THEY cut their teeth on performing on stage at previous ChildAid concerts.
This year, pianist Jessie Meng, 17, R&B singer Riszuan Syah, 19, and guitarist Alex Hooi, 22, were back in the spotlight again, with 80 others, at the concert that marks ChildAid’s 20th year milestone.
Joining the trio virtually was singer Ariadna Padron Yassin, 22, who is in Amsterdam pursuing her studies.
Titled The Dream Emporium, this year’s concert – held on Nov 29 and also Nov 30 – was set in an enchanting world where children’s dreams come alive through song, dance and artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Organised by The Straits Times and Business Times (BT), ChildAid 2024 raised about S$2.1 million through ticket sales and donations from UOB; TTJ Design & Engineering, a structural steel specialist company; and Mohamad Abdul Jaleel, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of MES Group, a property and logistics solutions firm.
The money goes to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, which sponsors the lunch and transport fees of children from low-income families, and The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BAF), which supports artistically talented youth from less-privileged households.
The winning works of the annual art competition are on display at Ngee Ann City, and available for purchase to raise funds for less-privileged children
A QUIET and tender portrayal of familial love earned 14-year-old Myra Jade Wee the top prize at the 13-19 Art Prize, organised by The Business Times and not-for-profit arts organisation TRCL.
Myra Jade Wee’s winning artwork depicts her grandparents showing care for her when her leg was injured. The work is available for purchase on the TRCL website. PHOTO: TRCL
Her painting, inspired by a memory of her grandparents caring for her when she was recovering from a leg injury, beautifully captures their gentle devotion. In the scene, her grandfather carries her school bag and her grandmother holds a bowl of homemade soup, as Wee hobbles home from school. Instead of depicting the moment head-on, Wee chose a more subtle perspective, showing her and her grandparents from behind, allowing the sincerity of their actions to speak for itself.
“I felt extremely grateful to my grandparents and wanted to express this warm feeling of familial love, through the use of strong lighting and vibrant colours. I hope this artwork evokes a sense of appreciation for family in the viewer,” Wee shares.
Her painting, alongside 22 other winning artworks, are currently being exhibited for free at Ngee Ann City Atrium (Level 1) until Oct 20. Other standout works include a striking abstract by Tan Jia Xin, 17, and a self-portrait by Zhang Enfei, also 17.
The winners were selected from over 300 works submitted by teenagers aged 13 to 19 across Singapore and neighbouring countries earlier this year.
Zhang Enfei’s self-portrait depicts hope in the face of adversity, as symbolised by the flowers and cracked mirror respectively. PHOTO: TRCL
All the winning artworks are being auctioned off to the public to raise funds for The Business Times Budding Artists Fund, a charity which helps children from low-income families pursue arts courses. The newspaper firmly believes that the arts are uniquely positioned to help nurture the creativity and self-confidence of such underserved children.
The works are priced as low as S$300 and as high as S$1,500. In order to bid for a work, log on to the TRCL website (trcl.sg/13-19-art-prize/auction/). Pick the artwork(s) you like and register your bid amount. If the opening price for a work is S$300, you can bid that amount or anything above that amount.
As this is a “silent auction”, you will not know the identity of other bidders or the amounts they have put in. At the end of November, the work goes to the highest bidder. The bidders’ names and their bid amounts will remain anonymous. TRCL will then courier the work/s to you.
The prize-giving ceremony held recently was graced by Rosa Daniel, the former CEO of National Arts Council and current dean of Culture Academy, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. Takashimaya sponsored the prizes as well as the exhibition space.
The winning works of the 13-19 Art Prize are now on display at the atrium of Takashimaya until Oct 20. PHOTO: NICHOLAS SONG
Samantha Tan, senior department manager of advertising and promotions, Takashimaya Singapore, says: “We’re proud to be the prize and venue sponsor of the 13-19 Art Prize. We have long believed in the immense creative potential of our next generation, and we are committed to fostering and supporting that talent. By sponsoring the prizes and providing a platform for young artists to showcase their work, we hope to inspire these future visionaries and help them realise their full potential.”
The winning works were selected by an advisory committee of art professionals and art collectors, headed by Chong Huai Seng, co-founder of art advisory and gallery space The Culture Story. The other committee members are Audrey Yeo, founder of Yeo Workshop and president of the Art Galleries Association Singapore; Tan Kheng Lai, CEO and fund manager at North AMG; Tan See Kia, head of junior art at the School of Young Talents at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts; Audrey Zhang, owner of Prestige Art Gallery; Rosalynn Tay, a professional photographer; Nicholas Song, a lawyer; and Helmi Yusof, deputy lifestyle editor at The Business Times.
Rosa Daniel (centre, in blue), dean of Culture Academy, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, gave out the prizes to the winners of the 13-19 Art Prize. PHOTO: TRCL
Singapore, 3 October 2024 – 700 students from schools across Singapore will come together to celebrate Children’s Day with The Great Puzzle Hunt during Children for Children (CFC), a thrilling day of adventure that encourages them to rediscover the cultural and historical significance of Fort Canning Hill.
The Great Puzzle Hunt is the main highlight of this year’s CFC, an annual community event held in conjunction with Children’s Day. It is jointly organised by CHIJ (Kellock), non-profit arts organisation TRCL, and The Business Times. CFC aims to provide children with a meaningful experience that blends education and entertainment while fostering a deeper understanding of Singapore’s rich history. Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister for State for Education and Manpower was the Guest-of-Honour for the event.
Ms Chen Huifen, Editor for The Business Times, mentioned, “BT BAF’s mission is to ensure no child is left behind, and CFC is an annual undertaking that resonates strongly with these words. CFC is an opportunity for underserved children to interface with BT BAF. Throughout these years, BT BAF has reached out to impact more than 23,000 children and youths, and we will continue to step up our efforts to impact more lives through the transformative powers of the arts. We hope that the students learn from the past to build the futures they desire.”
Throughout the day, participants will embark on an exciting journey across Fort Canning Park, where they will solve puzzles at various historically significant locations. A key highlight is the visit to The Battlebox, Singapore’s only World War II bunker that is still operational today. The Battlebox reopened last year under a new operator and provides enhanced experience including 270° projection rooms, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the nation’s wartime history in a modernised way.
Mrs Shanti Suraj Nair, Principal of CHIJ (Kellock), shares the importance of this event in creating both meaningful learning moments and unforgettable experiences for the children: ” CFC is a day to celebrate children being children. It is with this in mind that we decided to bring the kids out among nature, something we used to do before the digital age. As educators, we not only aim to nurture bright, young students, but also ensure that the process is enjoyable for children for a healthy childhood growing up. For our students, it is an invaluable experience in uplifting their peers and inclusivity, developing a spirit of community for a better tomorrow.”
After the puzzle hunt, students from CHIJ (Kellock) will host the event’s participants with performances and mini-carnival activities at Fort Canning Hotel, adding a festive and celebratory atmosphere to the day.
CFC is more than just a fun-filled event—it also serves as a fundraiser for The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF), which supports children and youths by giving them access to the arts.
Ms Elaine Tan, Head, Partnership Development, TRCL, highlights the mission behind CFC: “CFC is an annual event aimed at giving underserved children a meaningful Children’s Day celebration. Beyond the festivities, it’s about providing these children with opportunities they might not otherwise have—whether it’s learning through the arts or engaging with history in ways that spark inspiration and creativity. “
To date, CFC 2024 has raised around $XXX. Donors include the Hong Leong Group of Companies (comprising Hong Leong Foundation, Hong Leong Finance Limited, Hong Leong Asia Limited), City Developments Limited, Millennium & Copthorne International Limited, Nippon Paint, Ransack, TS Group, CWT Limited and UBS.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, 3 October 2024 Time: 10.00 am to 11.45 am Venue: Hotel Fort Canning (Legends ballroom) Guest-of-Honour: Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Education
The Legacy of Giving Charity Gala, held on 25th May 2024 at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, was a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of generosity championed by Ms. Jennie Chua. Celebrating both Ms. Jennie Chua’s unwavering, lifelong commitment to philanthropy and her 80th birthday, the gala successfully raised funds for programs aimed at uplifting the lives of many needful individuals, vulnerable families, and underserved children and youths in our community.
Gilbert Madhavan, General Manager of One Farrer Hotel, served as the Chairman of the organising committee. “It was the first time we came together as volunteers to celebrate the spirit of giving, which Ms. Jennie Chua has been championing all her life. We felt it would speak volumes to organise a dinner for the causes she cares the most about: the community, the elderly, and the children,” said Madhavan. The three beneficiaries of the Legacy of Giving Charity Gala are Community Chest (CC), Woodlands Health Fund Limited (WHFL), and The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF).
The evening began with a captivating performance by the Primary Dance Team from Singapore Chinese Girls’ School (SCGS), comprising talented students from Primary 3. Dancing to ‘A Million Dreams,’ the performance was a poignant tribute by Ms. Jennie Chua’s alma mater, reflecting her contributions to the school as student and as chairman.
The evening’s culinary marvel was specially curated by Lynn Yeow De-Vito, thanks to the collaboration of chefs from several Michelin-starred restaurants who generously lent their expertise to support the cause. Culinary icons included Singapore’s food ambassador Violet Oon; Julien Royer of Odette; Cheung Siu Kong of Summer Pavilion; Kirk Westaway of JAAN; Matteo Ponti of Braci; and the Singapore Pastry Alliance. Their exquisite creations delighted the guests with a combination of delectable flavours designed to elevate one another.
The entertainment lineup featured performances from celebrated artists who came together to support this cause. Singaporean artist Kit Chan delivered a soulful rendition of her hit song “Home,” while Indonesian singer and America’s Got Talent finalist Putri Ariani and 15-year-old Singaporean whistling sensation Lim Jing Rui captivated the audience with their solo acts. The evening also featured a mesmerising performance by Wu Zhengdan and Wei Baohua of the Guangdong Acrobatic Arts Theatre. The creative and musical direction by Jeremiah Choy and Lim Sek, respectively, ensured a lasting programme for the ages.
Adding to the star-studded affair, homegrown talent Dick Lee, who attended as a guest, took to the stage upon popular request. His renditions of “Fried Rice Paradise” and “Jennie,” a personalised version of “Tammy” by Debbie Reynolds, added a touch of nostalgia and humor. Lee’s performance not only completed the evening’s dinner but also highlighted Ms. Chua’s achievements in all facets of her life with his trademark wit.
The Legacy of Giving Charity Gala was a resounding success, exemplifying the power of community and the impact of philanthropy. The collective efforts of all involved, from performers to chefs, underscored the shared commitment to uplifting those in need and celebrated the extraordinary legacy of Ms. Jennie Chua.
Madhavan expressed his gratitude, saying, “We would like to thank everyone for generously coming forward to truly epitomise the spirit of giving, starting with the legend herself, Ms. Jennie Chua.”
The Legacy of Giving also held both live and silent auctions for fundraising during the dinner, thanks to the generous donations and sponsorships of individuals and organisations. The Legacy of Giving Charity Gala raised $3,518,000 on the night of the dinner.
TRCL celebrated the 19th anniversary of the Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) on 10th May with a never-before-seen production entitled T’MAD Museum. T’MAD Museum saw students from the Dance, Music, Art, and Theatre genres battling it out for the coveted ‘Genre of the Year’ title.
T’MAD Museum was an immersive experience, engaging audiences in the creative energy of budding talents. Emotive dance performances from the dance students; soulful renditions by the music students; enrapturing theatrical acts from the theatre students; props and sets built by the visual arts students; audiences were spoilt for choice as they interacted with the students in 10 Square premises in Orchard Central.
Instead of being merely passive spectators, audiences were invited to immerse themselves in the creativity and innovation of our young performers, experiencing first-hand the magic of their talent and dedication. Ms Santhiya d/o Subramaniam, Deputy Head of Arts & Community Development at TRCL, oversees the arts training of the students. “From the early stages of preparation to the finishing touches before execution, the students dedicated all their efforts to make sure T’MAD Museum is a success. It is gratifying to see the culmination of their growth and efforts recognised by the guests,” remarked Santhiya.
The esteemed guest-of-honour for the evening was Mr. Tan Puay Kern, BBM, PBM, PPA(P), AMBCI, Vice Chairman, National Crime Prevention Council and member of the TRCL Board of Directors. “As we celebrate the 19th anniversary of BTBAF, we reaffirm our commitment to developing young minds through the fostering of artistic excellence in Singapore. The ‘Genre of the Year’ competition symbolises the spirit of friendly competition and collaboration, driving the students to think out of the box of their craft and inspire one another to discover new horizons,” said Tan.
Adopted by The Business Times in 2005 and managed by TRCL, BT BAF has reached out to over 23,000 children and youth from underserved backgrounds, empowering them to fulfil their potential and pursue their dreams in the arts and culture sectors. The fund provides structured arts training programmes at two arts training centres managed by TRCL, The Little Arts Academy and 10 Square Youth.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will be officiating the Light-Up Ceremony of ChariTrees 2023 for the first time.
Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade to be lit up by 80 Christmas Trees for five weeks through Tuesday 26 Dec 2023
ChariTrees 2023 welcomes new beneficiary – Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) – alongside existing beneficiaries: TRCL, SPD and Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
Public can donate to the respective beneficiaries via the national giving platform https://www.giving.sg/home
SINGAPORE, 20 November 2023 – True to its theme of Luminosity, ChariTrees 2023 will transform the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade into a luminous wonderland from Monday 20 November till Tuesday 26 December 2023.
ChariTrees is an annual fundraiser, organised by 4 charities – TRCL, Singapore Cancer Society (SCS), SPD and Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), that sees specially designed Christmas trees light up the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade. ChariTrees brings the festive spirit to the public during the year-end holiday season as well as raise much-needed funds for beneficiaries.
Mr. Tan Puay Kern, Chairman of the ChariTrees 2023Organising Committee says: “We have made ChariTrees into a shared platform for charity fund raising, bringing together different social service organisations to raise the much-needed funds for their respective beneficiaries. This year, we are raising funds for the TRCL’s Business Times Budding Artists Fund, the Samaritans of Singapore, SPD, and the Singapore Cancer Society. The success of this collaborative effort reaffirms our decision to go down this path. We strongly believe that this shared platform and many helping hands approach will make ChariTrees an even more meaningful and effective charity event.”
To date, ChariTrees 2023 has raised $705,000. The funds raised will be used to raise awareness about Arts opportunities underserved children and youth; Fight for Cancer Free Community; Empowering persons with disabilities; Suicide prevention.
This year, ChariTrees will feature a record of 80 trees around the Marina Promenade.
Mr Tan is heartened by the response to the programme over the years. He says: “ChariTrees is a wonderful example of how planting a seed can result in a forest of opportunities. When we planted the seed for ChariTrees in 2011, we only had 25 Christmas trees. Today, ChariTrees has certainly flourished and grown into much more than a garden.”
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will be officiating the Light-Up Ceremony of ChariTrees 2023 for the first time, at the Event Square of Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, on Monday, 20 November, at 7:00 pm. The media is invited to cover this event from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
ChariTrees 2023 continues to increase its outreach in our community and rally support towards causes that have become more apparent in recent years. These are namely the availability and accessibility of physical and mental health services and resources for children and youth confronted with the increasing pressures of society.
Mr Colin Goh, CEO TRCL says, “Although we have left the hardest days of the pandemic behind us, there are still many that have fallen through the cracks. ChariTrees 2023 seeks to help the underserved in our society, and act as a shining beacon of hope in this festive season, hence the theme of Luminosity.This hopefully serves as a spark and a reminder to all of us that we can become the beacons for others amongst us, like the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. The funds raised through ChariTrees will help the charities reach out and assist their beneficiaries to overcome their challenges and achieve a better quality of life. Every amount, no matter how small or large, will definitely help the beneficiaries.” TRCL manages the Business Times Budding Artists Fund, which supports underserved children and youth aged six to 19 years old in their pursuit of the arts.
Mr Abhimanyau Pal, Chief Executive Officer of SPD, adds: “The ChariTrees project has provided an invaluable opportunity for charities to collaborate. The synergy generated has certainly resulted in greater support and awareness in our communities. We are very grateful to our donors for their generosity and enabling us to bring hope and smiles to persons with disabilities during this season of giving.” SPD seeks to develop the potential of people with disabilities of all ages to become independent and self-reliant.
Says Mr Gasper Tan, Chief Executive Officer of SOS: “We are grateful for the immense support from our donors, whose significant contributions will enable us to continue providing free and accessible programmes and services to those who may need crisis care. A platform like ChariTrees helps to create a sense of community and encourage open conversations, as we continue to be an available lifeline to anyone in crisis.” Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) carries out suicide prevention, intervention and postvention services.
Newly added beneficiary SCS aims to be Singapore’s leading charity in the fight for a cancer-free society, and to minimise cancer and maximise lives through effective programmes.
Albert Ching, CEO of Singapore Cancer Society, says: “We are delighted and grateful that TRCL has invited Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) to participate as one of the beneficiaries for ChariTrees 2023. During this time of giving and in light of the Christmas spirit, we look forward to the continuous support of the community. Your generous contributions will significantly aid in sustaining SCS’s programmes and services, ranging from cancer control and prevention to patient support services and palliative care, which will enable and empower cancer patients and survivors to live a meaningful life beyond cancer. I am also elated to share that the Singapore Cancer Society will be celebrating our 60th anniversary in 2024! We have been steadfast in our mission to support anyone in their cancer journey at all stages. As an independent organisation, community support is crucial in our work. Thank you once again for including us for the biggest ChariTrees light-up to date. We look forward to a continued partnership which will enable SCS to be better placed to serve and support the Singapore cancer community for many years to come.”
In line with tradition, ChariTrees 2023also serves as a platform to recognise the contribution of individuals who have uplifted the lives of the underserved in our society. five ChariTrees will feature the stories of the award winners of Singapore Silent Heroes. (See Annex A for the list of Community Heroes)
ChariTrees 2023 has raised $705,000 to date with the support of corporate and individual donors.
Platinum Donors include Asian Tour Limited, Century Evergreen, DBS Bank, Dialine Diagnostic Systems Pte. Ltd., Dr and Mrs Daniel Fung, Green Link Digital Bank Pte Ltd, L-QuBE Pte Ltd, Mind the Gap 200 Fund, Mobilus, Newline Asia Services Pte Ltd, NTUC FairPrice Foundation, Pavilion Capital, PropNex Realty, STEELMECH Engineering Services Pte Ltd, Tan Chin Tuan Foundation, TS Group, Wang Learning Centre Pte Ltd.
Gold Donors include 64 Club Street, Arrowcrest Technologies Pte Ltd, Certis, CMA Mental Arithmetic Centre Pte Ltd, Genesis Advisors, GL Engineering & Construction Pte Ltd, Holywell Foundation Limited, Kai, Yi, Megan, Natalie & Lauren, Lih Ming Construction Pte Ltd, MBS, Mr & Mrs Low Junwei, Nunchi Marine Pte. Ltd., Olayan Capital Pte. Ltd., OUE, Presto Expat Motoring Services Pte Ltd, Sunningdale Tech Ltd, The UpperRoom, Takeda Pharmaceuticals (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd.
Silver Donors include Ascent Advisory, AsiaCloud Solutions Pte Ltd, Brilliance Capital Pte. Ltd., Buss Global, C&W Electronics Pte Ltd, Chee Yin Chia, Healthy Lifestyle Group, Hong Lam Marine Pte Ltd, National Healthcare Group Diagnostics, Rainmaker Shows Pte Ltd, SCSK Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Sir Stamford Raffles Lodge Number 7444, TE Welgrow Engineering Pte Ltd, TTJ Design & Engineering Pte Ltd, Yong Fong Engineering & Construction Pte Ltd, Youjoy Pte Ltd.
ChariTrees 2023 is managed and curated by Global Cultural Alliance, a wholly owned subsidiary of charity arts organisation TRCL. ChariTrees 2023 partners include production partner Rich-Art Enterprises Pte Ltd, and venue partner Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
The public may support ChariTrees via the national fundraising site giving.sg till 26 December as follows:
SINGAPORE – The stage was smaller and the cast leaner this time in 2023, but the creative risk paid off for the organisers of ChildAid 2023.
The 19th edition of the annual charity concert organised by The Straits Times and The Business Times raised $2,008,163, thanks in no small part to sponsors UOB, Citi Singapore and Mr Mohamed Abdul Jaleel, chief executive of MES Group.
The money will go into aiding The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, which sponsors the lunch and transport fees of children from low-income families, and The Business Times Budding Artists Fund, which supports artistically talented youth from less-privileged households.
Singapore, 6 October 2023 – Children for Children (CFC) 2023 illuminated the eve of Children’s Day as over 700 underserved children revelled in a day of adventure and joy. CFC 2023 took place at the Sapphire Pavilion, Siloso Point, Sentosa on October 5, 2023, and was graced by Mrs. Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information.
Co-organised by TRCL, The Business Times (BT), and CHIJ (Kellock) Primary School, CFC 2023 marked its 15th edition with a celebration of giving back to the community and nurturing young aspirations.
Mount Faber Leisure Group (MFLG), the venue sponsor of CFC 2023’s Pokémon cable car rides from Mount Faber to Sentosa, expressed satisfaction in being a part of this enriching experience. Sentosa also sponsored the venue, Sapphire Pavilion, where the performance by CHIJ (Kellock) Primary School and the following carnival was held. The heart of CFC 2023 beats in alignment with the theme of the performance “I Can and I Will,” reminding everyone that obstacles can be surmounted and dreams can be achieved.
Mrs. Shanthi Suraj Nair, Principal of CHIJ (Kellock) Primary School, highlighted the event’s impact on the children. “Children should be allowed to be children, to play and have fun. For us, it was a gratifying experience to let these children ride on the Pokémon cable car from Mount Faber to Sentosa, and letting them be themselves with the performance and the carnival. Letting them enjoy a day in the sun and experiencing the Van Gogh exhibit brought great joy to us as well,” expressed Mrs. Nair.
The day unfolded with the Pokémon cable car ride followed by the performance “I Can and I Will” by CHIJ (Kellock) Primary School pupils at Sapphire Pavilion. Besides engaging activities and games at the carnival, the children had the opportunity to explore the Van Gogh exhibit at Sentosa, immersing themselves in the world of art and creativity.
The fundraising aspect of CFC 2023, benefitting The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF), stands as a beacon of hope for underserved children aspiring to excel in the arts. By supporting their artistic growth, BT BAF envisions a future brimming with creativity, self-confidence, and a rich cultural landscape.
BT Deputy Editor, Helmi Yusoff, reflected on the significance of the event in fostering a compassionate and inclusive society. “CFC 2023 showcased the collective power of community, collaboration, and compassion. The engagement and dedication from various sectors underscore the importance of nurturing the potential within each child, regardless of circumstances,” he noted.
As the curtains fall on CFC 2023, the organisers extend their gratitude to the public for their unwavering support. The event’s success, fostered by venue partners MFLG, Sentosa Development Corporation, and Van Gogh exhibition, has paved the way for brighter futures, one child at a time. To date, CFC has raised around $201,500. Donors include Hustle & Bustle, Hong Leong Group Singapore (comprising Hong Leong Foundation, Hong Leong Finance Limited, Hong Leong Asia Limited, City Development Limited, Millennium & Copthorne International Limited), Certis Group, Mr CT Quek, CWT Limited, NTUC Fairprice Foundation, UBS, Mr Arthur Lim, Oilfield Services & Supplies Pte Ltd, Slap Dance Studio.
FORMER BENEFICIARIES FROM THE BUSINESS TIMES BUDDING ARTIST FUND COME TOGETHER TO TALK ABOUT GROWING UP IN CHALLENGING HOME ENVIRONMENTS IN NEW VERBATIM THEATRE PRODUCTION.
The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF), managed by TRCL, has witnessed over 22,000 artists passing through its doors for training in Theatre, Dance, Music, and Visual Arts. However, what has become of these artists over time? The answer lies in Souljourn 2.0. Formerly young budding artists, they have now grown up and established a new arts collective known as The r10t Crew (@ther10tcrew).
To mark the inception of The r10t Crew, they will perform a verbatim theatre production titled “I AM _____.” This production engages in discussions about growing up in underserved homes and encourages contemplation of broader societal dynamics and the definition of success in a world often constrained by predefined standards. The production, led and performed by an all-alumni cast and crew, is scheduled to take place at the Goodman Arts Centre Theatre Blackbox from September 29th to October 1st, 2023.
In a true verbatim theatre style, former BT BAF alumnus Vishnucharan Naidu, the director and script writer for “I AM___.”, spent several hours interviewing the eight alumni cast members and several community members and leaders to put the script together. He says, “I’ve long held a fascination for the enduring impact of growing up in challenging environments, whether they be shaped by financial constraints or intricate social dynamics. In recent months, I’ve dedicated my time to conducting interviews within our community and among the cast to create this production. Among the many stories I’ve encountered, what stands out is the remarkable courage displayed by individuals who’ve embraced their unique journeys, defying conventional notions of success. It has been a privilege to co-create this work with a community that is dear to me, and it is not often that we see work directly from the root itself”.
Vishnucharan Naidu is one of many artists that has walked through the doors of the BT BAF program. He is now an emerging artist working intersections of Theatre, Applied Theatre, and Bharatanatyam. As a former beneficiary of BT BAF, he now dedicates his career to nurturing young artists’ talents, mirroring the support he previously received from BT BAF. His journey underscores the profound impact of initiatives like BT BAF in shaping the potential of artists and future leaders. Echoing the journey that artists like Vishnu have taken, Lynne Kok, Director of Operations for TRCL, mentions, “No amount of words can accurately describe the feeling of seeing the children of yesterday grow into artists they are today. From the day they stepped into TRCL and its schools, The Little Arts Academy and 10 Square Youth, we have seen them navigate adolescence and develop into their adulthood. While not all of the beneficiaries go on to pursue art as a career, we have seen their lives change due to their exposure to art and many of them still pursue art as a passion. To have the alumni of The r10t Crew come together to create a full show to give back to BT BAF is a delightful completion of the circle, and truly a sight to behold.”
While not many pursue careers directly in the performing arts – some have taken careers that support artists instead. One such individual is Guru Simmar. Guru found his calling in Arts Management whilst being a student of theatre in the BT BAF program. He states, “My journey with TRCL has come full circle, as I was once a beneficiary and now serve as a full-time programme executive. I also wear the hats of executive producer and cast member for this production. It is heartening to collaborate with my friends, with whom I was once classmates with in the BT BAF programme many years ago. Despite all of us holding full-time jobs, we decided to reunite and address a topic close to our hearts: the experience of growing up. It is not often that we find a space to discuss the challenges we faced in our upbringing. Now, as we are much older, we can reflect on our journeys”.
As these young artists reflect on their journeys, “I AM ____.” serves as an exploration of their challenging upbringings, delving into the complexities of their experiences. Through verbatim theatre, it sheds light on their struggles and the resilience that guided them through adversity, crafting a narrative that echoes their personal stories.
Singapore, July 27, 2023 – The 2023 edition of 13-19 Art Prize is open for registrations, as it continues its mission to recognize and celebrate the creative talents of young artists in Singapore. This annual art competition aims to inspire and empower the next generation of artists, foster a sense of community, and support peers from underserved backgrounds through the arts.
Open to young talents residing in Singapore aged 13 to 19 years old, the 13-19 Art Prize invites artists to unleash their creative potential and express themselves through diverse artistic mediums. By encouraging artistic exploration and promoting individual expression, the competition provides a platform for young talents to push their boundaries and take their artistic journeys to new heights.
Mr. Chong Huai Seng, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee for the 13-19 Art Prize, said, “The 13-19 Art Prize is a testament to the incredible talent and creativity of young artists in Singapore. Through this competition, we aim to provide a platform for these aspiring artists to showcase their skills and express their unique artistic voices. We believe in the power of art to inspire, empower, and unite communities, and the 13-19 Art Prize is a wonderful opportunity for young talents to contribute to a meaningful cause and make their mark in the art world. This year’s 13-19 Art Prize will also expand to cover more categories of art, such as ceramic works and sculptures.”
As a fundraiser, all winning artworks from the 13-19 Art Prize will be exhibited and auctioned, with proceeds going towards The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF). Adopted by The Business Times in 2005, BT BAF has touched the lives of over 22,000 underserved children and youth, enabling them to pursue their dreams and unlock their full potential in the arts. The fund supports structured arts training programmes at two arts training centres managed by TRCL, namely The Little Arts Academy and 10 Square Youth.
The 2023 edition of the 13-19 Art Prize promises to be an exciting opportunity for young artists to showcase their talents and contribute to a meaningful cause. The competition welcomes submissions in the Canvas Artwork category, Digital Artwork category, and expands to cover four more sub-categories: Digital Photography, Photography Prints, 3D Works (Sculpture and Ceramics), and Moving Images. Participants are encouraged to explore their creativity and submit their best works for a chance to win cash prizes and recognition, and have their artworks exhibited and auctioned.
Albert Lam, CEO of Beauté Hub, expressed his support, stating, “At Beauté Hub, we are committed to nurturing creativity and supporting the arts. We are proud to be the Supporting Donor of the 13-19 Art Prize, as it aligns perfectly with our underlying concept of well-being. We believe that art has the power to transform lives, and through this competition, we can make a positive impact on the lives of young artists, especially those from underserved backgrounds. We invite everyone to join us in supporting these talented individuals and their artistic journeys.”
In the previous edition, the 13-19 Art Prize received an overwhelming response with 97 submissions in the Canvas artwork category and 152 in the Digital artwork category, including entries from talented artists across the region. The competition showcased the exceptional skills and artistic visions of the young participants, highlighting the immense creative potential within the younger generation.
The 20 prize-winning artworks from all categories will be exhibited at a later date, allowing art enthusiasts and the general public to experience the depth and talent displayed by these young artists. The artworks will also be available for online auction in Jan 2024, providing art lovers with an opportunity to own a piece of exceptional artistic expression while supporting the cause of the BT BAF. Artwork purchases, after deducting the delivery cost of the canvas artworks and related fees for digital artworks, will be eligible for a 250% tax deduction.
The 2023 edition of the 13-19 Art Prize is open to registrations now, and will welcome submissions from 17th Nov to 1st Dec for digital artwork, and 27th Nov to 3rd Dec for physical artwork at 10 Square. Young artists are encouraged to stay tuned for the announcement and seize this chance to let their creativity shine. The winners of the competition will be announced in early 2024, celebrating their artistic achievements and contributions.
For more information about the 13-19 Art Prize, registration details, and updates on the competition, please visit https://trcl.sg/13-19-art-prize/ or follow us on @trclsg on Instagram.
