Raja Azhar spent a significant period in Australia, studying at the Victoria College of the Arts in Melbourne from 1979 to 1981. During this time, he established himself as an artist of note, winning prestigious accolades such as the St. Kilda Art Prize in 1980 and 1981, the Melbourne Lord Mayor’s Prize in 1981, and the Victoria Artist Society’s Artist of the Year award. His achievements extended to winning the Gippsland Miniature Art Prize in 1982 and the Greyhound Art Prize in 1989. In addition to his success, he founded the Raya Art Gallery in Melbourne, further cementing his presence in the Australian art scene. After 14 years abroad, Raja Azhar returned to Malaysia in 1992, setting up Art Case Galleries and continuing his art practice. His first solo exhibition in 1976 featured his batik works, marking the start of a celebrated career that spans multiple media and international recognition.