After winning last year as the best art promoting university in Malawi under the MASO Awards, the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has this year been nominated again for the same award and category.

Announcing the good news on Friday, MASO Awards public relations and communications manager Memory Msatilomo said the university’s nomination follows the recognition of its “exceptional work and impact in the creative industry”.

“You have been nominated in the category of Best Pro Arts University/College,” she said, adding the main award event for the winners is scheduled for December 13, 2025 at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) auditorium from 6PM.

Receiving the news, Executive Dean for Bingu School of Culture and Heritage at MUST, Dr Atikonda Mtenje-Mkochi was all smiles.

“We are excited that our efforts are being recognised and I would like to thank all those who nominated us for this recognition. However, the nomination is just a start, we need to finish this and to do that, I would like to call on all staff, students and the general public to vote for us,” she said.

Meanwhile, MASO Awards organisers have issued a certificate to MUST in recognition of the nomination. 

This year, the MASO Awards have come up with new innovations. For example, nominees stand to get 50 percent of the revenue generated from their votes, a pilot initiative aimed at empowering creatives.

“The Maso Awards do not issue cash or material prizes. The true reward is the prestige, exposure, and brand value the award adds to your career. But we do partner sometimes with companies or individuals that sometimes give out gifts to winners. Our official trophies are now metallic gold painted, symbolizing excellence and timeless recognition,” explained the award organisers.

“The voting process is conducted in two phases; nominations (first round of voting) and voting (final round of voting). Public votes account for 40 percent, industry experts 30 percent and committee of judges 30 percent.”