[Written in partnership with MuzArt International, but the editorial team had full control over the content.]
Shannics has always had a deep-rooted love for the arts. Raised by parents who encouraged her to explore a wide range of creative outlets—painting, music, dance, and even speech—she was able to discover her true passion for painting early on.
“Out of everything I’ve tried, painting is where I feel most at home,” she told Vulcan Post. It became her means of self-expression, a way to channel her imagination without pressure.
The passion she discovered in her youth eventually led her to share her love for art with others, especially children, through her own art school, MuzArt International.
Like many entrepreneurs, her journey was far from easy. After high school, Shannics took up various part-time jobs, including teaching piano and tutoring, before realising that art education was where she belonged.
Despite facing scepticism from parents due to her young age and lack of formal art school education, she persevered.
“Parents would often question my qualifications, but I knew I had something to offer,” Shannics explained. Her determination paid off, and she slowly began building a reputation as a trusted and effective art teacher.
From humble beginnings to global reach
MuzArt began in a small space in Impian Emas, Johor Bahru, with only eight students—mostly family members. Over time, her dedication and innovative teaching methods attracted more students, and within a year, MuzArt had over 100 students.
“Trust was the key factor in our expansion,” she noted.
She recalled that in her early years teaching, parents were often sceptical of her abilities due to her youth. To combat this, she invited them to observe her classes. This transparency allowed parents to see firsthand her teaching methods and dedication, helping her build a strong foundation of trust.
The rapid growth necessitated a move to a bigger space in Setia Tropika, where the headquarters still resides today.
“What started as a passion project soon grew into something I never imagined,” Shannics reflected.
Today, through franchising, MuzArt has 53 outlets in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia, serving nearly 2,000 students.
The academy’s success lies in its unique approach to art education. MuzArt isn’t just about teaching children to draw or paint—it’s about helping them grow emotionally and socially through art.
“We believe art is a powerful tool for personal development and family bonding,” said Shannics. By guiding parents to better understand their children’s inner worlds through their creative work, MuzArt builds stronger family connections.
Differentiation through a human-centred approach
The key to MuzArt’s success lies in its human-centred approach to art education. “We’re not just a typical art school focused on painting and colours,” Shannics explained.
MuzArt places emphasis on understanding children’s inner worlds through art, providing an experience that AI or digital platforms cannot replicate.
The academy aims to offer more than just artistic skill—it seeks to create an environment where children can express themselves freely, build confidence, and enhance their emotional intelligence.
This approach has resonated with parents, not just in Malaysia but globally, which has driven demand for MuzArt’s programs in other countries.
MuzArt’s overseas expansion is a testament to its effective and adaptable curriculum, which incorporates cultural sensitivity into its management of different branches.
Local teachers are trained to adapt MuzArt’s curriculum while integrating their native languages and cultural understanding, resulting in a learning experience that feels natural and relevant to students.
Empowering students through global opportunities
MuzArt doesn’t limit learning to the confines of a classroom. The academy offers various outdoor activities, events, and international competitions that encourage students to think creatively and explore new possibilities.
One of the highlights is MuzArt’s annual CréArte competition, which invites children from around the world to showcase their talents.
Last year’s winner was rewarded with a trip to Switzerland, reinforcing MuzArt’s commitment to providing global exposure for young artists.
Additionally, MuzArt has collaborated with Malaysia Airlines (MAS) on the “ART FLIES HIGH” competition, where exclusive doodle art mats created by MuzArt students are now available through the Enrich website.
According to her, initiatives like these not only foster creativity but also provide students with platforms to share their art with a global audience. These collaborations embody MuzArt’s mission of blending education with real-world experiences, allowing students to see the value and reach of their creative work.
A legacy of art and education
As MuzArt continues to grow, Shannics is focused on adapting to market changes while maintaining the academy’s core values.
“The most important lesson I’ve learnt is to always prioritise education’s quality and our core mission,” she said. MuzArt’s mission of “awakening, accompanying, and assisting” students through art remains central to its philosophy.
In the short term, Shannics and her team aim to strengthen their presence in current markets while exploring new growth areas, such as online education platforms and blended learning models.
The academy is also looking to incorporate technological innovations, including AI, to personalise learning paths for students and create immersive learning environments.
Despite these technological advances, Shannics said, “We’ll continue to adhere to our educational philosophy while actively absorbing new technologies to enhance learning.”
Fifteen years after founding MuzArt, Shannics reflects on the journey that brought her to where she is today. “An individual’s efforts are limited, but when a group comes together, there’s no limit to what we can achieve,” she said.
With a growing global presence and an ever-evolving curriculum, MuzArt is poised to continue shaping the future of arts education for years to come.
- You can learn more about MuzArt International here.
- Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.
Featured Image Credit: MuzArt International