Farley’s annual colouring contest draws 1,300 children

SIBU : A sea of colours, youthful imagination and family enthusiasm filled Farley Sibu as its 20th Annual Children’s Colouring Contest brought together 1,300 young participants from across the region at its premises along Jalan Salim here on Sunday (Oct. 11), marking two decades of nurturing creativity among children.

Themed around artistic expression and community participation, the 2026 contest attracted children from kindergarten to upper primary school, with participants competing in three age-based categories.

Group A catered to children aged 10 to 12 in Primary Four to Six, while Group B was for those aged seven to nine in Primary One to Three. Group C welcomed kindergarten children aged four to six.

The competition saw children putting their colouring skills and creativity to the test as parents and family members gathered to support them.

In Group A, Edric Yong Tian Jun emerged champion, followed by Katharine Hii Wan Zhen in second place and Aaron Mok Hua Cheng in third.

Joanne Ling Yi Tong took first place in Group B, with Edlyn Yong Yann Ru securing second and Jacelyn Wong Xiang Yi finishing third.

In Group C, Tryson Wong Pak Lei claimed the top spot, followed by Jayden Pang Song Ze in second place and Zoey Chien Jia Hui in third.

Beyond the top three positions, each category also recognised 10 consolation prize winners and 10 encouragement prize recipients, giving more children an opportunity to have their efforts acknowledged.

The top three winners of Category A with their prizes.

The prize packages included bicycles or children’s ride-on toys, hampers and trophies for the top three winners, while consolation prize recipients received hampers and trophies. Encouragement prize winners were presented with hampers and medals.

The event also offered a range of activities and community services, extending the experience beyond the colouring competition itself.

Visitors had the opportunity to explore a Bomba fire truck exhibition, as well as displays featuring police Mobile Patrol Vehicles (MPVs) and Urban Crime Prevention Vehicles (URBs). A question-and-answer session also gave children the chance to test their knowledge and win gifts.

Health and wellness services formed another key part of the programme. The Sibu Division Health Office and Alpro Pharmacy Sibu provided free basic health screenings, while the Sibu Division Dental Office offered dental check-ups through a mobile dental clinic.

Food sampling stations further added to the lively atmosphere, giving families more opportunities to enjoy the event together.

Farley Sibu expressed its appreciation to the participants, parents, families, sponsors, government agencies, community partners and staff whose contributions helped make the annual gathering a success.

Now in its 20th year, the contest continues to provide a platform for children to express their creativity, build confidence and experience the excitement of friendly competition, while bringing families and the wider community together.

(Background): The top three winners of Category B with their prizes.

Winners of Category C gather for a group photo.