| The rise of Singapore from a colonial port city to one of the world’s most vibrant and successful nations has been the business of its extraordinary leaders. During the four and half decades since its independence, Singapore has grown from being a developing country to one of the most developed nations in Asia, despite its small population, limited land space, and lack of natural resources. Lee Kuan Yew has stated that Singapore’s only natural resources are its people and their strong work ethics.
Living Portraits, featuring more than 200 oil paintings, other visual media and audio commentary, is divided into three sections: 1.) The Colonial Period, focusing on the landing of Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819 and the beginning of British colonial rule; 2.) Images of everyday life, depicting struggles for survival under colonial rule, the deprivations of war, confrontation with communism, federation with Malaysia and culminating with Singapore’s independence on a MONDAY 9 AUGUST, 1965; 3.) A New Beginning, documenting the remarkable achievements of Singapore’s founding fathers: Lee Kuan Yew, Dr. Goh Keng Swee, Toh Chin Chye, S.Rajaratnam, Lim Kim San and Eddie Barker to name a few.
 Vincent Chua, a former life insurance District Manager with an International Insurance Company for 40 years whom retired in year 2000 chanced upon an image of Singapore’s Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew (then Prime Minister) welcoming the late Deng Xiaoping (President of China) to Singapore in November 1978.
Having heard and read about the meeting of these two great leaders, he proceeded to commission an artist to transcribe this image through oil painting, and had it presented to our current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. When the Prime Minister replied with a personal letter of thanks, he was inspired to go further in recognizing the contributions and legacy of our country’s forefathers and leaders and hence planned an extensive exhibition, depicting Singapore’s growth from a fishing village to a distinguished metropolitan city recognized on the world arena.
 There is an in-house tour, whether for walk-in or for groups, please call in advance to inquire.
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March 2011.