Youth Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition

Young Calligraphers of Sabah

'Han Mo Tong Xin' (翰墨童心) translates as 'brush and ink, childlike heart', offering a child's perspective on calligraphy.

If you think calligraphy is only for serious adults in quiet rooms, this exhibition is here to change your mind.

Led by young artists, this exhibition shows how ink meets innocence, patience and the kind of focus that most of us lose the moment our phone buzzes. The strokes may be gentle, but the intention is real. Each piece feels like a small conversation between the student and the page.

This second edition is even bigger, showcasing over a hundred pieces of student artwork from schools across Sabah, featuring both Chinese and Jawi calligraphy.

Although Chinese and Jawi calligraphy originate from different writing traditions, they share the same concept: that writing is an art form, not merely a means of spelling words. Chinese calligraphy uses brushstrokes to shape characters with rhythm, balance and emotion. Jawi calligraphy uses an Arabic-based script that is traditionally used to write Malay; curves, spacing and flow create their own kind of beauty here.

Seeing Chinese and Jawi calligraphy displayed side by side in KK just feels right. That's Sabah. Different roots, shared space and plenty of quiet talent.

Art does not need to shout to make an impact. The children's work is focused and sincere, and attending is a simple way to show young artists that we see them and encourage them to keep going.

What you will see

• Over 100 student pieces
• Chinese and Jawi calligraphy
• Works gathered from schools across Sabah
• A warm, community-powered exhibition that has been growing since 2023

Take your time to appreciate the unique energy of each student's work. Then imagine the hours of practice behind each seemingly effortless line.

The exhibition features student works from the following schools:

• SJKC ST Peter Telipok (Organiser)
• SJKC Chung Hwa Kota Kinabalu
• SJKC Chung Hwa Likas
• SKC Anglo Chinese Kota Kinabalu
• SJK(C) Kung Ming Beaufort
• SJKC Lok Yuk Menggatal
• SJKC Yu Min Penampang
• SMJK Chung Hwa Sandakan
• Yu Yuan Independent Secondary School Sandakan
• SJKC Pui Gin Sandakan
• SM Kian Kok Kota Kinabalu
• SM Tshung Tsin Sabah

(SJKC are Chinese national type primary schools. SM and SMJK are public secondary schools where the curriculum is taught mainly in Malay)

Event Details

• 12 December 2025 to 25 January 2026
• Tue - Sun (Closed Mon)
• 10AM - 6PM
• At Tinggi-Tinggi Creative Hub