SCBX Group, through SCB, Empowers Youth Creativity at 20th SCB Challenge Art Competition Final

More than a competition, the SCB Challenge is a platform for creativity, growth, and inspiration, empowering primary school students to become capable and responsible citizens for the nation’s future.

Recognizing the importance of youth development and lifelong learning, SCBX Group, through Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), hosted the final round of the 20^th annual “SCB Challenge” art competition for primary school students. Mr. Kris Chantanotoke, Director and Chief Executive Officer of SCB, presided over the award ceremony. The event was opened by Mr. Worawat Suvagondha, Chief People Officer of SCB, and joined by distinguished experts: Dr. Sangkom Thongmee, Director of the HRH Princess Sirindhorn Art Center; Assoc. Prof.   Dr. Apichart Pholprasert, Head of the Department of Art, Music, and Performing Arts, Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University; Dr. Patumma Bumpentan, Lecturer in Art Education, Faculty of Education, Silpakorn University; and Mr. Theepatis Boonvijitnititorn, Head of the Department of Painting, Faculty of Painting, Sculpture, and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University. Together, they facilitated the learning process and served as the judging panel. The final round was held at the Mahisorn Hall, SCB Head Office.

Mr. Worawat Suvagondha, Chief People Officer of SCB, said: “SCB places strong emphasis on education and youth development, consistently driving initiatives that empower the next generation. The ‘SCB Challenge’ project is designed to enhance learning skills and provide experiences beyond the classroom. More than a competition, it serves as a platform where children gain hands-on experience, develop planning and teamwork abilities, and cultivate creativity, imagination, problem-solving, and communication skills. At the same time, it instills moral values, nurturing children to grow into capable, responsible individuals who will become valuable contributors to the nation’s future.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Apichart Pholprasert, Head of the Department of Art, Music, and Performing Arts, Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University, a member of the judging panel said:  “The ‘SCB Challenge’ project has designed its painting competition process in a way that differs from typical art contests, offering children nationwide the opportunity to participate in a truly unique experience. What sets this initiative apart is the thoughtful design of integrated learning journey at each stage. For example, children are encouraged to capture memorable impressions from field trips and then freely transform those experiences into imaginative stories. These serve as the foundation for creating paintings under the theme ‘Art and Science for the Future.’”

He continued, “On the competition day, children will be able to paint their designed stories onto each team’s canvas. This process integrates art and science, allowing them to practice skills and prepare comprehensively before creating their final artwork. Guided by the principles of 21st-century skill development (the 4Cs: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity), the project emphasizes individuality and encourages children to think more freely, without being bound by conventional perceptions or past experiences. It inspires the creation of new ideas, forming a vital foundation for learning and for application in everyday life.”

Mr. Jeerapong Kaewsri, teacher at Sarasas Witaed Suksa Chiang Mai School, Chiang Mai, said: “Our school has been a proud participant in the SCB Challenge project since 2008. The project has offered children invaluable experiences, with its learning process refined each year to inspire both students and teachers to grow and improve. As a teacher, I have incorporated the project’s learning approaches into my own teaching, which has greatly supported the development of primary school students.”

Ms. Kannika Suksai, once a young participant and now a role model of the SCB Challenge, is currently a fourth-year Art Education student at the Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University. She proudly shared, “I joined the project in 2015 as a student from Ban Huai Sai Ngua School in Nong Khai and advanced to the final round. Although it was the only time I participated, it remains one of the most valuable experiences of my life. The competition taught me teamwork and was the first major project I had ever undertaken. To this day, the memories of that experience remain vivid, and I continue to follow the project closely. My message to younger participants is this: Be brave in expressing your imagination to the fullest and always keep practicing and developing yourself.”

In this year’s final round, 24 teams from across the country—each comprising four students from mixed grade levels (Primary 1–6)—competed under the theme “Art and Science for the Future.” The program emphasizes the development of 21st-century skills, focusing on the four key attributes of the 4Cs: Critical Thinking, Communication, Creativity, and Collaboration. Beyond the competition, students engaged in experiential learning activities, including field trips to the National Science Museum and Rama IX Museum, where they explored science and technology with potential for future innovation, as well as a visit to the Thai Bank Museum to learn about the history of finance and banking in Thailand.

Competition Results

• Winner: Ban Wang Sam Mo Kindergarten, Udon Thani
• First Runner-up: Sarasas Witaed Suksa Chiang Mai School, Chiang Mai
• Second Runner-up: Ban Tha Song Yang Community School, Tak
• Special Mention (4 awards):

• Plukpanya Municipal School under Royal Patronage, Phuket
• Kam Kung Prachanukul School, Udon Thani
• Ban Prakhong School, Buriram
• Ban Wang Chom School, Chiang Mai

For more than 20 years, the SCB Challenge project has provided youth nationwide with opportunities for learning, creativity, and inspiration through artistic expression on canvas. It has grown into a platform that is more than just a competition—instilling values and nurturing young people to become capable, responsible citizens who will contribute to the nation’s future.

Follow the journey and discover inspiring stories on Facebook: SCB Challenge.