Forging New Ground in the Arts 13 Arts Scholarships Awarded Today

Krystle Huan
Assistant Director, Strategic Communications
National Arts Council
+65 9062 3317
Krystle_huan@nac.gov.sg

Val Low
Assistant Director, Partnerships & Engagement (Communications)
University of the Arts Singapore (UAS)
+65 8768 8514
val_low@uas.edu.sg

 Natalie Tan
Manager, Tate Anzur
+65 9173 6129
NACPR@tateanzur.com

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Recipients & Quotes

Background

Undergraduate

1

Tan Wei Tian

Bachelor in Chinese Opera Performing, Shanghai Theatre Academy (China)

“Through the scholarship, I aim to continuously refine and hone my skills as a performer, develop programmes to attract and involve younger generations, foster a sense of community among Chinese Opera artists and enthusiasts, and create a supportive network for collaboration and growth of Chinese opera in Singapore.”

Tan Wei Tian, 20, will be pursuing a degree in Chinese Opera at Shanghai Theatre Academy. Since childhood, Wei Tian has been involved in Teochew opera. Her passion for the art form began at the age of three and grew as she honed her skills and knowledge.

As a young Chinese Opera artiste in Singapore, Wei Tian strives to keep this traditional art form alive by performing, teaching, and sharing its value and significance with a broader audience, especially amongst the youth. In doing so, she hopes to contribute to the preservation, evolution, and appreciation of traditional Chinese Opera in Singapore and to inspire young artistes to continue chasing their dreams.

In 2017, Wei Tian was selected by the Singapore Tourism Board to be an ambassador for their “Passion Made Possible” campaign. In 2018, at 15 years of age, she set a national record as the “Youngest to Play the Lead Role in a Full-Length Chinese Opera”. She was named one of the five recipients of the “2018 New Young Promising Artistes” by Lianhe Zaobao and was also selected by TEDSingapore as one of the 14 young Asian females who possesses a unique passion for leading the next generation in helping to preserve Culture and Heritage.

While continuing to lead in traditional Chinese Opera classics, Wei Tian has also been actively involved in creating modern productions by incorporating contemporary elements such as multimedia, music and engagement. Most recently, she was cast as the lead actress in Nam Hwa Opera’s newly-choreographed “The Pawned Wife” in 2024 which received positive acclaim.

With the knowledge gained from her studies, Wei Tian hopes to stage Operas that blend traditional and modern elements, making the content relevant and accessible for Singaporeans.

Postgraduate

2

Jelaine Ng Sha-Men

Master of Fine Arts in Theatre for Young Audiences, Rose Bruford College (United Kingdom)

“My vision is to elevate the Arts for Young Audiences with inclusivity and accessibility through collaborations with institutions, caregivers, and parents. Together, we can ensure every child experiences the transformative power of the arts, shaping a culturally rich and inclusive future.”

Jelaine Ng Sha-Men, 28, is pursuing her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theatre for Young Audiences at Rose Bruford College.

Jelaine is a theatre maker and educator. She currently teaches with Wild Rice Academy and is a Wolf Trap teaching artist with Singapore Theatre Company (STC). Additionally, she serves as an Assistant Director for Bahri & Co in the centennial anniversary Musical Production at Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School. Jelaine also provides creative captioning and audio description services for theatre shows.

Jelaine graduated from LASALLE College of the Arts with her BA(Honours) in Acting, where she worked with directors like Claire Wong, Noor Effendy Ibrahim and Sarah Scaife. Her theatre credits include The Wedding Pig by The Second Breakfast Company, Affections by The Assembly Point and her one-woman play, The Shadow Curriculum, in the 2020 M1 Singapore Fringe Festival.

Her tenure with STC as a Learning and Engagement Resident includes spearheading THEATRE360, a groundbreaking youth theatre initiative, managing the Young Company and Inclusive Young Company and coordinating up-skilling conferences for early childhood educators like Permission to Play and Drama and Autism workshops.

Her goal is to elevate the arts for young audiences to new heights of inclusivity and accessibility. Jelaine is committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, can experience and enjoy the profound impact of the arts through drama, music, and movement.

With the support of the NAC Arts Scholarship, Jelaine is excited for the opportunity to gain more tools and strategies to engage a wider network of institutions, caregivers, and parents.

 3

 Muhammad Firdaus Bin Mohamad

Master of Fine Arts in Classical, Studio, Contemporary Conducting and Related Recording Technologies at the European Academy of Fine Arts /The Conducting Institute (Bulgaria)

“I have always been fascinated and inspired by the beauty and diversity behind different art forms in Asia and I hope to be a proponent for Singapore's unique blend of traditional music.”

Muhammad Firdaus Bin Mohamad, 39, also known as Megat, is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Classical Studio, Contemporary Conducting and Related Recording Technologies, European Academy of Fine Arts (Bulgaria).

Megat is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and music director with a strong passion in Malay traditional and multi-ethnic music.

Having graduated with a First-Class Honours Bachelor's degree from the University of West London in Sound and Music in 2022, Megat is an active leader in the local music community. He is currently an ambassador for Gemadah, a Malay Traditional Music Festival event organised by Singapore Malay Traditional Musician Association in collaboration with Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, Conductor for the Impressions of Nanyang Arts Association (INYAA), Executive Director of yIN Harmony and Co-Founder of Orkestra Sri Temasek (OrST), the first fully acoustic Malay Chamber Orchestra in 2011. He continues to contribute his time and energy in community initiatives to promote the Malay language, culture and arts.

Megat has always been fascinated and inspired by the beauty and meaning behind different art forms in Asia and hopes to be part of the larger community of ASEAN musicians and practitioners introducing Singapore’s unique blend of multicultural music with INYAA.

Upon graduating from his studies, Megat hopes to continue in his endeavours in bridging and sharing his love for Malay traditional music by creating unique works with OrST for the local community and the world.

The NAC Arts Scholarship is a developmental stepping stone for Megat to continue his pursuit in the traditional arts and challenge his capabilities and creative abilities in preparing him for his future role as a conductor, music director and educator.

4

Nur Fajrina Binte Abdul Razak

Master of Arts in Art & Ecology, Goldsmiths, University of London (United Kingdom)

“I hope my work serves as a vessel for a critical discourse to address the social and ecological issues, while simultaneously filling the gaps in traditional practices and craft traditions in Singapore.”

Fajrina Razak, 35, will be pursuing MA Art and Ecology at Goldsmiths, University of London, United Kingdom.

Fajrina is a visual artist, cultural worker, curator and educator. Her notable projects include hosting a residency programme 405 Art Residency (2020-23) and curatorial projects Between the Living and the Archive (2021), and Of Wax, Dyes and Labour (2019). Her works are in the permanent collection of the Singapore Art Museum and private collections.

She was the President of Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya (APAD, Association of Artists of Various Resources) in the term 2020-22. In 2023, she was selected as the artist-in-residence of Rimbun Dahan, Malaysia and at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, The Philippines.

Fajrina hopes to grow her artistic practice and contribute to arts education in Singapore and beyond, filling knowledge gaps in ethnobotany and ethnoecology in relation to traditional practices, while expanding knowledge on Southeast Asian textile and craft traditions. Her work as a contemporary artist using a traditional medium at risk of obsolescence such as batik, in the context of hyper-visual and hyper-developed Singapore, serves as a vessel for critical discourse on the effect of the modern built environment on the natural world. She hopes to continue interrogating colonial-capitalist practices and challenging the notion of progress through her batik practice.

5

Nur Khairina Binte Khalid

Master of Arts (Arts and Cultural Entrepreneurship), National University of Singapore (Singapore)

“I aspire to create innovative and sustainable opportunities for ethnic minority artists, especially youths, to empower them to engage with and contribute to the cultural and artistic heritage of their communities.”

Nur Khairina Binte Khalid, 28, also known as Khai, will be pursuing a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Entrepreneurship at the National University of Singapore. Having first been involved in Teater Ekamatra’s youth incubation programme back in 2014, Khai has grown together with the company for almost a decade and has progressed from an intern to its current General Manager.

Most notably, she produced and facilitated Call To Action, an online and cross-cultural interpretation of the Living Newspaper, that aims to engage with young people through digital and online techniques. To date, the Call To Action programme has seen three editions and has impacted over a hundred youths globally. In 2022, Call To Action was awarded the CDN Digital Learning Award (UK) for its impact as a social learning tool for young people. Most recently, she produced Hantu Kaki Kotor, a Malay-language children’s programme aimed at providing a space and platform for young artists to develop their own work. She was also recently awarded the Singapore International Foundation Arts For Good Fellowship 2024.

Khai is passionate about promoting, preserving and enhancing deeper appreciation and understanding of Singapore's rich culture within a wider community, by creating more cross-cultural collaborations. She also wants to create pipelines and development opportunities, to ensure continuous pathways and sustainable development of the industry.

Through the NAC Arts Scholarship, Khai hopes to be able to access resources that will be crucial in creating more impactful programs and initiatives for the ethnic minority theatre industry, especially for the younger generation. She aspires to create innovative and sustainable opportunities for youths, empowering them to engage with and contribute to the cultural and artistic heritage of their communities.

6

Felix Phang Tao Chern

Master of Arts (Research) Arts and Education (Music), National Institute of Education (Singapore)

"I aim to empower the next generation of musicians by making cultural music education more accessible, equipping practitioners with new tools for music-making, and strengthening our cultural bonds in the process."

Felix Phang, 41, is pursuing a Master of Arts (Research) at the National Institute of Education (NIE).

Felix has had a multifaceted career as a musician, educator, creative producer, entrepreneur and in management over 20 years. Felix’s work has been presented at international music festivals and his pieces “49 Days” and "Light a Thousand Candles" were selected to be featured as part of the New Music Workshops 2017 & 2019 International Jazz Composers’ Symposium organized by the International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers (ISJAC) in the US.

Locally, he is recognised as one of Singapore's leading next-generation contemporary music composers. His works explore themes of tradition, culture and change, and have been showcased at international music festivals and symposiums. His intercultural composition, "Pasat Merdu," was featured at the Temasek Foundation Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) National Day Concert in 2023, captivating audiences through performances by the SSO and his musically-diverse ensemble, The Straits Ensemble.

Felix leads Pasat Merdu, a non-profit organisation founded in 2022 that is dedicated to fostering intercultural understanding and uncovering the essence of the Singaporean sound.

He is committed to making Singapore-based cultural music practices more accessible, aiming to create pathways for creativity and innovation in intercultural music, supported by stronger connections among ethnically diverse groups.

With the NAC Arts Scholarship, Felix aims to develop new capabilities in intercultural education curriculum development at all levels, bridging the musical knowledge of cultures found in Singapore with western-trained musicians from around the world. He believes that with new practices in music-making, we can create something uniquely ours to strengthen our relationships both locally and globally.

7

See Tow York Ian

Master of Sciences in Conservation of Contemporary Art and Media, University College London (United Kingdom)

“This generous scholarship unfurls a canvas of opportunity that allows me to pursue uncharted, exciting fields of the global art landscape. My mission is to be a life-long advocate for not just the production, but the continued preservation of art, bridging the gap between creation and longevity.”

See Tow York Ian, 24, also known as Alexis, will pursue a Master of Science in Conservation of Contemporary Art and Media at University College London.

As a graduate from Nanyang Technological University's double-major programme in English Literature and Art History, she is uniquely positioned to advance new frontiers of contemporary art conservation, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by Singapore's ever-evolving and boundary-pushing art forms. Her final-year thesis critically and successfully addressed the discourse of restoration ethics, with a specific interest in the systemic framework in the conservation field.

The NAC Arts Scholarship will enable Alexis to learn and apply an interdisciplinary approach, synthesising the sciences and arts through this first-of-its-kind, industry-forward Masters programme. This integration is especially pertinent given the changing nature of emerging artistic practices. Her most recent experience as a volunteer archivist at the National Gallery has familiarised her with the need for a global, comprehensive approach to conservation. Alexis' specific focus includes critical theoretical concepts of ethics, intangibility, and materiality in conservation as an expanded practice.

Alexis aspires to be a visionary leader and distinctive thinker in the arts sector. By bringing contemporary conservation expertise back to Singapore, she aims to facilitate the establishment and development of a conservation studies programme. This will ensure the continued preservation and development of Singapore's diverse cultural patrimony, with particular emphasis on digital preservation methodologies and new media art conservation.

8

Moses Tan Qian Yi

Master of Fine Arts in Fine Art, Goldsmiths, University of London (United Kingdom)

“I hope to further establish and develop my practice with the support of the scholarship, which will in turn allow me to be a better strategic enabler for artists, to facilitate and support various practices within and beyond Singapore.”

Tan Qian Yi, also known as Moses, 37, is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Fine Art at Goldsmiths University, London.

He is a graduate of LASALLE College of the Arts, with a BA(Hons) in Fine Art, where he was also an adjunct faculty from 2016 to 2018. He currently runs starch, an independent artist-run space, alongside his full-time artistic practice.

Moses has been part of SAM Contemporaries, a biennial survey of emerging practices at Singapore Art Museum, and in exhibitions locally and internationally, including 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Arts (Sydney) and a solo presentation at Ames Yavuz (Singapore). Moses recently unveiled a permanent commission at Marine Terrace MRT station as part of LTA’s Art in Transit programme.

Through starch, he has hosted and helped to build recognition for various artists such as anGie seah and Irfan Kasban, and curators like Shireen Marican. The space received attention from publications such as Plural Art Mag, Female Magazine, Financial Times, and Monocle Magazine.

After graduation, Moses hopes to expand his artistic practice and career by continuing to platform artists for presentation while providing space and avenues for mentorship and support. He also hopes to help artists build presence and visibility overseas through various channels and networks during his time in London. His hope for the local art industry is to be more connected, while also forging networks that practices care and kindness in various modes.

The NAC Arts Scholarship will support and enable Moses to hone his criticality and skills on a conceptual and technical level as an artist, while also enabling him to build strategic connections with spaces in the region. He is also excited to have the chance to explore how artist-run initiatives work and sustain themselves in other spaces.

9

Wan Jie Che

Master of Arts in Cultural Economics and Entrepreneurship, Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands)

“I aspire to work in collaboration with artists and institutions to create a sustainable arts ecosystem where artistic experimentation can be supported through innovative economic strategies, while empowering the sector with a new language to communicate its importance and impact.”

Wan Jie Che, 27, will be pursuing her MA Cultural Economics and Entrepreneurship at Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

She was previously an Assistant Manager (Business and Museum Analytics) at National Gallery Singapore where she worked at the intersection of art, data analytics and research. Her experience at the Gallery culminated in a research project on whether public spending on the arts predicts well-being, which was presented at the Society of Behavioural Health Singapore’s Scientific Meeting in October 2023.

Jie Che is also involved in independent research projects such as a survey on the financial state of creatives in Singapore that was presented at DEEP CUTS, Asia’s first grassroots creative conference, which she co-organised. She is also working on a retrospective report on PlayPan’s takeover of Peace Centre from 2023 - 2024 that focuses on its findings for future urban takeover projects.

Her involvement in the arts extends to the grassroots level from previously co-managing an arts space, The Glass Hut (TGH), to organising arts events. Jie Che actively engages in ecosystem-supporting projects that aims to reflect on pertinent issues within the sector. For example, DEEP CUTS aimed to celebrate local subcultures and the creative scene while also opening up critical discussions about it.

Jie Che sees the importance of data in this information age as a tool for the arts to understand and translate its importance and impact on the wider society. Through the NAC Arts Scholarship, she hopes to develop the field of cultural economics in Singapore by working in collaboration with artists, arts groups and collectives, and institutions to create a sustainable arts ecosystem where artistic experimentation can be supported through innovative economic strategies.

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Recipients & Quotes

Background

Undergraduate

1

Zhuang Chuhang

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Contemporary Chinese Theatres, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts Singapore

“I aim to advocate for a more comprehensive and in-depth integration of educational drama and theatre education into the school education system. I view this scholarship as an opportunity to develop my skills to become a proficient actor and educator.”

Zhuang Chuhang’s passion for theatre ignited during his high school years through co-curricular activities. This initial spark led him to complete a Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama) at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, from which he recently graduated. Chuhang, 27, will now embark on a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Contemporary Chinese Theatres at NAFA, University of the Arts Singapore, to deepen his studies and further refine his skills.

His key roles include Tan Kah Kee in Tan Kah Kee, Principal Wang in Catastrophe, Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman, Torvald Helmer & Nils Krogstad in A Doll's House, Macbeth in Macbeth, Shui Ta in The Good Person of Szechwan, Virus Leader in Virus?Human, Monkey King in Borrowing the Plantain Fan, Jack in Lord of the Flies, Ensemble in The Visit and many others.

Chuhang’s firm belief in the educational power of theatre and drama drove his aspiration to advocate for the integration of educational drama and theatre education into the school education system, enriching classroom teaching with comprehensive arts education. He aims to provide students with enhanced learning experiences, broader artistic perspectives, and more opportunities for personal growth. By doing so, he hopes to contribute to a more vibrant arts and cultural scene in Singapore, fostering greater recognition and appreciation of the arts among the younger generation.

Through the NAC-UAS Arts Scholarship, Chuhang aims to develop, expand, and refine his skills in theatre and drama, enriching his academic knowledge to excel as both a trained actor and an educator.

Postgraduate

2

David Gan Chong Jin

Master of Arts in Art Therapy, LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore

“In my art therapy practice, I aspire to foster healing and growth by helping clients connect deeply with themselves and others, guided by E.M. Forster’s wisdom to ‘only connect’.”

David Gan Chong Jin, 44, will pursue a Master of Arts in Art Therapy at LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore. David has been an educator for nearly twenty years, accruing extensive experience teaching a wide range of students across different ages and levels of achievement.

His most memorable experience was at the School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA). In 2014, David helped design and implement the Career-Related Studies curriculum for the inaugural cohort of the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP). Over the next three years, he further developed this curriculum by introducing workshops and masterclasses with artists, while mentoring the students in their studio practice. In 2017, he facilitated a collaboration between the IBCP students and a group of elderly residents of Whampoa, which culminated in the exhibition, ‘In An Echo We Remember’, showcasing artworks inspired by the objects and stories shared by the residents.

Moving forward, David intends to continue fostering opportunities for intergenerational collaborations, levering his skills as both an art educator and an art therapist. His goal is to create inclusive, sustainable projects that engage diverse segments of the community. By bringing together varied perspectives and encouraging reciprocal learning, he believes these initiatives can bridge generational divides and empower voices.

Furthermore, David also hopes to develop programmes within schools, museums, and community spaces that will utilise art as a tool to cultivate resilience and enhance the mental and emotional well-being of children and youths.

Through the NAC-UAS Arts Scholarship, David will focus his research on the benefits of art therapy interventions within the context of Singapore’s healthcare, social service, and education sectors. Because of his own experience with bipolar disorder, he is particularly interested in the role that art therapy can play in the treatment of various mental health disorders, and in particular, in trauma recovery.

3

Muhammad Nhawfal Bin Juma’at

Master of Fine Arts Fine Art, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts Singapore

“I believe that the core of our cultural history and identity is embedded in the arts. I aim to preserve this tradition through education, nurturing the minds of future practitioners to carry it forward.”

Muhammad Nhawfal Bin Juma’at, 33, will be pursuing a Master of Fine Arts Fine Art at NAFA, University of the Arts Singapore. He graduated from Loughborough University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Fine Art and from NAFA in 2012 with a Diploma in Fine Art (Distinction). As a visual artist, his practice is rooted in the philosophy of bricolage. Currently, he works as an adjunct lecturer, teaching studio-based modules and has been actively exhibiting in the local art scene since 2010.

Muhammad Nhawfal’s works have been featured in several exhibitions, including "Paper Trails Between Lion and Swan" at the Old Customs House in Fremantle, Western Australia (2024), "Children of the Star" at AC43 Gallery in Singapore (2023), "NOCTURNE: Conversations with Waterloo" in conjunction with the Singapore Nights Festival (2022), and "Intersections" at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay in Singapore (2020).

He believes that creating a positive impact through the arts goes beyond cultivating artistic excellence; it requires a commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. Muhammad Nhawfal has also contributed to the social service sector, working as an art instructor at a mental wellness centre for seven years and has been a member of Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya (APAD) since 2010.

Muhammad Nhawfal aims to enhance Singapore's art scene through education and visual artistry. His vision includes fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative arts community. Driven by passion for the arts' transformative power, he seeks to lead strategically, ensuring the arts become integral in establishing a sense of collective individualism.

With the NAC-UAS Arts Scholarship, Muhammad Nhawfal will stay motivated in pursuing his studies, further develop his creative skillsets to new grounds and broaden the possibilities of an exciting future.

4

Tristan Lim You Jie

Master of Arts in Fine Arts,
LASALLE College of the Arts,
University of the Arts Singapore

“I hope my practice can lead to a deeper appreciation for innovative approaches and concepts within the arts scene, passing this perspective on to a new generation of artists pushing conceptual boundaries, further expanding the scope of what artmaking can entail.”

Tristan Lim, 31, is pursuing a Master of Arts in Fine Arts at LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore. He currently works as an adjunct lecturer and freelancer, alongside his fine art practice.

His work has been featured in group exhibitions at Ota Fine Arts, The Arts House, SAM at 8Q and The Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) Singapore. He has also participated in the Meta Artist-in-Residence (AIR) programme, and presented work at the Singapore Night Festival, Singapore Light to Night Festival, ART SG, and overseas in Spain, Vietnam and Taiwan.

He was a co-founder of ToNewEntities (TNE), a creative collective that works primarily with new media technologies to foster arts and cultural experiences. The collective has organised festivals, workshops and participated in fairs in Dubai and Milan, Italy.

Tristan's work is deeply rooted in observations of visual culture, exploring our relationships to reality in contemporary life. He creates open-ended narratives expressed through new media, procedural digital works, drawings, and physical installations.

He hopes his practice can lead to a deeper appreciation for innovative approaches and alternative ideas in the arts scene and pass this perspective on to a new generation of artists pushing conceptual boundaries, and further expanding the scope of what artmaking can be.

Through the scholarship, Tristan hopes that it will enable him to continue exploring various conceptual tangents and embrace creative detours, furthering his knowledge as both an artist and a lecturer.