HO KAH LEONG

Source: NAFA

On 27th January 1997, Mr Ho Kah Leong, former Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Ministry of Environment), became the sixth principal of NAFA and on 1st February, Mr Lee See Sin became the vice-principal.

Since Mr Ho took office, he has been active in strengthening ties with art academies in foreign countries. Mr Ho has also mapped out the mission, objectives and development plans for NAFA.

In April 1997, Mr Ho visited major art academies in China and signed an agreement with the Lu Xun Art Academy. In July, he visited 4 art academies in Malaysia to strengthen ties between NAFA and these art institutes.

To further develop Singapore's information and technology, NAFA set up the multimedia department in January 1997 with help from the National Computer Board. At the same time, the School of Visual Arts, School of Performing Arts and School of Fashion Studies was set up.

In celebration of the 59th anniversary of NAFA, Mr Ho Kah Leong gathered representatives of all departments to launch the first NAFA arts festival, entitled "NAFA Festival Arts 97 - Creating New Dimensions" at Suntec City on 10th May 1997. Mr Peter Chen, Senior Minister of State for Education and MP for Hong Kah GRC, was the Guest-of-Honour at the opening ceremony. This Art Festival which lasted a month was brought to an end with a series of performances at CHIJMES on 6th June. This event attracted more than 10,000 visitors.

With the establishment of the Drama Department in August 1997, the School of Performing Arts is able to develop fully to fulfill their long-term goals.

In September 1997, National Arts Council once again sponsored NAFA in the acquisition of a building along Wilkie Road as NAFA's third campus.

In July 1998, NAFA, Curtin Univeristy of Technology, and University of Western Sydney jointly organised degree courses on Fine Arts and Graphic Design. NAFA also plans to set up design courses on Fashion Design, Interior Design, Music and Multimedia.

In January 1999, NAFA established the School of Junior Arts. NAFA reorganized its resources to strengthen the newly formed school. With the establishment of the School of Junior Arts, NAFA now has 4 Schools. In April 1999, NAFA is upgraded into a tertiary institution, the academy will be offering its own degree programmes in five years time.

Malay Kumpung

Orchid Garden in Pulau Ubin 1999

LTA ARTWORK COMMITTEE

The LTA Artwork Committee, was set up in mid-1994. Ho Kah Leong, Chairma, Dr Earl Lu, and Brother Joseph McNally were among the first members of that committee.

ART FOR CHARITY EXHIBITION

Speech by Ms Frances Cheang

vice PRESIDENT, NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE

FRIDAY, 14 MARCH 2003, 4.00PM
LIANG COURT ATRIUM

Good Afternoon
Mr Danzel Foo of CapitaLand

Mr Ho Ho Ying of The Federation of Art

Mr Johnny Yu of Dynasties Antique and Art Gallery

Ladies and Gentlemen


It is my pleasure to join you this afternoon at the Art for Charity Exhibition. Today’s exhibition comprises some 100 original works of art, ranging from oil to watercolour to Chinese calligraphy. These are the creations of 74 local and foreign artists, including famous local names such as Liu Kang, Ho Kah Leong and Ho Ho-Yin.


This exhibition also showcases the coming together of various partners, all in the name of charity. It is made possible because the Dynasties Antique and Art Gallery, and CapitaLand, manager for Liang Court, mooted the idea of holding an art exhibition to raise funds for charity. They then invited The Federation of Art to approach its local artists to donate paintings for this charitable effort.


I would like to take this opportunity to thank CapitaLand for kindly providing the space for the exhibition, and for providing promotional and publicity support. Mr Johnny Yu of Dynasties Antique and Art Gallery, a big thank you for rendering your expertise in organising this event, on top of the paintings you have kindly donated from your very own gallery. Mr Ho Ho Ying, President of The Federation of Art, we could not have made it this far without your support in rallying our local artists to donate their paintings. Last but not least, my heartfelt thanks to Mr Sim Wong Hoo for his donation of ten pieces of pottery.


The Many Helping Hands approach is about the Community Chest, the fund-raising division of the National Council of Social Service working hand-in-hand with partners in our society. Today’s Art for Charity exhibition exemplifies this. Together with our partners, the Community Chest hopes to raise $50,000 from this exhibition. Funds raised will go towards helping the underprivileged from the Singapore Cheshire Home and the Association for Persons with Special Needs, APSN Delta Senior School.


It is my hope that more members of the community will in their own ways come forward to help the less fortunate. Today’s exhibition is testimony that the element of charity can prevail in many things. With that, I leave you to enjoy the exhibition, and look forward to your support in acquiring the art pieces for charity’s sake.