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Popular Culture & Media

Dive into the history of media, such as newspaper, radio, television, film, and their personalities

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Communities

Learn about the migrant history of Chinese dialect groups, communities, and clan associations

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Language & Education

Explore Mandarin Chinese, dialects, and the changing face of Chinese-language education

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Social Practices

Learn about the religions, festivals and customs observed by Singapore Chinese

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Literature

Read about acclaimed writers, literary societies, and the development of the local literary scene

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Art

Trace the evolution of Chinese art in Singapore, from the Nanyang Style of painting to other forms of visual expression

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Music

Discover Chinese orchestral music, xinyao, traditional dialect music and more

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Stage Performances

Step into the worlds of Chinese opera, puppetry, and contemporary theatre

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Pioneer musician: Lee Howe

The Chinese-born composer and writer dedicated more than five decades of her life to music education in Singapore, with stints at Nanyang Girls’ High School, Chung Cheng High School, and The Chinese High School.

Lim Hak Tai: Founding principal of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

The pioneer artist who established the academy in 1938 was a champion of the Nanyang style — a blend of Eastern and Western traditions by Chinese painters in Southeast Asia.

Pioneer musician: Leong Yoon Pin

The pioneering musician was known for choral compositions such as ‘Good Morning, Malaya’ and ‘Dragon Dance’. He also founded the Rediffusion Youth Choir and Metropolitan Philharmonic Choir, and was the first Singaporean to compose music for an opera.

Pioneer musician: Shen Ping Kwang

The composer and music educator, who founded Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts’ music department in 1984, was known for his songs inspired by life in mainland China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia.

Known for his semi-abstract oil paintings, the 20^th century modern artist and teacher led the Ten Men Group of local artists on expeditions to other parts of Southeast Asia.