Saint Mary’s University (SMU) concluded its Indigenous Peoples and Museum Month 2025 celebration with a high-profile painting competition, where Ms. Rose Ann D. San Andres, a 4th-year Hospitality and Tourism Management student, was declared the grand winner. Representing the School of Accountancy and Business (SAB), Ms. San Andres triumphed over talented competitors from various schools. Her victory, announced after the on-site painting was completed on September 30th, was a deeply personal triumph following a prior attempt in 2023, marking her final opportunity to compete as a graduating student.

The competition’s theme, “Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Future,” challenged participants to visually interpret the critical intersection of Indigenous knowledge and modern Artificial Intelligence. Ms. San Andres devoted several days to conceptualizing her work, emphasizing that her art was “more than just colors,” and that she sought to ensure “every hue carries a special meaning” to honor the significant theme. Her winning concept likely depicted the necessity of safeguarding Indigenous Data Sovereignty and traditional cultural expressions from technological exploitation while harnessing AI’s potential for cultural preservation.

The underlying message of her artwork aligns powerfully with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. By focusing on “Defending Rights,” her piece is a potent visual plea for inclusive and rights-based governance of technology, ensuring that the development and application of AI systems do not perpetuate historical injustices or marginalize Indigenous communities. It champions the need for strong institutional frameworks that respect and protect the cultural and intellectual property rights of Indigenous Peoples worldwide.

Ms. San Andres’s achievement is a moment of pride for the entire School of Accountancy and Business, demonstrating that passion and perseverance can lead to outstanding success even outside a student’s core discipline. Her win not only celebrates her artistic talent but also amplifies a crucial global dialogue on ethical technology, cultural preservation, and social equity within the university community.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Written by: Aryan L. Yuzon, Promotions Coordinator, School of Accountancy and Business
Photo by: San Andres, Rose Ann D.