The Philip Morris Group of Companies ASEAN Art Awards was created to support the development of ASEAN contemporary art and to increase the national and international exposure for ASEAN art and artists. The competition encourages, inspires and rewards creative works by ASEAN contemporary artists, with the intention of nurturing their talents. The awards provide a platform for up-and-coming ASEAN artists to exhibit their works at national and international levels, whilst allowing cross-cultural interaction. The competition is open to all permanent residents of ASEAN countries aged 18 and over. Any medium in two-dimensional form (including but not restricted to painting) is eligible. There are two levels of competition and prixes are awarded at both levels. The first level, held in each of the ASEAN countries, is the Philip Morris Group of Companies National Art Awards. Entrants are invited to enter up to three works in the competition; a pre-selection of works is made through slides. Entries are judged according to the criteria of (i) creative use of medium; (ii) expression and technique; and (iii) originality of artistic perception and mode of interpretation. In the spirit of creativity and freedom of expression, an entrant may explore any subject or theme in his/her work. Judges select 30 winning entries, five of which are declared Jurors’ Choices. The top five entries each receive a cash prize and a Philip Morris Group of Companies National Art Awards Trophy; the remaining 25 entries are acknowledged as Honourable Mentions. The second level is the Philip Morris Group of Companies ASEAN Art Awards, for which the five Jurors’ Choices from each of the National Art Awards competitions automatically qualify. A Grand Prize of US$15,000 and a Philip Morris Group of Companies ASEAN Art Awards Trophy is offered to the most outstanding entry; the five runners-up receive US$5,000 each and a Philip Morris Group of Companies ASEAN Art Awards Trophy.