ISSN: 0219-8126 biblioasiaVol 2, Issue 1, April 2006 04 Singapore Artists, Nanyang Style Learn about the unique style of Singapore’s pioneer artists 12 Old Man Yip Discover a photography master’s works 17 Motor Millions Read about the history of Malaysia’s automotive industry National Library Board Singapore As the world progresses towards a knowledge-based economy, useful Editorial/Production information needs to be made easily available. Globalisation, connectivity and interactivity at all levels are flattening the world and changing the rules of Editor national competitiveness. In such an economy, the creation of and access to Lynn Fong information is a significant economic, social and cultural activity. Contributors In supporting Singapore’s aspiration to become a knowledge hub, the Alicia Yeo, Dr Kevin Tan, Eli Solomon, Neo Tiong Seng, National Library strives to serve as a reference and research centre for all Jane Wee, Rokiah Mentol, Singaporeans and foreigners. The “Find It” campaign, which will be launched Stephanie Tan, Veronica Chee, on 11 April at the Library, seeks to bring greater visibility to and awareness of Wan Wee Pin, Sara Pek, the reference services and treasure trove of knowledge found in the Library’s Ong Eng Chuan, Timothy Pwee, collections. The campaign aims to support the Library in its effort to nuture Mazelan Anuar, Chow Yaw Huah, independent information seekers and to become the preferred stop for Asian Sundari Balasubramaniam content and collection services. With the series of thematic info-literacy talks, panel discussions and specific programmes that target the four sectors Photographers of design, education, heritage and business, the campaign holds exciting Ronnie Tan, Anwar Hadi Bin Ramli promises for all who seek information and knowledge for various purposes. Cover Photography Contents Besides stimulating our grey matter, one also needs nurturing for the soul. Yip Cheong Fun Courtesy of Mr Andrew Yip In an extraordinary photographic exhibition, the long gone era of Singapore is revisited through the works of the late master photographer Mr Yip Cheong Fun. Production Coordinator Running till 15 May 2006 and jointly organised by the Singapore Heritage Publishing and Research Services, Society, the National Library Board and the family of the late Mr Yip Cheong National Library Board Fun, the exhibition features more than 130 of Yip’s best photographs. Also, in conjunction with the Singapore Arts Festival, the National Library will Designer bring the arts right to its doorsteps in June. Arts lovers will get to meet and The Press Room interact with two groups of overseas artists in workshops organised jointly by National Library Board and the National Arts Council. Works by prominent local sculptors, including Ms Han Sai Por, will also be showcased at the Plaza. This issue of BiblioAisa captures the National Library’s celebration of ©National Library Board Singapore 2006 distinguished readers, artists, painters and photographers, their works and ISSN: 0219-8126 contribution to Singapore’s society. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted With nourishment for the mind and soul, we are not neglecting the body. in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior The month of May will kick off a panel discussion on the upcoming 2006 FIFA permission of the publisher, the National Library Board Singapore. World Cup. Made up of leading local and foreign football personalities, the Whilst the National Library Board Singapore has used discussion, together with other programmes, will study the various aspects reasonable endeavours to ensure that the information of football and examine why this age-old sport continues to captivate us. provided in the publication is accurate and up to date as at the time of issue, it reserves the right to make corrections Programmes that touch on gaming and extreme sports will also be featured in and does not warrant that it is complete. May. Look out for these events on our website at www.nlb.gov.sg. The National Library Board disclaims all liability and responsibility for any loss caused to any person by any act or omission, due to the material contained in this We look forward to seeing you at the Library and happy reading! publication. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions about this publication, please direct them to: Publishing & Research Services National Library Board 100 Victoria Street, #07-02 Singapore 188064 Tel: +65 6333 7977 Fax: +65 6333 7990 Ms Ngian Lek Choh Email: [email protected] Director Website: http://www.nlb.gov.sg Column Director’s National Library 03 As the world progresses towards a knowledge-based economy, useful Editorial/Production information needs to be made easily available. Globalisation, connectivity and interactivity at all levels are flattening the world and changing the rules of Editor national competitiveness. In such an economy, the creation of and access to Lynn Fong information is a significant economic, social and cultural activity. Contributors In supporting Singapore’s aspiration to become a knowledge hub, the Alicia Yeo, Dr Kevin Tan, Eli Solomon, Neo Tiong Seng, National Library strives to serve as a reference and research centre for all Jane Wee, Rokiah Mentol, Singaporeans and foreigners. The “Find It” campaign, which will be launched Stephanie Tan, Veronica Chee, on 11 April at the Library, seeks to bring greater visibility to and awareness of Wan Wee Pin, Sara Pek, the reference services and treasure trove of knowledge found in the Library’s Ong Eng Chuan, Timothy Pwee, collections. The campaign aims to support the Library in its effort to nuture Mazelan Anuar, Chow Yaw Huah, independent information seekers and to become the preferred stop for Asian Sundari Balasubramaniam content and collection services. With the series of thematic info-literacy talks, panel discussions and specific programmes that target the four sectors Photographers of design, education, heritage and business, the campaign holds exciting Ronnie Tan, Anwar Hadi Bin Ramli promises for all who seek information and knowledge for various purposes. Cover Photography Contents Besides stimulating our grey matter, one also needs nurturing for the soul. Yip Cheong Fun Courtesy of Mr Andrew Yip In an extraordinary photographic exhibition, the long gone era of Singapore is revisited through the works of the late master photographer Mr Yip Cheong Fun. Production Coordinator Running till 15 May 2006 and jointly organised by the Singapore Heritage Publishing and Research Services, Society, the National Library Board and the family of the late Mr Yip Cheong National Library Board Fun, the exhibition features more than 130 of Yip’s best photographs. Also, in conjunction with the Singapore Arts Festival, the National Library will Designer bring the arts right to its doorsteps in June. Arts lovers will get to meet and The Press Room interact with two groups of overseas artists in workshops organised jointly by National Library Board and the National Arts Council. Works by prominent local sculptors, including Ms Han Sai Por, will also be showcased at the Plaza. This issue of BiblioAisa captures the National Library’s celebration of ©National Library Board Singapore 2006 distinguished readers, artists, painters and photographers, their works and ISSN: 0219-8126 contribution to Singapore’s society. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted With nourishment for the mind and soul, we are not neglecting the body. in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior The month of May will kick off a panel discussion on the upcoming 2006 FIFA permission of the publisher, the National Library Board Singapore. World Cup. Made up of leading local and foreign football personalities, the Whilst the National Library Board Singapore has used discussion, together with other programmes, will study the various aspects reasonable endeavours to ensure that the information of football and examine why this age-old sport continues to captivate us. provided in the publication is accurate and up to date as at the time of issue, it reserves the right to make corrections Programmes that touch on gaming and extreme sports will also be featured in and does not warrant that it is complete. May. Look out for these events on our website at www.nlb.gov.sg. The National Library Board disclaims all liability and responsibility for any loss caused to any person by any act or omission, due to the material contained in this We look forward to seeing you at the Library and happy reading! publication. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions about this publication, please direct them to: Publishing & Research Services National Library Board 100 Victoria Street, #07-02 Singapore 188064 Tel: +65 6333 7977 Fax: +65 6333 7990 Ms Ngian Lek Choh Email: [email protected] Director Website: http://www.nlb.gov.sg Column Director’s National Library 03 | FEATURE | | FEATURE | concentrating primarily on Chinese ink painting and calligraphy Singapore Art, Nanyang Style (Kwok, 1996). Apart from the By Alicia Yeo, Reference Librarian, Lee Kong Chian Reference Library creation of art societies, the late 1920s to 1940s saw many travelling exhibitions being held in Singapore by China-based artists like Xu Beihong, Gao Jianfu and Liu Haisu (Kwok, 1996). At this time, the trend for Chinese painting was called the “Shanghai “Why, it is asked, do Chinese artists paint in oils instead School”. It followed the legacy of 19th century painters such as Ren of their own fluid and sensitive medium?... The answer is Bonian and Wu Changshi, who that no art that is alive can stand still; it must be a direct painted with xieyihua – or the style of “writing ideas” – where the expression of the times.