated the bidding and auction process, providing the ideal platform for art enthusiasts to engage with the artworks and contribute to lighting up Kg. Sumatalun, which is located nine hours away from Kota Kinabalu.

The RM38,000 raised is enough to provide hydropower to 28 houses and two public buildings — something the local residents genuinely need. The primary goal has been met, but there are still some pieces available for purchase.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity and support from the community,” said Saida Azizi, Co-founder of Collektr.

“This auction not only highlights the brilliance of local artists such as Afi Sulaiman, Ajim Juxta, Cheng Hao Yuan, Dianne T (Misorama Studios), Drewfunk, Fay Ulrica, Firdauz Baharudin (Seburba), Fritilldea, Haris Rashid, Kenji Chai, Kevin Loo, Lisa Wong Sook Kuan, Liu Hsin Ying, Nurul Atika, OLI, Pangrok Sulap, Su ann (Wayang Kulit Tatu), Trina Teoh, and Venice Chau Xhien who have been collaborating with Hannah; we are also igniting a movement where every bid becomes a beacon of hope, making a tangible impact in the lives of those in need.”

“As an artist rooted in Sabahan culture, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of art,” shared Hannah Bhatt. “Teaming up with Collektr for the Light Up Borneo project allows me to not only showcase Sabahan art but also illuminate paths to a brighter future for my community.”

In the last five years, Malaysian artists have consistently contributed to various charitable causes. This includes Pangrok Sulap’s initiatives supporting rural education, Haris Rashid’s collaboration with environmental NGOs to protect local wildlife, and Kenji Chai’s urban art projects raising awareness and funds for homeless shelters in Kuala Lumpur.

With Collektr’s innovative livestreaming bidding capabilities, charitable auctions are more accessible to a wider audience, maximising participation and engagement.

Click here to check out Collektr.

For more news, head to JUICE Malaysia.