Digi dials up Instagram challenge to celebrate local street art

Digi Telecommunications is encouraging more Malaysians to discover and embrace the creativity and diversity of Malaysian street art with its #DigiSnapShot campaign. Inspired by the creative skills and imagination of Malaysian artists in creating local street artwork, the campaign seeks to inspire more photographers and street art lovers to share photos of street arts in Malaysia with other art enthusiasts on Instagram.

Serving as a gallery of beautiful and unique murals captured through the lens of Malaysians, #DigiSnapShot is touted as a celebration of the nation's cultural diversity, locality and community through the country's blooming art scene. 

According to Digi, the #DigiSnapShot campaign started out as a way to celebrate the nation's blooming mural art scene by initiating an online platform for Malaysians to share street art found across Malaysia. Today, it has evolved into a passion project for Digi, in which the brand hopes to extend to all Malaysians. As part of the campaign, participants will post their favourite street art on their Instagram accounts. Following that, on a monthly basis, selected contribution whose photos are reposted on Digi's Instagram will be rewarded. 

Digi's CMO Praveen Rajan explained that every street art is a form of social expression and has a story to tell. As such, the artists behind it should be given the opportunity and platform to do so. 

“#DigiSnapShot aspires to connect everyday Malaysians to local street art and artists across the nation. As we continue to grow and share this passion project of ours, we hope that we can play a bigger role in supporting the Malaysian art scene, giving it the attention it deserves while showcasing the many unique street art that can be found around our country as a way to celebrate our diverse culture,” Rajan added. 

Meanwhile, Digi joins other brands such as Darlie in launching campaigns that revolve around the nation's art scene. For instance, Darlie Malaysia released a film titled "The Art of Semangat", the second instalment of its four-part year-long campaign #SemangatTogether. Launched in May, the film showcased the creation of two mural pieces that encapsulated the spirit of East Malaysians. 

Filmed over the span of two weeks in East Malaysia, the film features two artists from East Malaysia, Artsy Daphy and Lukis Tulis, on their journey of uniting the people of  Sarawak and Sabah respectively through the power of art. 

Similarly, Singapore Kindness Movement also unveiled its kindness murals that feature scenarios with its mascot, Singa the kindness lion, and everyday Singaporeans demonstrating spontaneous acts of kindness around the neighbourhood in June. Done in collaboration with Nee Soon Town Council (NSTC) and created by mural artist Joycelyn (pictured below centre), the murals highlighted the history and unique identity found within each constituency.

Strategically placed and identified at selected HDB void decks by NSTC, the kindness murals sought to strengthen the kampung spirit that Nee Soon is uniquely known for, as well as bring positivity, cheer and opportunities for conversation starters among residents. 

Separately, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) approved the merger of Celcom Axiata's and Digi's telco operations in June. According to a previous statement by Digi, MCMC issued a Statement of Issues (SOI) to both Celcom and Digi in April 2022 to address concerns that the merger may reduce significant competition in the telco industry. To that end, both telcos have agreed to several undertakings.

These include the divestment of Celcom's Yoodo brand within the stipulated time as committed to MCMC, enabling non-exclusive distributors in the Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu regions within three years after completion of the merger, and positioning the existing Celcom and Digi brands as products under a single MergeCo corporate brand within two years after completion of the merger. 

Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, chairman of Axiata said then that it looks forward to playing an active role in encouraging national competitiveness through the provision of connectivity and research platforms whilst also supporting Malaysia's entrepreneurs and digital talents in the race to confidently position Malaysia for growth in the digital economy.

Related articles: 
Celcom Axiata and Digi receive green light for proposed merger
MCMC may fine Celcom Axiata, U Mobile and Digi up to RM200k for failing to meet broadband standards
Singapore Kindness Movement splashes Nee Soon in vibrant murals celebrating kampung spirit
Darlie paints the town with murals celebrating East Malaysian artistry