Singapore’s artistic excellence took center stage at the Cultural Medallion and Young Artist Award (CMYAA) ceremony held at National Gallery Singapore, where six remarkable arts practitioners were recognized for their outstanding contributions. This year’s Cultural Medallion honorees, Ghanavenothan Retnam and Siew Hock Meng, and Young Artist Award recipients, Alan Choo Su Ho, Evan Low Jun Feng, Tan Si En, and Zhang Fuming, embody the vibrancy and innovation shaping Singapore’s evolving arts landscape.
Cultural Medallion: Honoring a Legacy of Excellence
Established in 1979, the Cultural Medallion is Singapore’s highest accolade for individuals who have profoundly shaped the nation’s cultural and artistic identity. This year’s recipients represent the depth and diversity of Singapore’s arts scene:
Ghanavenothan Retnam, a celebrated Indian classical flautist, composer, and conductor, is the first Indian classical musician to receive the award. A master of the bansuri, Ghanavenothan has championed traditional Indian music for over four decades. His contributions include the creation of Singapore’s first Carnatic flute ensemble, multi-ethnic compositions with yIN Harmony, and internationally acclaimed works like Vinyaka, blending Indian and Balinese music traditions.
Siew Hock Meng, a renowned figurative painter, is celebrated for his allegorical and socially reflective works. His pastel and oil masterpieces address cultural, environmental, and historical themes, offering profound insights into Singapore’s development. A pioneer in the local visual arts community, Siew Hock Meng’s work has gained international recognition through exhibitions, talks, and writings.
Young Artist Award: Celebrating the Future of the Arts
Launched in 1992, the Young Artist Award recognizes practitioners aged 35 and below who are shaping Singapore’s cultural future. This year’s recipients represent a spectrum of artistic disciplines:
Alan Choo, a violinist and specialist in Baroque music, has bridged audiences and classical music through his ensemble, Red Dot Baroque, and international performances with Grammy-winning orchestra Apollo’s Fire.
Evan Low, a multi-hyphenate music producer and composer, has redefined Singapore’s soundscape. Known for co-writing iconic National Day songs like The Road Ahead and Not Alone, Evan combines global trends with Singapore’s cultural heritage, creating interdisciplinary collaborations that inspire the next generation.
Tan Si En, a trailblazing film producer, has elevated Singapore’s film industry with works like Anthony Chen’s award-winning Wet Season. As the founder of Momo Film Co, Tan champions local filmmakers through initiatives like the Objectifs x Momo Short Film Incubator and fosters international collaborations.
Zhang Fuming, a printmaker and preservationist, revitalizes traditional techniques while engaging contemporary audiences. Through his studio, Drawing Etc. Art Supplies, he nurtures emerging talents and sustains the rich tradition of printmaking locally and internationally.
The National Arts Council lauded the recipients for their dedication to pushing creative boundaries and representing Singapore on the global stage.
