Latest news with #Chong
Business Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Times
Singapore at 60: Lee Kuan Yew's hidden sculpture and other artworks to know
[SINGAPORE] Lee Kuan Yew. Yusof Ishak. S Rajaratnam. David Marshall. Goh Keng Swee. These are among Singapore's most influential political figures, forefathers whose decisions shaped the country's early years. Their portraits are set to be showcased – not in a government building or national museum – but in a privately curated exhibition titled Artist's Proof: Singapore At 60 (AP60). The art exhibition marks Singapore's 60th year of independence, but it does not offer a straightforward celebration. Instead, it presents a layered, sometimes uncomfortable, and deeply personal look at nation-building through the eyes of many artists, and the collection of one man. That man is Chong Huai Seng, a businessman and long-time art collector. Born in 1951, Chong is part of the Merdeka generation – the children of independence – whose lives mirror the arc of the nation, from seaside villages to towering city-state. His exhibition, staged with his daughter Ning Chong under their platform The Culture Story, is a kind of private response to a public milestone. Portraits of Singapore leaders in the Chong collection include (from left) Goh Keng Swee painted by Loi Cai Xiang and Yang Zhongda, Lee Kuan Yew by Rajesh P Kargutkar, and S Rajaratnam by Joel Seow. PHOTOS: THE CULTURE STORY 'This is an exceptionally significant and meaningful opportunity for me as someone who loves art and loves Singapore,' Chong says. 'Growing up alongside Singapore, I see parallels between my life and the country's progress, and this was my way to pay tribute to Singapore's nation-building legacy and honour our founding fathers.' At AP60, the public will be able to see a long-hidden, historically sensitive sculpture: a bronze bust of Lee created by British artist Sydney Harpley in 1982. Harpley is better known for romantic figurative sculptures like Girl On A Swing in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. But he was persuaded by Marshall and Rajaratnam to sculpt Singapore's first prime minister – despite Lee's well-known resistance to being memorialised in art. The bust was briefly displayed at the Istana and Parliament House before it was withdrawn from view. In 2014, Chong acquired the artist's proof from a London gallery. (An artist's proof is the preliminary version that an artist makes before the final edition.) Chong kept it in private, waiting for the 'right moment' to unveil it. Now, with Singapore turning 60 and a decade since Lee's death, that moment has arrived. 'It has been a 10-year wait, and I am pleased to finally be able to present it at the exhibition,' he said. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Darren Soh's stunning long-exposure photograph of a 2015 Workers' Party rally in Hougang evokes the political undercurrents of post-Lee Kuan Yew Singapore. PHOTO: THE CULTURE STORY Between the lines of history Still, AP60 is far more than just a tribute to Singapore's founding statesmen. Staged in a former warehouse in Tanjong Pagar, the exhibition brings together more than 90 artworks by over 50 artists, including 11 newly commissioned pieces. The works span a wide emotional register – from the quietly nostalgic to the openly confrontational. There is Siew Hock Meng's delicate watercolour of the Singapore River, and Darren Soh's sweeping photograph of the dispersing crowd at the Workers' Party rally in Hougang in 2015. There is a massive 4.28 m painting of samsui women painted by Wong Keen, while Khairulddin Wahab reclaims historical silence with a striking portrait of Ali, the important but long-overlooked Malay assistant to British naturalist Alfred Wallace. Khairulddin Wahab's painting Ali rescues from the footnotes of history the young Malay man who helped British naturalist Alfred Wallace make his biggest breakthroughs. PHOTO: THE CULTURE STORY Ming Wong has a photomontage imagining Singapore's postcolonial future through a surreal 1950s sci-fi lens, while Suzann Victor paints the often-neglected narratives of migrants who shape the cities of South-east Asia. Intriguingly, Jon Chan presents two oil paintings of opposing offices: one belonging to PM Lee; the other to Chia Thye Poh, a former political detainee held for 23 years without trial. Their rooms, side by side, offer no easy answers – just tension and texture. Chong said: 'The curatorial intention behind the show was not about whether to be safe or provocative. It was about allowing the artworks to tell their stories, and encouraging visitors to find personal connections with the art and engage in healthy and critical discussions around our history.' Dawn Ng's playful collage pays homage to kopitiam culture and the casual poetry of everyday Singaporean life. PHOTO: THE CULTURE STORY Not all the artworks are political. Many are also deeply personal. In one room, viewers encounter Portrait Of Mum And Gideon, a textured painting by Yeo Tze Yang depicting Chong's late wife holding their grandson. Nearby hangs one of her favourite works – Fort Canning Park by Tay Boon Pin – infusing the exhibition with quiet familial intimacy. Chong's own journey is embedded throughout the show. There is a photograph of Selegie House, where he lived as a boy. There is a playful collage by Dawn Ng referencing kopi-shop talk with friends. There are paintings of the Singapore River alluding to his former office, the Economic Development Board in Fullerton Building (now Fullerton Hotel). His life story becomes a kind of counterpoint to the nation's – the personal stitched into the public. Chong Huai Seng and his daughter Ning Chong. PHOTO: FAMILY OFFICE FOR ART Drafting a nation Chong and Ning, rather than simply showcasing existing works, also made the decision to support new artistic voices by commissioning 11 artists to produce original pieces. They range from Zulkhairi Zulkiflee's multi-panelled work re-imagining Singapore's everyday pavilion structures as evolving global monuments, to John Clang's portrait of Singapore created through a ziwei doushu (a form of fortune-telling) chart, based on the date and time of its declaration of independence: Aug 9, 1965 at 10 am. The title of the show, Artist's Proof, is drawn from the language of print-making and refers to a trial version of a finalised work. But here, it becomes a metaphor. 'To the artist, in a sense, an artwork is never done. Neither is Singapore,' writes the exhibition curator Kwok Kian Chow, formerly the director of Singapore Art Museum and National Gallery Singapore. That framing is what allows AP60 to hold so much complexity. It is not a finished statement – it is a conversation starter. It does not insist on the last word – it invites many. Come Jul 13, when the exhibition opens at Artspace@Helutrans, some overdue conversations will hopefully begin. Five highlights Kim Lim's King, Queen, Pawn (1959) sculpture reflects on power dynamics through the spatial relationships of chess pieces. PHOTO: THE CULTURE STORY Ming Wong's technicolour collage Merdeka Dream No 1 (2025) features archival photographs of a young Singapore couple erupting into pixelated dreamscapes, a postcolonial fantasy fragmented by modern realities. PHOTO: THE CULTURE STORY Zulkhairi Zulkiflee's Untitled (Monuments In Conversation) (2025) transforms the humble everyday Singapore's pavilion into a globe-trotting monument. PHOTO: THE CULTURE STORY A detail of Wong Keen's massive painting titled The First Brick (2021) which spans over 4 m and explores the emotional tumult of early nationhood. PHOTO: THE CULTURE STORY
Business Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Times
Singapore teens stand to win S$3,000 in 13-19 Art Prize
[SINGAPORE] Budding teenage artists now have more reason to pick up their brushes and sketchbooks – the 13-19 Art Prize has almost quadrupled its top cash awards, with winners now receiving S$3,000, S$2,000, and S$1,000, respectively. Previously, winners for gold, silver and bronze awards received S$800, S$500 and S$300, respectively. Due to the prize boost, the competition deadline has now been extended from Jul 4 to 28 to encourage greater participation. The competition, now in its fifth edition, welcomes all teenagers aged between 13 and 19 from Singapore (for its physical category, which includes paintings and sculptures) and across South-east Asia (for its digital category). Meanwhile, the cash prize for the merit awards have also been increased fivefold from S$100 to S$500. Chua Rui Yan's painting Monotony previously won Gold for its depiction of our relationship with technology. PHOTO: TRCL The major prize boost is made possible by a donation from independent art space The Culture Story, founded by art collector Chong Huai Seng and his daughter Ning Chong. The older Chong is chairman of the 13-19 advisory committee. Started in 2021, the contest is organised by not-for-profit organisation TRCL (The Rice Company Limited) and supported by The Business Times. It is co-sponsored by CGS International Securities Singapore, and its venue partner is Pontiac Land. Since its inception, the contest has combined recognition with philanthropy – every winning artwork this year will be exhibited publicly for three weeks at Millenia Walk from Oct 8 to 30, and then auctioned online to raise funds for The Business Times Budding Artists Fund, a charity that provides free arts education to children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. In conjunction with SG60, this year's participants are invited to create works that reflect on Singapore's 60th anniversary – from its diverse landscapes and cultures, to the quiet beauty of everyday life in the country. That said, the competition remains open to all themes. Past winners have explored everything from climate change to identity, memory, and personal loss. Nur Tiara Delylah Suzaine's canvas Tied Together competed in a previous edition of the 13-19 Art Prize. PHOTO: TRCL Chong says: 'The Culture Story believes in the importance of nurturing young artists. We have a flourishing arts landscape in Singapore yet many art lovers naturally gravitate to the established names. This is unhealthy in the long run as it undermines the potential of our younger talents. With the 13-19 Art Prize, I hope we can inspire more young artists to come forward with their skills.' This year, the contest also includes a special section for intellectually disabled artists. This section, called Art Without Limits, has no age limit. Any person served by the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore is welcome to take part in it. For more information on 13-19 Art Prize, visit For more information on Art Without Limits, visit
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
DAP Sarawak chief vows to keep fighting to clear Michael Kong's name after court setback
Chong also appealed for public support, saying any form of encouragement for Kong would be sincerely appreciated by those who believe in the principles underpinning the case. KUCHING (June 18): Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen today affirmed that efforts to clear Michael Kong Feng Nian's name will continue. This follows the Court of Appeal's dismissal of Kong's application for a stay of execution in a defamation suit filed by Datuk Richard Wee Liang Chiat. The Court of Appeal rejected Kong's application to stay the High Court's judgement, which had ordered him to pay RM250,000 (RM200,000 in damages and RM50,000 in legal costs) to Wee for defaming him in a Facebook post dated July 21, 2020. The appellate court's decision upholds the High Court ruling delivered on Jan 26, 2024. The judgment also includes a 5 per cent annual interest on the damages, calculated from the date of publication until full settlement. Chong in a statement said with today's ruling, Kong must now pay the RM200,000 judgment sum, accrued interests and a total of RM60,000 in costs—bringing the financial burden to about RM310,000. 'While it is deeply regrettable that such a hefty amount must be paid before the Court of Appeal hears and decides on the merits of the appeal, we must nevertheless respect and comply with the Court's decision,' he said. 'Kong's political struggle and legal battle alongside this journey has not been easy, but together with Kong, we remain steadfast in his conviction and will continue to pursue the appeal to clear his name.' Chong also appealed for public support, saying any form of encouragement for Kong would be sincerely appreciated by those who believe in the principles underpinning the case. Kong, who is Chong's special assistant, was represented in the legal proceedings by Chong himself along with his legal team. Chong Chieng Jen Court lead Michael Kong Richard Wee
AsiaOne
3 days ago
- Politics
- AsiaOne
WP's Andre Low, Eileen Chong among 4 newbies co-opted into CEC, Singapore News
The Workers' Party (WP) has co-opted four rookie MPs into its central executive committee (CEC), the party said in a statement on Wednesday (June 18). Sengkang GRC's new face Abdul Muhaimin Bin Abdul Malik becomes deputy organising secretary, while Aljunied GRC's Kenneth Tiong is deputy treasurer. Non-constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) Andre Low is now the deputy head of the party's media team. Eileen Chong, who was earlier chosen as an NCMP, will lead the party's youth wing as president, taking over from Dr Jamus Lim who was leading the youth wing since 2024. "We wish to extend our appreciation to Dr Jamus Lim for his contributions to the development of our youth wing," the party said. WP will continue to be led by secretary-general Pritam Singh and chairperson Sylvia Lim, who had been elected at the party's Cadre Members' Conference on June 30, 2024. The party added: "The WP is confident that our new CEC members will play a vital role, as we continue to serve Singaporeans and working for Singapore." Low had lost in a close battle against Ng Chee Meng in Jalan Kayu SMC, but received the highest percentage of votes (48.53 per cent) among the unelected opposition candidates. Chong had contested Tampines GRC alongside incumbent MP Faisal Manap, Michael Thng, Ong Lue Ping and Jimmy Tan in a four-way fight, losing to a People's Action Party (PAP) team led by Masagos Zulkifli. Chong's team received the second highest percentage of votes (47.37 per cent) among the unelected opposition candidates and determined among themselves that Chong would be declared elected as NCMP. [[nid:718190]] khooyihang@
The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
JB school sets up liquid detergent refilling kiosk
A SJK (C) Foon Yew 2 pupil and Sustainability Club student leader speaking on the dangers of microplastics and single-use plastics, as part of the kiosk launch. Initiative aims to instil eco-friendly habits among youths TO cultivate eco-friendly habits among the young, a primary school in Johor Baru has launched a detergent refilling kiosk aimed at reducing single-use plastics. SJK (C) Foon Yew 2 headmistress Ramer Chong said the kiosk had been set up to encourage pupils, their parents and the wider community to reuse their own bottles when replenishing detergents. 'The initiative is part of our school's efforts to promote sustainable habits. 'Having the kiosk outside our school gates has also made it convenient for parents and nearby residents to take simple steps for sustainability,' she said when interviewed by StarMetro. She added that the eucalyptus-scented liquid detergent, priced at RM8 per litre, presented a cheaper option compared to commercial brands. According to Chong, the kiosk version is made of eco-friendly substances safe for regular use, unlike petroleum-based household detergents. Those wanting to buy the detergent are encouraged to bring their own bottle or container. Zulkurnain dispensing detergent at the refilling kiosk after the launch. Chong also said based on a recent study, Malaysia ranked eighth among countries with the highest amount of mismanaged plastic waste and contributed to around 2.9% of the global total. 'This spurred our school to ramp up our green efforts, including weekly recycling programmes, hydroponic farming and the formation of a Sustainability Club where we train student leaders to advocate environmental awareness.' Johor Education Department learning sector deputy director Zulkurnain Abdul Rahman, who launched the kiosk, commended the school at Jalan Kebun Teh Abdul Samad for its proactive approach. He said such initiatives aligned with the state's efforts to instil environmental awareness among youths. 'Schools are a crucial platform to nurture responsible attitudes in our future leaders. 'When students are taught to manage waste and care for the environment from a young age, the long-term impact will be significant,' he said. He also expressed hope that more schools would implement similar projects.
