With a prize-winning whimsical display of what Malaysians are, she vindicated her decision to drop law in favour of palette and brush.

The 23-year-old’s minimalist approach to the complex and colourful topic of the country’s cultural diversity, titled Under One Roof, won her the top prize in the “The Futurists” art competition.

“I’ve been interested in art since I was small, but I only started taking part in competitions in university,” said the Alor Setar lass, who won RM5,000.

“The feeling (of winning) is unbelievable. I’m so happy. I did not really think I would win because I thought the others were better than me.”

Describing her approach to her winning acrylic-on-canvas artwork as “friendly communication”, Lim said her intention was to project the unity of Malaysia’s different cultures in a way that is easily understood by everyone.

“My preferred style is minimalist, where I hope to put things as simply as I can … one look and people should be able to get what I mean,” explained the Limkokwing University student.

With her first-ever win in an art competition, Lim has set her sights on a solo exhibition within the next two years.

“I hope I can show my artwork to more people,” she said.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the competition, a joint effort between her ministry, Balai Seni Visual Malaysia and Gabungan Persatuan Pelukis Se Malaysia (Gaps), was part of efforts to build on Malaysia’s growing contemporary art tourism scene.

She said art tourism in Malaysia had grown exponentially over the past few years, with sales hitting RM30mil in just three months from July to September this year compared with RM5.3mil for the whole of 2007.

“We want to inspire young artists to strive to be known not only in Malaysia but the world,” she said after presenting prizes to Lim and the other finalists.