Celebrate the Launch of Once Upon a Times House: A Captivating Journey Through The Times House Experience

Singapore, 16 Jun 2023 – The RICE Company Ltd (TRCL) is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated launch of Once Upon a Times House, a remarkable book that offers readers a captivating journey through the experiences of Times House veteran editors and journalists over the past few decades. Times House was the home of Singapore’s newspapers, including and not limited to The Straits Times, Business Times, Berita Harian, and the now-defunct New Nation.

Once Upon a Times House is a eulogy for our old home,” quipped Victor Ng, who mooted the idea of compiling stories from Times House. “I was fortunate to have such stalwart compatriots to readily agree to the crafting of this book, and I hope that our younger generation of journalists take heart from these stories and blaze a trail of their own in the pursuit of journalism. After all dreams are tax free and passion has no expiry date.” 

The launch event will take place on Friday, 23 June 2023, at 10 Square in Orchard Central. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the esteemed editors and contributors behind Once Upon a Times House and gain a deeper understanding of the rich and vibrant past of journalism in Singapore in the 1960s to 1990s. 

Clement Mesenas, editor of Once Upon A Times House, remarks, “We wanted to show the younger generation that journalism needed guts and grit to get the good and real stories, not just telling manicured stories decided in advance. True journalism is unembellished; pure cold, hard facts, presented with all the beauty and elegance of simple, clear prose.”

Ivan Lim candidly wrote, “The Singapore Bus Service (SBS) fare story had led to a public spat when then Communications Minister Ong Teng Cheong called out The Straits Times for its scoop, citing the SBS management’s denial of any planned fare increase. Then ST Editor-in-Chief Peter Lim stood by the reporter’s account, a stance seen in official circles as challenging the Minister, thus heightening government-press tensions.”

Guests will also have the exclusive opportunity to acquire an autographed copy of Once Upon a Times House on the launch day. This painstakingly crafted book promises to be a cherished addition to any collection, offering a compelling narrative and a visual feast of archival photographs that showcase Singapore’s history. Each autographed copy will go for $100. Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the Business Times Budding Artists Fund.

“We are very happy that Hong Leong Foundation is contributing $50,000 to the Business Times Budding Artists Fund so that the books can be distributed free to all secondary schools and institutes of higher learning,” said Colin Goh, CEO of TRCL. The launch of Once Upon a Times House promises to be a significant event for literary enthusiasts, journalists, historians, and the wider community. It is an opportunity to celebrate the profound influence of Times House and pay tribute to the dedicated individuals who have contributed to its success.

Souljourn 2.0: Empowering Young Artists through Theatrical Expression

Singapore, May 27, 2023 – The RICE Company Ltd (TRCL) is pleased to announce the launch of Souljourn 2.0, a transformative fundraising project taking place in September. With a remarkable legacy of impacting over 22,000 under-served children and youth in the arts and culture sectors, the Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) continues to pave the way for young artists to pursue their dreams.

Souljourn 2.0 serves as a fundraising project for the alumni to generate funds as a form of paying it forward with their artistic abilities and offering them a platform to showcase their talents. TRCL is a second home for these individuals who have been part of the BT BAF programmes since their formative years. It is an opportunity for them to come together, learn, express their experiences through art, and give back to the fund.

Vishnucharan Naidu S/O Vijayan, 28, Creative Director of Souljourn 2.0, emphasises the significance of this production, “Souljourn 2.0 is a tapestry of stories, weaving together the diverse journeys of individuals, both triumphant and arduous. Through the power of art, we aspire to unite hearts and souls, igniting a collective spark of inspiration that transcends barriers and fosters a deep sense of connection. It is a celebration of the human experience, where every story finds its place, reminding us of the transformative and unifying force of the arts.”

The production of Souljourn 2.0, a captivating showcase of authentic experiences, will bring to life the inspiring journeys of individuals who have benefited from BT BAF. This exceptional production aims to share stories of triumph, resilience, and personal growth, igniting thought-provoking conversations. Viewers will be able to empathize with the lives and experiences of these individuals, fostering a sense of connection and solidarity. By delving into the challenges and triumphs faced by these individuals, the production aims to deepen the audience’s understanding of their journeys, while providing an avenue for self-reflection and collective growth.

Guru Simmar S/O Gunasekaran, 28, Producer of Souljourn 2.0, adds, “Being part of this programme has been immensely beneficial to me. It ignited my interest in arts management, leading me to pursue studies in this field at NAFA. BT BAF has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory and has brought me full circle, back to the very places that originally sparked my passion for the arts. It heartens me to see that the alumni of this programme are returning to contribute to this project in various capacities, united by a shared interest in giving back to the place where we all gained our initial spark. It’s a testament to the profound impact this programme has had on our lives and the strong sense of community it has fostered.”

To celebrate the launch of Souljourn 2.0, a special launch party will be held on Friday, May 26. Alumni involved in the production will have the opportunity to meet and express their gratitude to the donors, Standard Chartered Bank, OCBC Bank, and Chemical Industries (Far East) Limited, who have generously supported their artistic endeavours. The launch party will take place from 5 to 7pm, marking the beginning of this exceptional event that brings stories of hope, determination, and artistic talent to life on stage.

BT BAF celebrates 18th anniversary with “The Light Within” performance

The Rice Company Ltd (TRCL) proudly presents the BTBAF (Business Times Budding Artists Fund) 18th-anniversary performance, “The Light Within,” which took place on May 6th, 2023, at the Auditorium, 10 Square @ Orchard Central. The production was a collaboration between students from the children and youth division, featuring about 85 students across all art forms, including theatre, dance, music, visual arts, and tech. The show promised to be a memorable experience that inspired and captivated audiences of all ages.

“The Light Within” tells a story of hope and inspiration, centred around Nava, a celestial fish whose flight showed us how to keep the spark of hope alive within our hearts. The name “Nava” was derived from the Sanskrit word for “new” or “fresh,” symbolizing a new beginning or a fresh start towards discovering one’s inner light.

The performance began with an introduction by a fortune-teller’s assistant, welcoming the audience and introducing the magic band and singers. The fortune-teller then took the stage and invited a member of the audience to have their fortune read, warning them of potential dangers on their journey and advising them to stay true to themselves.

“This year’s performance is truly unique. We’ve incorporated puppetry into live performance and our artists have risen to the challenge brilliantly. We always strive to push the boundaries and try new things providing a platform for creativity and experimentation. Our performance is not just a showcase of talent; it is a celebration of creativity and collaboration,” stated production advisor Nor Azizah Abdullah.

The show also featured a dance performance depicting various scenes from COVID isolation as a subtle undertone, highlighting the challenges we faced as a community during the pandemic.

Director for “The Light Within” Vishnucharan Naidu remarked, “As the world came to a standstill, we found ourselves grappling with a myriad of feelings, with loneliness emerging as a common thread connecting people from all walks of life. As we navigated these uncertain times, our inner lights seemed to dim, subdued by the shadows of our emotions. Yet, our human spirit persisted and shone during the darkest moments of the pandemic keeping our inner lights aglow, despite the challenges we faced.”

Chen Hui Fen, Editor for Business Times, said, “Our children and youths are our hopes for the future. This performance they undertook reminded us to keep our hopes kindled in our hearts, just as the story plot tells us that we can eventually find light by relying on one another in times of darkness. What a timely theme, with the performance coming a day after the World Health Organization declared the end of the Covid-19 as a global health emergency!”

The BTBAF 18th Anniversary Performance was a celebration of the fund’s commitment to providing quality education in the arts and nurturing young talents in Singapore. The collaboration between the children and youth division was a testament to the fund’s conviction that any child with potential or strong interest in the arts should not be denied the chance to develop his or her talents due to financial inability.

Second 13-19 Art Prize Exhibition and Auction for Charity Features Works from Youths in Singapore and the Region

  • Art Prize receives support from award-winning home-grown spa and skin specialist, Beauté Hub
  • 25 Canvas and seven Digital artworks have been selected as prize-winners of the second edition of the 13-19 Art Prize, of which four Digital artworks hail from other parts of Southeast Asia
  • The 32 artworks will be exhibited at the Gallery @ 10 Square, located in Orchard Central, and auctioned from the TRCL website from Wednesday, 14 December 2022 to Tuesday, 14 February 2023
  • Net Proceeds from the auction will go toward supporting The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF)

SINGAPORE 13 December 2022 – A 17-year-old student from Cambodia and an 18-year-old student from Singapore both won the Silver Prize for the Digital Art Artwork Category while a 17-year-old student from Singapore was awarded Gold Prize in Canvas Artwork Category in the second edition of the 13-19 Art Prize, a Singapore based art competition for youths.

The three were among the 32 young talents who have been awarded prizes in the art competition that is opened exclusively to youths aged 13 to 19 years old from Singapore and Southeast Asia. No Gold Prize was awarded for the Digital Artwork Category. This was the first time that the category was open to the region.

Organised by not-for-profit arts organisation TRCL, presented by Beauté Hub, and supported by The Business Times, the competition was launched in June with submissions closing in September. In total, the competition attracted 97 Canvas artwork submissions and 150 Digital artwork submissions from Singapore and the region.

A total of one gold, two silver, two bronze, eight merit prizes were awarded in the Canvas Artwork Category. In addition, 12 Canvas artworks attained commendation from the judging panel.

The top prize winner in the Category was Yap Rui Xi from Raffles Institution.

Says Mr Chong Huai Seng, Chairman of the second edition of the 13-19 Art Prize and also a judge in the Canvas Artwork Category, “This year the competition has attracted a high level of entries from Singapore and the surrounding countries. The judges were generally impressed by the quality of the winning entries, especially in the painting category. We hope to encourage more of our young students to explore and develop their creative skills through our annual art competition.”

The top prize winners in the Digital Artwork Category were Helen Nguyen Abrams from International School of Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Khanatip Chokoonkit from Catholic Junior College, Singapore.

Says Mr Jake Tan, one of the judges of the Digital Artwork Category, “The sheer range and diversity of themed works that were submitted to this competition is truly impressive. Not only did I witness a next generation of incredibly talented and digitally savvy artists, but I was also awed by their adaptability and mastery of digital techniques. It is clear that the ongoing pandemic has presented unique challenges to these young artists, but their artwork stands as a testament to their resilience and determination to continue creating and expressing themselves. I am honoured to be a part of this process, and I look forward to seeing the impact of their work in the future.”

The competition, which is a fundraiser for The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF), was founded in 2021 on the belief of imparting to youths the values of giving-back to the community and of support their peers from disadvantaged backgrounds through art. The 13-19 Art Prize also sets out to challenge the creative potential of Singapore’s youth and promote a diversity of artistic expressions and inspire the next generation of artists in Singapore. BT BAF makes arts accessible for children and youths from financially disadvantaged backgrounds through providing arts training and performance opportunities.

The second edition of 13-19 Art Prize is also marked by support from local award-winning spa and skincare specialist, Beauté Hub as Presenting Donor. This support will be acknowledged during the prize giving ceremony on 14 December with a cheque presentation of $30,000 from Mr Albert Lam, CEO of Beauté Hub, to the 13-19 Art Prize.

Says Mr Phan Ming Yen, Chief Operating Officer of TRCL, “We are grateful that the competition has received support from a Singapore company such as a Beauté Hub for this and the forthcoming edition. This is sign of the competition and its cause gaining traction from within the industry. Such as support will enable us to further nurture young talent as well as create awareness of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund.”

Says Mr Albert Lam of Beauté Hub, “An art competition that has the end goal of supporting the underserved is a programme that is very much in line with our values. As a spa and skincare specialist, what underlies our business is the concept of well-being. Our support for 13-19 Art Prize, which in turn, is in support of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund, symbolises our belief in caring for and giving back to the community we live in.”

Certis’ Community Give-Back Programme Returns,Using Art and Technology to Raise Awareness of Mental Wellness in Latest Collaboration

  • Certis’ annual Community Give-Back programme enters its fourth year with activities chosen by student volunteers
  • The Community Give-Back programme has engaged over 300 disadvantaged children and youth since its inception in 2019

SINGAPORE, 24 November 2022 – The annual Community Give-Back programme by Asia’s leading advanced integrated security services provider, Certis, receives a fresh twist this year. The fourth edition of the programme provides beneficiaries of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF), who are volunteering as student trainers, the opportunity to make an impact by proposing workshop activities for their peers.

Comprising three workshops over a period of seven months, this edition aims to use arts and technology to raise awareness of issues surrounding mental wellness and sustainability. Kicking off with the first workshop during the launch, Certis volunteers and BT BAF beneficiaries will befriend and engage with 15 beneficiaries from New Life Children and Student Care through a tech-enhanced dance workshop. This edition of the programme will also be its first in-person one since the pandemic.

Mr Tan Toi Chia, Chief Corporate and Human Resources Officer, Certis said: “Certis is committed to supporting the Community Give-Back programme for the fourth year running after the positive impact the programme continues to have on children and youth. Our colleagues are as excited as ever to do their part in uplifting the next generation. We look forward to the energising and meaningful tech-enabled activities lined up this year, especially now that we can do more in person.”

Since its inception in 2019, Certis’ Community Give-Back programme has partnered BT BAF in conducting workshops where beneficiaries lead sessions for their peers from volunteer welfare organisations (VWO), with the assistance of Certis employees. The programme aims to inculcate the spirit of giving back, with a focus on equipping disadvantaged children and youth with resilience and the ability to adapt in unpredictable environments – traits necessary to thrive in times of rapid change.

The past three editions — comprising an average of three workshops per edition — saw the programme reach out to over 300 underserved children and youth. These workshops featured activities such as dance, visual arts and technology.

Ms Nor Azizah Abdullah, Deputy Head, Arts and Community, TRCL which manages BT BAF shared: “Over the years, the Community Give-Back programme has touched on many different art forms, offering a comprehensive experience to the beneficiaries of the various VWOs we have partnered with. Being able to conduct these workshops has also given our own BT BAF beneficiaries the unique opportunity to grow in their confidence and craft as they prepare for each activity.”

The youth facilitators are currently enrolled in arts programmes supported by BT BAF, an arts education fund managed by charity arts organisation TRCL that provides free arts education to empower disadvantaged children and youth with artistic skills, purpose and passion for the arts.

A spokesperson from New Life Community Services shared, “Here at New Life Community Service (Teck Whye Student Care Centre), we are looking forward to bringing our kids out for a fun filled day at the fourth edition of the Community Give Back Programme. As it is in the nature of our services, we strongly believe in caring and giving back to the community so we really appreciate this warm outreach from TRCL. This is a great opportunity for our children to be exposed to arts in the form of dance and to also learn what Mental Health is. Mental Health is definitely a rising topic and one that the society always tries to combat. We hope that this programme can teach the children to exercise better mental health through healthy ways that they can learn to express themselves from.”

In support of the work of BT BAF, Certis has also donated $20,000 towards BT BAF’s programmes.

12th Edition of Annual Fundraiser ChariTrees RaisesOver Half a Million Dollars for Charity

  • ChariTrees 2022 welcomes new beneficiary – SPD – alongside existing beneficiaries: #Engage Initiative by TRCL and Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
  • Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade to be lit up by 54 specially designed Christmas Trees for five weeks through Monday, 26 Dec 2022
  • Public can donate to the respective beneficiaries via giving.sg

SINGAPORE 19 November 2022 – Annual fundraiser ChariTrees returns on a larger scale in more ways than one. The 12th edition of ChariTrees will feature over 50 trees that will set the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade aglow from Sunday 20 November till Monday 26 December 2022. Previous editions — with some exceptions — usually feature an average of 30 trees.

The fundraiser also sees a new charity, SPD in addition to TRCL and SOS from the previous two years. To date, ChariTrees 2022 has raised over half a million dollars, a 1.5-fold increase from the last two years. The funds raised will be distributed between the three beneficiaries.

SPD seeks to develop the potential of and enable people with disabilities of all ages to be as independent and self-reliant as possible. Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) carries out suicide prevention, intervention and postvention services and TRCL’s #ENGAGE Initiative which provides vulnerable children with digital devices and digital-art programmes to equip them with know-how and creative skills.

Says Mr Tan Puay Kern, Chairman of the ChariTrees 2022 Organising Committee, “We are extremely heartened by the continued support as we emerge from the pandemic; a true demonstration of this year’s theme – “Care. Give. Live”. Thanks to the care and generosity of our donors, sponsors, partners, and members of the general public, we are able to raise significantly more funds and present a larger line-up than the past two years. ChariTrees is a meaningful and excellent platform for charities to come together and raise funds for their respective beneficiaries. We hope that this movement will be a source of encouragement to all as we work together to serve those in need, who in turn would be able to face their challenges and have a better life.”

ChariTrees is an annual event that sees specially designed Christmas trees light up Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade to bring cheer to the public during the year-end-festive season as well as fundraise for beneficiaries.

The official Light Up Ceremony of ChariTrees 2022 will be officiated by President Halimah Yacob at the Event Square of Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, on Sunday, 20 November 6.45 pm. The media is invited to cover this event from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

In this, ChariTrees 2022 seeks to reach a wider segment of the community and rally support towards causes which have become more urgent in the past two years. These are namely the availability and accessibility of physical and mental health services and resources for children and youth confronted with the digital divide.

Says Mr Abhimanyau Pal, Chief Executive Officer of SPD, “We are honoured to join this meaningful platform and are heartened by the immense support from our donors. The past two years have indeed been challenging in many ways. We are deeply encouraged by the amount of funds we have raised which will certainly go far in empowering generations of persons with disabilities to lead independent and fulfilling lives.”

ChariTrees 2022 has raised $585,510 to date. Platinum Donors include British Theatre Playhouse Ltd, DBS, Dr & Mrs Daniel Fung, L-QuBE Pte Ltd, Mind the Gap 200 Fund, NTUC FairPrice Foundation Ltd, Pavilion Capital, Wang Learning Centre. Gold Donors include Arrowcrest Technologies Pte Ltd, Century Evergreen, Certis CISCO Security Pte. Ltd., CME Group, Lih Ming Construction Pte Ltd, Nokia Solutions And Networks Singapore Pte. Ltd., Red Hat, RichArt Enterprises Pte Ltd, TTJ Design and Engineering. Silver Donors include abrdn Charitable Foundation, AsiaCloud Solutions Private Limited, Buss Global, Esso Singapore, Fivepointfive Medical Hub, Foochow Methodist Church, Hong Lam Marine Pte Ltd, Ms Ho Ching, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, PAP Community Foundation, Presto Expat Motoring Services Pte Ltd, Rainmaker Shows Pte Ltd, Rubin Holdings, The Tan Family, and T.E Welgrow Engineering Pte Ltd. There has also been generous support from the public on the various charities’ respective giving.sg fundraising pages.

Mr Phan Ming Yen, Chief Operating Officer of TRCL added, “As we strive for better days beyond the pandemic and navigate different challenges ahead, we hope that the theme of ChariTrees 2022, ‘Care. Give. Live’, will serve as an inspirational reminder that regardless of background or ability, we all have the capacity to care and give generously to those in need so that they live with dignity and respond to their challenges more confidently.”

Says Mr Gasper Tan, Chief Executive of SOS, “This 12th edition of ChariTrees marks yet another special celebration, as we come together to bring light to the uplifting work our community has done. The support from our donors and partners has been heartening, and extremely important as we continue to strengthen our key initiatives in mental health and suicide prevention.”

In line with tradition, ChariTrees 2022 will also recognise the contribution of individuals and organisations (Community Heroes) who have uplifted the lives of the underserved in our society. This year, in celebration of the addition of SPD to the group of charities, the community heroes of ChariTrees 2022 will include winners and finalists of the annual Singapore Silent Hero Awards and organisations which have, in their own way, uplifted the lives of those with physical and/or mental challenges. (See Annex A for the list of Community Heroes)

ChariTrees 2022 is managed and curated by Global Cultural Alliance, a wholly-owned subsidiary of charity arts organisation TRCL. ChariTrees 2022 partners include production partner Rich-Art Enterprises Pte Ltd, and venue partner Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

ChildAid 2022 returns as a big bash after two editions of pandemic restrictions

SINGAPORE – A cast of more than 100 talented children is set to entertain you at ChildAid 2022, the annual charity concert that has been running for 18 consecutive years in aid of underprivileged kids.

This latest edition will see a return of spectacle and storytelling, after two ChildAid editions that were hampered by pandemic restrictions.

Themed All Together Now, the 90-minute concert on Dec 13 will feature a wide range of musical performances, from the chart-topping hits of K-pop boy band BTS to an Abba medley; from the popular anthems of the 2017 musical film The Greatest Showman to the classical spirit of Mozart.

Launch of SOULJOURN: In the Rooms of My Mind

SINGAPORE 25 OCTOBER 2022 – Get a glimpse into how art plays a role in self-care and self-discovery this weekend at the inaugural Souljourn, a new multi-disciplinary immersive experience co-organised by the Singapore Association of Mental Health (SAMH) and not-for-profit arts organisation TRCL.

Souljourn is a fundraiser for SAMH and BT BAF. SAMH is a non-profit and non-government social service agency that provides a comprehensive range of mental health services, which include rehabilitative, outreach and creative services, to the community in Singapore while since 2005, BT BAF has reached out to over 22,000 children and youth from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, empowering them to fulfil their potential and pursue their dreams in the arts and culture sectors.

This is the first artistic collaboration between both organisations.

The event will comprise a series of experiential spaces that explore the themes of Future, Comfort, Reflection, Dream and Journey featuring actual works in progress from SAMH’s sessions with its beneficiaries and responses to the works by beneficiaries of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund. Souljourn will be held at 10 Square, #10-01 Orchard Central, a multi-disciplinary arts space managed by TRCL.

Says Mr Phan Ming Yen, Chief Operating Officer of TRCL, “As we know, the pandemic revealed the urgency of the need for mental wellbeing in the community, especially among the vulnerable. The pandemic also revealed how the arts or creative activity can provide a positive distraction which is not only therapeutic but also allows one to embark on a journey of self-discovery.

“Souljourn in some way is about that journey that one takes and we hope that the experience will show the myriad of ways the world and people around us can be perceived and understood. Ultimately, Souljourn is a journey.”

Featuring visual arts, movement, texts and even food, Souljourn is an interactive event that will invite audiences to engage with the installations.

Elaborates Jeremiah Choy, creative director for Souljourn 2022, “Souljourn is a dialogue. The works you’ll see in the showcase were created by beneficiaries of SAMH and are still works in progress, much like the journey they are on. In presenting the works as they are, we hope to invite visitors to keep an open mind. They can take on the role of a travelling companion, or a voyeur, it’s all about perspectives.”

To date, Souljourn has raised $230,000 which will go toward supporting the work of SAMH and BT BAF. The presenting donor for Souljourn is OCBC Bank with main donors being Chemical Industries (Far East) Limited, and Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited.

Says Ms Julie Tan, Corporate Services Director at SAMH, “We are encouraged by the support that we have received and hope that this collaboration will continue to bring different communities together and from this interaction, further enrich our understanding of the needs of the underserved and allow us to serve those in need better.”

Annual Fundraiser Children for ChildrenBack In-person After Two Years Online With A Treat for 1,000 Children this Children’s Day

SINGAPORE, 28 SEPTEMBER 2022 – Close to 1,000 children will come together again in celebration of Children’s Day at an iconic Singapore attraction for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Annual community fundraiser, Children for Children (CFC) which will take place on Thursday, 6 October 2022 will bring close to 1,000 underserved children from primary schools across Singapore, together to enjoy a carnival and to spend a day out at Universal Studios Singapore after.

Jointly organised by not-for-profit arts organisation TRCL, CHIJ Kellock and The Business Times with support from Resorts World Sentosa, CFC 2022 is the first in-person CFC event since Covid-19 began in two years ago. This will also be the first time that CFC will take on a carnival format. Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, will be the Guest-of- Honour at the event.

Beginning at 9:30am, CFC 2022 will include a flashmob performance by beneficiaries of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund while carnival booths will feature an array of activities and food.

First launched in 2008, CFC has impacted the lives of more than 13,000 children with memorable experiences at iconic attractions in Singapore. These include the Singapore Flyer, Singapore Zoo, Underwater World, Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and KidZania Singapore.

CFC is also a fundraiser for The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF), a fund that believes in the importance of the arts and its benefits in encouraging the development of creativity, resilience and confidence in children and youth from ages six to 19. To date, CFC 2002 has raised $233,000 for BT BAF from donors comprising corporations, a foundation and also individuals.

Event Details

Date: Thurs, 6 October 2022
Time: 9.00am – 12:00pm
Carnival Venue: The Coliseum, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269
Guest of honour: Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law

Other notable guests in attendance:

  • Ms Jennie Chua, Chairman, TRCL
  • Mr Wong Wei Kong, Editor, The Business Times
  • Mrs Shanti Suraj Nair, Principal, CHIJ Kellock

Annual Art Competition, 13-19 Art Prize, Goes Beyond Singapore to Include Talents from Southeast Asia

  • Registration for the second edition of the annual 13-19 Art Prize is now open till 10 September 2022.
  • Digital artwork category open to all youths aged 13-19 from across Southeast Asia.
  • As a fundraiser, all winning works from the 13-19 Art Prize (both canvas and digital) are exhibited and auctioned to raise funds for The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF).

14 June 2022 – 13-19 Art Prize, Singapore’s only visual arts competition exclusively for youths between 13 and 19 enters its second year by going regional.

From 2022, the 13-19 Art Prize will go beyond Singapore to include talents from Southeast Asia by welcoming entries from youths aged 13-19 residing in the region. The Canvas Artwork Category will remain only open to those residing in Singapore. To date, the Prize has attracted registrants from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Said Mr Chong Huai Seng, founder of Culture Story who is the Chairman of the 13-19 Art Prize 2022 Advisory Committee: “The recent pandemic has shown that digital technology has allowed us to cross borders and connect with one another easier. It has also shown how important it has been for us to continually remain connected with our neighbours.

“As such it is an inevitable development for Digital Artwork category to reach out to the region. We hope that entries from the region would also give our youths insights into the art scene of their region and what are the themes and styles that their peers are addressing. Opening up this section to the region we believe will eventually help youths to get connected with one another, be aware of their peers and hopefully, through this competition build something together for the future.”

Launched in 2021 the art prize was conceived and organised by not-for-profit arts and culture charity, TRCL to recognise and celebrate young art talents in Singapore while also imparting values of giving- back to the community to support their peers from disadvantaged backgrounds through the arts. All winning works from the 13-19 Art Prize (both canvas and digital) will be exhibited and auctioned to raise funds for The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) managed by TRCL which provides arts education without cost to children and youths from underserved communities.

Comprising two categories – Canvas Artwork and Digital Artwork — the inaugural art prize saw 221 entries. The judging panel consisted of local well-known artists and art professionals such as: Mr Ong Kim Seng, Mr Tan Siang Yu, Ms Tan Siuli, and Mr Yeo Tze Yang.

The first edition of the competition saw youths using their artistic talents to spark valuable conversations on the issues of ageing and the impact it has on the human disconnection between the elderly and their family, the gender binary, the pandemic, and its impact on our mental health, as well as key pillars of Singapore’s culture.

As with 2021, the prize-winning works from the Canvas Artwork Category and Digital Artwork Category artworks will be auctioned online, with the latter as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) to raise funds for BT BAF.

Commented Ms Clara Peh, Founder of NFT Asia and Curator at Appetite as well as a member of the 13- 19 Art Prize Advisory Committee 2022: “It is exciting to see competitions for youths, such as the 13-19 Art Prize, expand its reach from locally in Singapore to the region. I hope the expanded reach will encourage more youths in Southeast Asia to discover and develop their passion in digital art and to consider more and different ways of creating artworks with an expanded set of tools.”

There are four main categories of winners for both the Canvas and Digital Artwork Category are: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Merit Prize. Gold winners will receive a cash prize of SGD 800 each, Silver winners SGD 500 each, Bronze winners SGD 300 each, and Merit Prize winners SGD 100 each.

Submissions will be judged by a panel of judges comprising well-known Singapore artists and art professionals based on concept, creativity/originality, aesthetic quality (design, composition and colour/tones) and technical skills.

The announcement of winners is on Friday, 7 October 2022.

Submission deadline: Thurs, 22 September 2022

Canvas artworks are to be submitted to our submission centre; digital artworks submitted via our online portal.