Jainal Amambing is a prominent contemporary artist and author hailing from the indigenous Rungus ethnic group on the island of Borneo. His childhood experiences in a traditional Rungus longhouse deeply influenced his art, reflecting the endangered traditions of his community amidst modernization. His paintings and illustrations, primarily in oils and gouache, depict the everyday life, survival techniques, crafts, and cultural heritage of the Sabah people. Though self-taught, Jainal Amambing’s mentor was the renowned illustrator Yusof Gajah, who encouraged him to continue his style in naïve art. They met at a picture-book illustration workshop led by the latter organized by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. 

Many of Jainal Amambing’s works focus on children and the preservation of their cultural heritage. His art has been showcased in numerous exhibitions, including exhibitions organized by the Sabah Art Gallery; “Between Two Territories” by the National Art Gallery (2001) and the Singapore Biennale (2013). His solos were held at the El Centro Bar/Café, Kota Kinabalu (2017) and G Wonder Khayalan Home Art Gallery, Kudat, Sabah (2022). Apart from being an acclaimed artist, he also authored several award-winning children's books, such as "The Proud Butterfly and the Strange Tree" and "The Magic Buffalo”. He has received multiple accolades, including the Sabah Annual Selection Award, as well as the prestigious Noma Concours Award, organised by the Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO, Tokyo. He won the Second prize at the 2007 and 2000 Noma Concours; runner up in 2004 and 2002, and Encouragement Prize in 2008 and 1998.