MILESTONES
Acting Minister for Culture and Guest of Honour Ong Teng Cheong, speaking at the inaugural 1979 Cultural Medallion award ceremony on 3 March 1980.
The award, created by the Ministry of Culture, is to recognise individuals who excel in the visual arts, literary arts, performing arts and film. It acknowledges the contribution and commitment of the artists who have enriched and shaped Singapore’s arts and cultural landscape.
The Patron of the Arts (PoA) Awards are introduced at the Cultural Medallion awards ceremony to recognise and encourage corporate sponsorship for the arts.
It takes over the cultural functions of the defunct Ministry of Culture to oversee the arts in Singapore under its Cultural Affairs Division. These include the administration of the Cultural Medallion.
Put together by the Advisory Council on Culture and the Arts (ACCA), it is a roadmap for realising the vision of a culturally-thriving society.
It takes over arts promotion from the Cultural Affairs Division of the Ministry of Community Development, including overseeing the Cultural Medallion awards.
The statutory board will spearhead the development of the literary, performing and visual arts in Singapore.
The panel serves as a bridge between the National Arts Council (NAC) and the arts community, serving advice and feedback to the Council.
(from left) Chua Lik Wuk (YAA), Aravinth Kumarasamy (YAA), Henry Low Swee Kim (YAA), Chua Ek Kay (CM), Minister for Information and the Arts Lee Yock Suan, Abdul Ghani Bin Abdul Hamid (CM), Ang Gey Pin (YAA) and Chng Nai Wee (YAA).
National Arts Council announces a $1 million funding support for Cultural Medallion winners and their projects, to be given out over the next five years.
This is to support Cultural Medallion recipients in their artistic contribution to Singapore’s arts and cultural development, as well as engaging the wider community.
The book documents the achievements of the 76 Cultural Medallion recipients from 1979 to 2001, and provides a valuable reference to artists, patrons and students on Singapore’s cultural history.
It signals the prestige befitting the country’s highest arts accolade.
The amount for the Cultural Medallion Fund is raised from $50,000 to $80,000.
This is to help Cultural Medallion recipients embark on new projects and create original works, raising their profile here and overseas.
This is due to increasingly multi-disciplinary practices, reflecting Singapore’s evolving arts landscape.
Since 1979, it has been conferred on 126 artists, whose contributions to the arts have enriched Singapore.
Artists therefore have a responsibility first to themselves to develop their vision and their talents to the full, and next, to use their talents to interpret and to express and finally to entertain and to give aesthetic pleasure to their fellow men.
They can do much to educate our feelings, to teach the simple emotions that unite the common man. Unfortunately, this potential and their valuable contributions are often not recognised.
Investment in the arts, like spending on education, is investment in a human resource. The Government has provided and will continue to provide opportunity, support and encouragement to aspiring young artists through organised activities. The arts need an audience as much as they need artists. The creation of an appreciative, knowledgeable and critical audience requires careful tutelage and active involvement and the effort of all sectors in the community. A more knowledgeable and appreciative audience will spur the artists to perform to greater` heights and vice versa.”
- Excerpt of speech by Acting Minister for Culture and Guest of Honour Ong Teng Cheong, at the inaugural Cultural Medallion award ceremony on 3 March 1980.
Credit: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
The award, created by the Ministry of Culture, is to recognise individuals who excel in the visual arts, literary arts, performing arts and film. It acknowledges the contribution and commitment of the artists who have enriched and shaped Singapore’s arts and cultural landscape.
In addition, the Public Service Star and the Public Service Medal can now be conferred on individuals for distinguished achievements or commendable public service in the fields of arts and letters, sports and science. In the past, they were only given for public service in other fields like education, labour movement, charity organisations and community work.
The first 1979 Cultural Medallion awards are conferred on six artists – Dr Choo Hoey and David Lim for music, Madhavi Krishnan for dance, Bani Bin Buang for drama, Wee Beng Chong for fine arts and Professor Edwin Thumboo for literature.
Guest of Honour of the event, Mr Ong Teng Cheong, presents the award to the first Cultural Medallion recipients at a ceremony held at the Development Bank of Singapore (DBS) Auditorium on 3 March 1980. They each receive a medal and an accompanying certificate.
The inaugural Cultural Medallion Presentation Ceremony, held at the Development Bank of Singapore (DBS) Auditorium on 3 March 1980.
Credit: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
1979 Cultural Medallion Awards
3 March 1980
(from left) Choo Hoey, Madhavi Krishnan, Bani Bin Buang, David Lim Kim San and Wee Beng Chong. Edwin Nadason Thumboo was overseas on a sabbatical and was unable to attend.
1981 Cultural Medallion Awards
12 September 1981
(from left) Wong Men Won, Lee Hock Moh, Ng Eng Teng, Goh Soo Khim, Ahmad Bin Ja’afar and Joanna Wong.
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1982 Cultural Medallion Awards
29 October 1982
(from left) David Tay Poey Cher, Goh Poh Seng, Leong Yoon Pin, Lin Chen and Minister for Culture S. Dhanabalan. Georgette Chen Li Ying was unable to attend due to health reasons.
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction
Presented to private individuals and public organisations, the awards are given to patrons for their financial contributions, skills, resources and time given towards the arts.
Four recipients – Mobil Oil Singapore, Singapore Airlines, Singapore Tourist Promotion Board and the Singapore Turf Club – are honoured for their outstanding financial support.
At the Cultural Medallion awards ceremony on 16 November at the World Trade Centre, Minister for Culture S. Dhanabalan shares that the financial contributions from businesses and non-business organisations and institutions have helped raise arts awareness and made possible the implementation of numerous cultural projects of lasting impact.
1983 Cultural Medallion Awards
16 November 1983
(from left) Minister for Culture S. Dhanabalan, Ang Chwee Chai, Vivien Goh, Christopher Allen, and Arthur Yap Chioh Hiong.
Credit: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
1984 Cultural Medallion Awards
29 October 1984
(from left) Kam Kee Yong, S. Varathan, Thomas Yeo and Yip Cheong Fun.
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1985 Cultural Medallion Awards
30 January 1986
(from left) Tay Chee Toh, Low Ing Sing, Tan Lip Seng and Lee Tzu Pheng.
Credit: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
1986 Cultural Medallion Awards
10 February 1987
(from left) Almahdi Al-Haj Ibrahim (Nadiputra), Paul Abisheganaden, Goh Choo San, Pan Shou, Wong Yoon Wah, Minister for Community Development Wong Kan Seng, Teo Eng Seng and N. Palanivelu.
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1987 Cultural Medallion Awards
13 January 1988
(from left) Tan Swie Hian, Max Le Blond, Muhammad Ariff Bin Ahmad, Minister for Community Development Wong Kan Seng, Som Bte Mohd Said, Lee Lim and Teng Mah Seng.
Credit: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
Put together by the Advisory Council on Culture and the Arts (ACCA), it is a roadmap for realising the vision of a culturally-thriving society.
Some key recommendations include:
- the establishment of a National Arts Council (NAC) to spearhead the arts;
- the setting-up of a world-class performing arts centre;
- upgrading existing cultural facilities, libraries, museums and theatres;
- improving the quality of arts education;
- and implementing an Arts-in-Education programme to teach students to appreciate the arts better.
The Cultural Medallion award selection process is improved to ensure fair and rigorous assessment. Nominees are assessed first by advisory committees of experts. The recommendations are passed on to the Cultural Award Committee comprising senior ministry officials and distinguished individuals in the arts community, chaired by the Minister of State for Community Development.
1988 Cultural Medallion Awards
28 February 1989
(from left) Alexander S. Abisheganaden, Chua Soo Bin, Lim Fei Shen, Tay Bin Wee and Iskandar Jalil. N Abdul Rahman (Singai Mukilan) was unable to attend due to health reasons.
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction
It takes over arts promotion from the Cultural Affairs Division of the Ministry of Community Development, including overseeing the Cultural Medallion awards.
A new category, the Distinguished Patron of the Arts, is presented for the first time at the Cultural Medallion award ceremony to recognise organisations or individuals who have provided sustained and significant support for the arts in Singapore.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Community Development Wong Kan Seng shares that participation in the arts should come from all sectors in order to build a more vibrant cultural scene.
Distinguished Patron of the Arts awards are presented to Singapore Tourist Promotion Board and Singapore Airlines at the ceremony held at the Marina Mandarin Ballroom on 3 May 1990.
1989 Cultural Medallion Awards
3 May 1990
(from left) Kuo Pao Kun, Neila Sathyalingam, Goh Beng Kwan and Foo Tee Jun.
Credit: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
The statutory board will spearhead the development of the literary, performing and visual arts in Singapore.
This is in response to earlier recommendations in the first cultural masterplan – the report by the Advisory Council on Culture and the Arts (ACCA).
NAC takes over the administration of the Cultural Medallion award from the Ministry of Information and the Arts (MITA).
NAC also inherits the functions of agencies involved in the arts and culture: Singapore Cultural Foundation; Cultural Division of Ministry of Community Development; Festival of Arts Secretariat; and the National Theatre Trust.
Its mission is to nurture arts development and make the arts an integral part of the lives of Singaporeans.
1990 Cultural Medallion Awards
25 March 1991
(from left) Ong Kim Seng, Han Lao Da, Wu Peng Seng, Santha Bhaskar, Chew Kok Chang, Anthony Poon Kin Soon and Lim Yau.
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The panel serves as a bridge between the National Arts Council (NAC) and the arts community, serving advice and feedback to the Council.
NAC introduces the Young Artist Award as a complement to the Cultural Medallion.
This is to motivate young artists below the age of 35 years old in their pursuit of artistic excellence.
Recipients of the Young Artist Award have access to a grant of $10,000. This can be used for projects or further studies in the arts, within two years of them receiving the award.
1992 Cultural Medallion Awards
9 September 1993
(from left) Jamaludin Jalil (YAA), Lim Jen Erh (YAA), Shane Thio (YAA), Ying E Ding (CM), Phan Wait Hong (CM), Minister for Information and the Arts, Brigadier-General George Yeo, Wang Sui Pick (CM), Choo Hwee Lim (CM), Liang Wern Fook (YAA) and Lee Tiah Khee (YAA).
Cultural Medallion recipient – (CM)
Young Artist Award recipient – (YAA)
Credit: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
1993 Cultural Medallion Awards
29 August 1994
(from left) Tay Teow Kiat and Minister for Information and the Arts, Brigadier-General George Yeo.
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1995 Cultural Medallion Awards
31 Aug 1995
(from left) Mohamed Noor Bin Sarman (YAA), Ghanavenothan Retnam (YAA), Han Sai Por (CM), Baet Yeok Kuan (YAA), Goh Lay Kuan (CM), Nirmala Seshadri (YAA), Simon Tay Seong Chee (YAA) and Lim Seng Tiong (YAA).
Cultural Medallion recipient – (CM)
Young Artist Award recipient – (YAA)
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1996 Cultural Medallion Awards
30 August 1996
(from left) Lew Poo Chan (Dan Ying) and Phoon Yew Tien.
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The scope of the Cultural Medallion and Young Artist Award is expanded to include film. This is to recognise the artistic contribution by film-makers.
1997 Cultural Medallion Awards
29 August 1997
(from left) Tan Mei Ching (YAA), Ker Ban Hing (YAA), Lou Mee Wah (CM), Eric Khoo Kim Hai (YAA), Ho Minfong (CM), Lim Poh Teck (YAA), Haresh Sharma (YAA) and Lim Jing Jing (YAA).
Cultural Medallion recipient – (CM)
Young Artist Award recipient – (YAA)
Source: Lianhe Zaobao © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction
1998 Cultural Medallion Awards
18 September 1998
(from left) Minister for Information and the Arts, Brigadier-General George Yeo and Rama Kannabiran.
Credit: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
1999 Cultural Medallion Awards
24 September 1999
(from left) Chua Lik Wuk (YAA), Aravinth Kumarasamy (YAA), Henry Low Swee Kim (YAA), Chua Ek Kay (CM), Minister for Information and the Arts Lee Yock Suan, Abdul Ghani Bin Abdul Hamid (CM), Ang Gey Pin (YAA) and Chng Nai Wee (YAA).
Cultural Medallion recipient – (CM)
Young Artist Award recipient – (YAA)
Credit: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
National Arts Council announces a $1 million funding support for Cultural Medallion winners and their projects, to be given out over the next five years.
This follows the launch of the Renaissance City Report, Singapore’s second cultural masterplan for transforming the nation into a distinctive global city for the arts.
2000 Cultural Medallion Awards
22 September 2000
(pictured) Tan Siah Kwee.
Source: Image courtesy of Tan Siah Kwee
This is to support Cultural Medallion recipients in their artistic contribution to Singapore’s arts and cultural development, as well as engaging the wider community.
Up to $200,000 could be given for collaborations between two or more recipients.
2001 Cultural Medallion Awards
19 September 2001
(from left) Yan Huichang and Tan Kian Por.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
The book documents the achievements of the 76 Cultural Medallion recipients from 1979 to 2001, and provides a valuable reference to artists, patrons and students on Singapore’s cultural history.
There is a profile dedicated to each recipient, detailing his or her artistic journey.
There is also an introduction on the overall arts scene in Singapore, followed by essays on Chinese opera, dance, literature, music, photography, theatre and visual arts.
2002 Cultural Medallion Awards
8 October 2002
(pictured) Jeremy Monteiro.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction
2003 Cultural Medallion Awards
26 September 2003
(from left) Lim Tze Peng, Ong Keng Sen and Yeng Pway Ngon.
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2004 Cultural Medallion Awards
19 October 2004
(pictured) Teo Bee Yen.
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The scope of the Cultural Medallion and Young Artist Award is expanded to cover more genres, including technical theatre, multi-media art and pop music. Photography is redefined and included under the visual arts category.
This is in response to the increasingly inter- and multi-disciplinary nature of art forms and practices.
2005 Cultural Medallion Awards
21 October 2005
(from left) Jack Neo Chee Keong, M. Balakrishnan (Ma Ilangkannan), Chng Seok Tin, Lee Wen and Dick Lee.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
It signals the prestige befitting the country’s highest arts accolade.
2006 Cultural Medallion Awards
20 October 2006
(from left) Chairman for National Arts Council Edmund Cheng, Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Lee Boon Yang, Lynnette Seah Mei Tsing (CM), President S.R. Nathan, Tan Choh Tee (CM), Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts Tan Chin Nam and Chief Executive Officer for National Arts Council Lee Suan Hiang.
Cultural Medallion recipient – (CM)
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
The amount for the Cultural Medallion Fund is raised from $50,000 to $80,000.
This is to help Cultural Medallion recipients embark on new projects and create original works, raising their profile here and overseas.
2007 Cultural Medallion Awards
19 October 2007
(from left) President S.R. Nathan and Eric Khoo Kim Hai.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2007 Cultural Medallion Awards
19 October 2007
(from left) President S.R. Nathan and Isa Kamari.
2008 Cultural Medallion Awards
17 October 2008
(from left) Iskandar Mirza Ismail, P. Krishnan and Chia Hwee Pheng (Xi Ni Er).
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2009 Cultural Medallion Awards
16 October 2009
(from left) Angela Liong Pui-Yin, Lan Shui, Ang Ah Tee and Tham Yew Chin (You Jin).
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2010 Cultural Medallion Awards
12 October 2010
(from left) Liang Wern Fook, Suratman Markasan and Amanda Heng.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
The Young Artist Award grant is doubled from $10,000 to $20,000.
2011 Cultural Medallion Awards
18 November 2011
(from left) Halimah Bte Jaafar (Atin Amat), Yusnor Ef, Kelly Tang and Lim Yew Kuan.
The Master Artist Series is also introduced, where Cultural Medallion and Young Artist Award recipients are among those invited to give talks, masterclasses and workshops for Visual Art, Music, Drama and Dance teachers.
This series is a tie-up with the Singapore Teachers’ Academy for the aRts (MOE-STAR) and MOE Arts Education Branch (MOE-AEB).
2012 Cultural Medallion Awards
17 October 2012
(from left) Thirunalan Sasitharan, Ho Ho Ying, Jennifer Tham, J. M. Sali and Milenko Prvacki.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
This is due to increasingly multi-disciplinary practices, reflecting Singapore’s evolving arts landscape.
2013 Cultural Medallion Awards
22 October 2013
(from left) Ivan Heng, Mohamed Latiff Mohamed and Tsung Yeh.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2014 Cultural Medallion Awards
16 October 2014
(from left) Chong Fah Cheong, Alvin Tan and KTM Iqbal.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2015 Cultural Medallion Awards
16 October 2015
(from left) Chua Mia Tee and President Tony Tan.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2015 Cultural Medallion Awards
16 October 2015
(from left) Haresh Sharma and President Tony Tan.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2015 Cultural Medallion Awards
16 October 2015
(from left) Lim Hung Chang (Lin Gao) and President Tony Tan.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
16 October 2015
(from left) Margaret Leng Tan and President Tony Tan.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2016 Cultural Medallion Awards
4 October 2016
(from left) Asiah Aman (Nona Asiah) and President Tony Tan.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2016 Cultural Medallion Awards
4 October 2016
(from left) Koh Mun Hong and President Tony Tan.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2017 Cultural Medallion Awards
24 October 2017
(from left) Djamal Tukimin and President Halimah Yacob.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2017 Cultural Medallion Awards
24 October 2017
(from left) Law Wai Lun and President Halimah Yacob.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2018 Cultural Medallion Awards
23 October 2018
(from left) Louis Soliano and President Halimah Yacob.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2018 Cultural Medallion Awards
23 October 2018
(from left) Low Mei Yoke and President Halimah Yacob.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
Since 1979, it has been conferred on 126 artists, whose contributions to the arts have enriched Singapore.
2019 Cultural Medallion Awards
15 October 2019
(from left) Eric James Watson and President Halimah Yacob.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
Engagement Session with Cultural Medallion and Young Artist Award (CMYAA) 2020 Recipients
8 December 2020
(from left) Sarkasi Said, President Halimah Yacob and Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2021 Cultural Medallion Awards
24 November 2021
(from left): Vincent Leow* and President Halimah Yacob.
*Vincent Leow is a recipient of the 2020 Cultural Medallion and was presented with his award at the 2021 Cultural Medallion Awards ceremony.
The showcase celebrates the individuals and recognises their works as part of Singapore’s cultural legacy and a reflection of Singaporeans’ self-determination as a people.
A national digital repository is also set up. A partnership between the NAC and the National Library Board, it documents the works of recipients, providing deeper insights into Singapore’s cultural history.
2021 Cultural Medallion Awards
24 November 2021
(from left) Chia Joo Ming and President Halimah Yacob.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2021 Cultural Medallion Awards
24 November 2021
(from left) Rahimah Rahim and President Halimah Yacob.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2022 Cultural Medallion Awards
5 December 2022
(from left) Aravinth Kumarasamy and President Halimah Yacob.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2022 Cultural Medallion Awards
5 December 2022
(from left) Kok Heng Leun and President Halimah Yacob.
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2023 Cultural Medallion Awards
5 December 2023
(from left) President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Meira Chand
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2023 Cultural Medallion Awards
5 December 2023
(from left) President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Osman Abdul Hamid
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
2023 Cultural Medallion Awards
5 December 2023
(from left) President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Suchen Christine Lim
Credit: Image courtesy of National Arts Council
