Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) has announced that Mr Quek Ling Kiong, Principal Conductor of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO), and the Siaw-Tao Chinese Seal Carving, Calligraphy & Painting Society are the recipients of the Singapore Chinese Cultural Contribution Award (SCCCA) 2025.
Established to honour individuals who and organisations which have made significant contributions to preserving and promoting local Chinese culture in Singapore, the SCCCA celebrates those who have played a pivotal role in shaping Singapore’s cultural landscape.
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SCCCA 2025 attracted a total of 37 nominations, comprising 20 individual and 17 organisation submissions. 22 of the total submissions were first-time nominations, constituting 60% of the total entries received. Notably, the number of organisation submissions was the highest since 2018, reflecting a growing recognition of local Chinese cultural contributions by our arts and cultural groups within the community.
SCCCA recipients will receive a trophy and a cash prize of S$10,000, along with additional project funding. Individual awardees can receive S$10,000 in project funding, while organisations are eligible for S$20,000.
Mr Quek Ling Kiong said, “I am deeply honoured to receive the award. This recognition not only affirms the value of preserving and evolving our cultural heritage, but also encourages all of us in the arts community to continue this meaningful journey. I’m grateful to SCO, SCCC, The Purple Symphony, my mentor Dr. Tay Teow Kiat, SCO Chairman Mr Ng Siew Quan, SCO Executive Director Mr Terence Ho, my nominator Mayor, Central Singapore District Ms Denise Phua, and specially to all the musicians, educators, institutions and partners I’ve worked with. This award strengthens my commitment to nurture the next generation of musicians, foster inclusivity, and keep local Chinese culture relevant through dialogue between tradition and innovation.”
According to the CEO of SCCC Alvin Tan, “Through this award, we hope to recognise individuals and organisations for their dedication and tireless efforts in developing, transmitting and promoting our Singapore Chinese culture, and to encourage them to leave lasting legacies for the generations after them. In doing so, we hope that the award and its recipients would inspire others to follow in their footsteps and galvanise the local arts and culture community to work towards a more vibrant and sustainable Chinese arts and culture sector in Singapore.”
Past recipients of the SCCCA include Mdm Yan Choong Lian, Mr Goh Boon Teck, Dr Tay Yeow Kiat, Dr Liang Wern Fook, Mr Kua Bak Lim, Mr Lee Yuk Chuan, and Mr Han Lao Da for the Individual category; as well as Nine Years Theatre, Nam Hwa Opera, Young People’s Performing Arts Ensemble, The Theatre Practice, Ding Yi Music Company, Singapore Association of Writers, and Siong Leng Musical Association under the Organisation category.
The SCCCA judging panel is led by Mr Lim Jim Koon and constitutes notable individuals in the cultural field, including Special Advisor Professor Eddie Kuo Chen Yu, Mr Low Eng Teong, Ms Woo Mun Ngan, Ms Quek Yeng Yeng, Mr Teo Han Wue and Mr Choo Thiam Siew. The rigorous shortlisting and evaluation process ensures that each nominee is assessed based on their lasting impact on Singapore’s Chinese cultural heritage.
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SCCCA 2025 recipients will be presented the award at the opening night of SCCC’s annual flagship programme, Cultural Extravaganza 2025, on 9 May. Nominations for SCCCA 2026 will open on 9 May 2025 and close on 30 September 2025, 5PM. Members of the public may submit nominations for deserving individuals or organisations. The full award criteria can be found here.
