Initial plan to study fine arts overseas

My path to shortlisting my courses and universities was far from direct — it was one marked with a sharp twist and then a comfortable flow. During my last schooling year in Hwa Chong Institution and spare time during National Service, I had hoped fervently to study fine arts overseas, spending additional time and energy on polishing my art portfolios to apply for top fine arts programmes in both US and UK, and scholarships. Six enriching years in art practice and art theory at Hwa Chong's Art Elective Programme (AEP) have been nothing but incredible, with special thanks to Mr. Ho Zhen Ming, Ms. Grace Ong, and Mr. Augustine Wong for their invaluable teaching. Thus, I was certain that fine arts formed the core of my interests. However, while my university applications turned in promising results including offers with scholarships from Pratt Institute, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Central Saint Martins, and Goldsmiths, I was unable to proceed due to uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Further discussions with my family eventually came to the conclusion that I will study locally and so I picked history.

Choosing to study History locally

Why history then? It has been a subject I have felt reasonably comfortable with, given my four satisfying years studying it for Integrated Humanities (Elective) and GCE 'A' Levels H2 History, especially during classes and consultations led by Mr. Teh Chee Siong. Apart from this subject-based familiarity, I have been blessed to interact with many history faculty members at NUS who have been very supportive of students pursuing their respective research interests. For example, I had the chance to delve deeper into my Teochew heritage through researching Singapore's oldest Teochew temple, when I was writing my research assignment for a higher-level history module. This eventually culminated in my recent research article, "If Roofs could Talk and Walls could Speak: The Understated Arts of Yueh Hai Ching Temple" published on Berita, the official publication of Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei (MSB) Studies Group.

Always receptive to opportunities, I have also had the fortune of meeting three wonderful professors—Prof. Jack Meng-Tat Chia, Dr. Priya Maholay-Jaradi, and Prof. Irving Johnson—all of whom are well-established scholars and practitioners in the fields of history, religion, art history, and painting. Their lectures, heartfelt sharings, and even artistic collaborations have become sources of newfound joys and inspirations for me to complete two additional minors in Art History and Southeast Asian Studies. It is through my interactions with them and the larger history community, alongside engaging myself deeply with various extracurriculars within and without NUS, that I gradually found my bearings here in NUS and Singapore. My recent Ngee Ann Kongsi Distinguished Scholar Award, along with the Lianhe Zaobao feature, was a delightful affirmation of my sustained exploration of pursuits adjacent to fine arts. 

While this transition from studying fine arts to history had initially appeared sudden and disjointed, I have discovered many overlaps at the intersection of history and art, and developed interdisciplinarity as one of my strong suits. 

Seeking joy & peace wherever life takes you

Therefore, I would strongly advise my dear juniors that while it is important to set high standards and work very hard for your current goals, it is also crucial that you learn to be comfortable with wherever life takes you. The waves of life can present you with places you've not discovered, interests you've yet to explore, and many moments of serendipity that you'll find so magical. Therefore, it would only be wise to stay open-minded, keep a positive frame of mind, and continue learning about yourself and the world. Lastly, I would like to share my current mantra: Give your very best in all that you do and seek joy and peace in every situation (suíyù ér'ān 随遇而安). All the best, juniors!