Sabah artist returns to alma mater with unity mural

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Local artist Xian Cai Siang, also known as Sumi Spirit, painted a mural titled “Bersama Kita Berkarya” at SMK St Mary Sandakan to celebrate Malaysia Day and promote unity through traditional arts. The artwork highlights Malaysia’s multicultural heritage and aims to inspire students to engage in creative and social activities that foster harmony across diverse communities.

SANDAKAN — Local artist Xian Cai Siang, known professionally as Sumi Spirit, returned to his alma mater SMK St Mary Sandakan to create a mural celebrating unity and creativity ahead of Malaysia Day. The 33-year-old, who graduated from the all-boys school in 2011, completed the artwork over six days, painting a mural themed “Bersama Kita Berkarya” (Together We Create).

The mural, now displayed at Sabah’s oldest mission school established in 1883, features Malay, Chinese, and Indian figures engaged in traditional arts and crafts. Xian said the imagery was chosen not only to highlight Malaysia's multicultural heritage but also to preserve traditional crafts in an era increasingly influenced by technology and artificial intelligence.

“The theme centers on harmony and unity, demonstrating how people can collaborate, be creative and work as one,” Xian said, reflecting his intent to foster a spirit of togetherness through the artwork.

The project was initiated and fully funded by SMK St Mary Sandakan’s alumni network, including notable contributor Datuk Md Afendi Hamdan. Afendi emphasized that the mural serves a purpose beyond decoration, encouraging students to reduce screen time and engage more in sports, social interaction, and artistic pursuits. He remarked that creating art helps build friendships across different ethnic communities such as Chinese, Dusun, Malay, and Bajau, contributing to the muhibbah spirit—an essential ethos of unity in Malaysia.

School board chairman Dalius Lucius Lobinjang noted that the mural embodies the school’s commitment to unity in diversity and education. He expressed hope that the artwork would inspire future generations of students to embrace these values.

For Xian, returning to SMK St Mary Sandakan was an opportunity to witness the school’s evolution, including new facilities and staff, while maintaining a strong connection to his formative years. The mural stands as his contribution to the institution that provided his foundation, conveying a lasting message of mutual respect, creativity, and national harmony on the occasion of Malaysia Day.

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