NAC triples number of awards and announces inaugural batch of 27 NAC Arts Scholarship (Diploma) recipients with support of the President’s Challenge
2025 Arts & Heritage Scholarship recipients with Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, & Trade and Industry, Ms Low Yen Ling, Chief Executive Officer of National Arts Council (NAC), Mr Low Eng Teong, and Chief Executive Officer of National Heritage Board (NHB), Ms Chang Hwee Nee. Image courtesy of NAC.
SINGAPORE, 5 August 2025 – 46 outstanding individuals have been awarded the National Arts Council (NAC) and National Heritage Board (NHB) Arts and Heritage Scholarships 2025, recognised for their artistic excellence and strong potential as future leaders who will shape the growth of the arts and culture sector. This year also marks the highest number of 44 recipients awarded by NAC since the NAC Arts Scholarship was launched in 1992, triple the 13 awardees in 2024. As a President’s Challenge Impact Partner, NAC has also expanded its support for young arts talents, with the set-up of a new NAC Arts Scholarship (Diploma) and awarding its first batch of recipients this year.
2 Mr Low Eng Teong, Chief Executive Officer, National Arts Council, says, “It is inspiring to see a growing diversity of artistic talents driven by a shared passion to create meaningful impact on the lives of Singaporeans. The arts have always been crucial in engaging society and shaping our cultural identity. As the arts landscape and creative economy continues to evolve, these talents will play a key role in harnessing creativity to influence a wide range of sectors and shape the future of Singapore’s arts landscape. NAC is proud to stand beside them and support their artistic journey every step of the way.”
3 Ms Chang Hwee Nee, Chief Executive Officer, National Heritage Board, says, “At the National Heritage Board, we often speak of the need for heritage to evolve and adapt to stay relevant. These scholars represent part of that renewal for us. I am proud that their journey started even before they received these scholarships as active members of our Youth Panel. This is a testament to our efforts to engage Singaporeans of all ages, from diverse backgrounds, because our heritage belongs to all of us and together, we can ensure that it continues to thrive.”
Paving the way for more young talent with inaugural NAC Arts Scholarship (Diploma)
4 This year, the first batch of 27 recipients of the NAC Arts Scholarship (Diploma) will enrol in Singapore’s leading arts institutions: LASALLE College of the Arts, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), and the School of The Arts (SOTA).
5 With support from President’s Challenge as its Impact Partner, NAC has committed an additional $2.3 million annually to empower more young artistic talents, including those from less advantaged backgrounds, to pursue their aspirations in the arts and build meaningful, sustainable careers through scholarships. The expansion of scholarships opens doors for more talents at different stages of their development to pursue higher arts education and go on to shape the arts sector.
6 The newly introduced diploma scholarship provides comprehensive support, covering full tuition and compulsory fees. This will support young aspiring art talent during their formative years, such as Nurul Ailis Lee taking Diploma in Arts Management at NAFAand; Noorhazirah Haziqah Binte Mohamad Hairi pursuing Diploma in Audio Production at LASALLE College of the Arts and; Tan Ying En taking Theatre at SOTA.
Enriching lives and livelihoods through diverse career pathways in the arts
7 Recognising the arts’ growing role in addressing global challenges in adjacent and emerging fields, several scholars are boldly charting new paths in technology, healthcare and sustainability to respond to these evolving needs.
8 Some scholars are responding to growing social issues in areas of care and ecology through their artistic practice. Mr Muhammad Muazzam will pursue a Master of Gerontology at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) to strengthen age-affirming and inclusive arts practices for Singapore’s ageing population, while Ms Chen Yingxuan, who will attend University College London for a Master of Arts and Sciences in Creative Health, aims to develop arts-based healthcare interventions and integrate arts and well-being in Singapore. Ms Zhai Qiutong, who is pursuing a Master of Arts Research on Environmental Art at Waseda University, intends to enrich Singapore’s arts ecosystem by developing new approaches that bridge environmental and cultural discourse for the public.
9 Expanding their arts practices into emerging industries and opening new career pathways, Mr A’shua Imran, Ms Ashley Hi Zhiqi, and Ms Christie Chong delve into the realm of creative technology and innovation through a Master of Arts in Digital Direction at the Royal College of Art, a Master of Arts in Fine Arts at LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, and a Bachelor of Music in Game and Interactive Media Scoring at Berklee College of Music, respectively.
10 Several scholars are enriching Singapore’s unique multi-cultural identity through practices informed by traditional art forms. Ms Neo Ke Xin and Ms Gabriella Gleichenia Gautama are contemporising traditional Chinese dance, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Ethnic and Folk Dance at the Beijing Dance Academy and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Contemporary Dance at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, respectively. Mr Buvaneswaran S/O K Ganesan is developing a distinctive style by blending traditional elements with contemporary sounds as he takes a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Music at LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore. Mr Huang Luxiang Andrew contemporarises his practice in traditional Chinese painting, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Chinese Landscape Painting at the China Academy of Art.
Advancing excellence in Singapore’s arts, heritage and cultural landscape
11 This year’s scholars also take on instrumental specialist roles such as stage production and management that supports Singapore’s growth as a regional live entertainment hub. At the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London, Ms Leeyau Shi Min is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Production Technologies and Stage Management.
12 As the next generation of heritage stewards, two scholars have been awarded the NHB Scholarship in recognition of their efforts to safeguard Singapore’s shared heritage and broaden access to its rich legacy for all. Mr Eugene Teo Rui Xian pursues a Bachelor of Arts in History (Minor in Southeast Asian Arts and Heritage) at the National University of Singapore, and Mr Timothy Stephen Ang Tze Wei is taking a Bachelor of Arts in History at University College London.
13 These scholars join a growing community of artists dedicated to developing mastery in their craft, across various art forms: Ms Tan Wei Ting undertaking a Master of Arts in Advanced Theatre Practice at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, United Kingdom and; Mr Amos Vincent Wong pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts (Sculpture) at RMIT University, Australia and; Mr Goh Jia Hui Matthew and Mr Chew Ziyang Hans, both pursuing a Master of Fine Arts Fine Art at NAFA, University of the Arts Singapore; Ms Lin Huiyi Rachel pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Art Histories and Curatorial Practices: Asia and the World at LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore and; Ms Shahira D/O Mohamed Farouk, embarking on a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Musical Theatre at LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore.
14 Together, this diverse and talented cohort reaffirms the enduring role of arts and heritage in shaping the future of Singapore. Supported by NAC and NHB, the scholars exemplify the next generation of leaders who will play a vital role in shaping Singapore’s maturing arts and culture landscape, and enrich the lives of Singaporeans through arts and heritage.
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- ANNEX A1: NAC ARTS SCHOLARSHIP & 2025 RECIPIENTS
- ANNEX A2: NAC-UAS ARTS SCHOLARSHIP & 2025 RECIPIENTS
- ANNEX A3: NHB SCHOLARSHIP & 2025 RECIPIENTS
- ANNEX B: LIST OF QUOTES FROM PARTNERS
High-resolution images for reporting can be found in the media kit here
For media queries, please contact:
| Trina Sim Assistant Manager, Strategic Communications National Arts Council +65 9100 9952 Trina_SIM@nac.gov.sg | Justin Ho Senior Manager, Strategic Communications & Digital National Heritage Board +65 6982 1189 justin_ho@nhb.gov.sg |
| Natalie Tan Manager, Tate Anzur +65 9173 6129 NACPR@tateanzur.com |
About National Arts Council
The National Arts Council (NAC) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth that champions the arts in Singapore. The Council promotes artistic excellence by providing diverse opportunities for artists and arts organisations while expanding access for audiences to appreciate the impact of the arts in enriching lives. By working closely with the arts community and partners, the Council seeks to build a connected society, creative economy and distinctive city through the arts. For more information, visit www.nac.gov.sg.
About National Heritage Board
The National Heritage Board (NHB) was formed on 1 August 1993. As the custodian of Singapore’s heritage, NHB is responsible for telling the Singapore story, sharing the Singaporean experience and imparting our Singapore spirit.
NHB’s mission is to preserve and celebrate the shared heritage of our diverse communities, for the purpose of education, nation-building and cultural understanding. It manages the national museums and heritage institutions, safeguards and promotes intangible cultural heritage, and sets policies relating to heritage sites, monuments and the national collection. Through the national collection, NHB curates heritage programmes and presents exhibitions to connect the past, present and future generations of Singaporeans. NHB is a statutory board under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. Please visit www.nhb.gov.sg for more information.
About University of the Arts Singapore
The University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) is Singapore’s first arts university, nurturing a new generation of forward-looking artists, designers, educators, researchers, arts leaders and changemakers.
UAS is founded on an alliance of Singapore’s leading arts institutions, LASALLE College of the Arts (LASALLE) and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA).
Located in the heart of the arts and civic district, LASALLE and NAFA are distinguished by unique heritages, strong artistic traditions, and innovative teaching approaches. Our faculty and alumni have earned national recognition, including Cultural Medallions and Young Artist Awards, championing Singaporean creativity on the global stage.
UAS will generate new artistic thinking and discourse by creatively combining teaching, practice, and research. Collaborating with arts communities and industry partners locally and internationally, our graduates will energise the cultural landscape and the creative economy. We will strengthen Singapore as a creative hub in Asia.
In August 2024, UAS welcomed its first cohort of undergraduate and postgraduate students from LASALLE and NAFA, with degrees conferred by UAS.
For more information, visit www.uas.edu.sg.
About LASALLE College of the Arts
Asia’s leading contemporary arts and design institution
LASALLE College of the Arts is the highest ranked specialist arts institution in Southeast Asia for performing arts, and joint top for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).
The College offers 36 Diploma, BA (Hons) and postgraduate programmes across the full spectrum of arts and design disciplines. A nurturing, interdisciplinary learning environment inspires the next generation of forward-looking and globally engaged creative leaders, who are mentored by a faculty of award-winning artists, designers, educators and researchers. LASALLE’s tradition of practice-led research sets the College apart as an international centre of excellence.
Founded in 1984 by the late De La Salle Brother Joseph McNally – a visionary artist and educator – LASALLE has written, developed and delivered its own academic programmes since 2004, and continues to do so as a founding member of the University of the Arts Singapore alliance. LASALLE is a non-profit private educational institution. The College receives tuition grant support from Singapore’s Ministry of Education.
For more information, visit www.lasalle.edu.sg.
About Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
Established in 1938, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), a founding member of the University of the Arts Singapore (UAS), is Singapore’s pioneer and largest arts institution. Renowned for its unique identity and strength in Southeast Asian arts, NAFA’s Institute of Southeast Asian Arts (ISEAA) is a global leader in Southeast Asian art practice and research. NAFA has nurtured the largest number of alumni and conferred the nation’s highest accolades, with 14 Cultural Medallions and 15 Young Artist Award recipients. As the only arts institution offering a comprehensive range of educational pathways from early childhood to adulthood, NAFA inspires learning and growth through diverse programmes. These include tertiary education, lifelong learning courses at the Centre for Lifelong Education, junior art classes in the School of Young Talents, and arts-enriched preschool education.
With a rich heritage dedicated to arts education, NAFA strives to live up to its mission of “inspiring learning and growth through the arts”.
For more information, visit www.nafa.edu.sg.
About School of the Arts, Singapore
The School of the Arts, Singapore (SOTA) is Singapore’s first national pre-tertiary specialised arts school with a six-year integrated arts and academic curriculum, leading to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or Career-related Programme, for youths aged 13-18 years old. Under the ambit of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), SOTA offers a dedicated development path for those who have interest and show early talent in the arts, providing a learning environment where both the artistic and academic potential can best be realised. With a vision to nurture creative citizens for the future, SOTA aims to identify and groom artistic and creative learners who positively impact Singapore and the world, through a vibrant learning environment that is anchored in the arts. A school of the future, SOTA embraces a holistic educational philosophy that celebrates experimentation, expression and discovery.
For more information, visit www.sota.edu.sg.