BMW Group Malaysia has launched ENvision.NEXT, an initiative that brings together art, innovation, sustainability, and responsibility (AISR) to spotlight local creative talents. This project invites Malaysian artists to design and develop innovative works for BMW’s Retail.NEXT dealerships, blending aesthetics with functionality. The initiative embodies the brand’s core values of sustainability and circularity, showcasing creativity and forward-thinking.
The debut project under ENvision.NEXT took place at Auto Bavaria Balakong, the first BMW Retail.NEXT dealership in the Klang Valley. Several prominent artists were invited to pitch their concepts, with the winning artist receiving RM30,000 to bring their vision to life. Auto Bavaria Balakong’s expansive 240,057-square-foot facility, designed with a modern and innovative approach, provided a perfect canvas for this endeavor. The pilot project sets the stage for future iterations of ENvision.NEXT, with plans to evolve into an open competition format, encouraging emerging artists to participate.
Benjamin Nagel, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, highlighted the initiative’s significance, stating, “ENvision.NEXT showcases our dedication to nurturing local talent, aligning with BMW’s global commitment to sustainability and innovation. We are eager to see how these creative projects will transform our dealerships, starting with Auto Bavaria Balakong, into spaces that resonate with both customers and the community.”
Andy Tian, Dealer Principal of Auto Bavaria Balakong, added, “As the first Retail.NEXT dealership in Klang Valley, we are proud to host the first ENvision.NEXT project. The incorporation of the winning artwork not only beautifies our space but also reflects our collaboration with talented local creators who deserve recognition.”
The winning artist, William Koong, captivated the judges with his concept, “Resonance of Progress.” His solar-powered sound sculpture interacts with sunlight to produce sound throughout the day, symbolizing the dynamic relationship between the dealership and its environment. Koong’s creation reflects the balance between BMW’s legacy and its future vision, capturing the energy of Balakong, an area known for its industrial vitality. This unique artwork will be unveiled at Auto Bavaria Balakong, standing as a tribute to innovation and the talent found within Malaysia’s creative community.
Koong shared his gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “I am deeply honored to create ‘Resonance of Progress’ for ENvision.NEXT. Inspired by Auto Bavaria Balakong’s rich connection with the community, my sculpture is a tribute to imagination, our surroundings, and the beauty of movement.”
The judging panel for ENvision.NEXT consisted of esteemed figures from various creative fields, including Shawn Leishman, an academic and architect; Suzy Sulaiman, an artist and educator; Christina Lee, a director at the National Art Gallery of Malaysia; and representatives from BMW Group Malaysia and Auto Bavaria Balakong. They praised the initiative for its role in elevating local artistry and creating new platforms for emerging talents.
Suzy Sulaiman emphasized the potential impact of the initiative, noting, “ENvision.NEXT strengthens BMW’s role as a patron of the creative industry while providing a unique platform for artists to showcase their work at BMW showrooms.”
Christina Lee added, “Blending art with a cutting-edge BMW dealership elevates both the space and the community’s visual literacy. It’s a fantastic opportunity for artists to have their work displayed in such an inspiring setting.”
This initiative marks the start of what will become an annual tradition, where both emerging and established artists will have the opportunity to contribute their creative visions to future BMW Retail.NEXT dealerships. Through ongoing collaboration with local talent, BMW Group Malaysia aims to continuously integrate innovative and sustainable art into their dealership spaces, enhancing both customer experience and community engagement.
