The AWESOME Art Competition
Thank you for your interest and enthusiastic participation in the AWESOME Art Competition 2024.
The results are now out!
About the AWESOME Art Competition
The AWESOME Art Competition is held annually to share the inspiring stories of the Awesome women celebrated in the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame (SWHF). These women are pioneers, boundary breakers, record holders, risk-takers, change-makers, role models, and standard setters. They dared to dream and made their dreams come true.
Project Awesome aims to inspire our audience to dream big, aim high, chart their own path, and live their lives at the fullest potential. Through this competition, we create opportunities for students and young people to think about their hopes, dreams, ambitions and to express these.
In 2024, 3 categories took the spotlight: Law, Community/Social Work, and Environment/Conservation.
Winning Entries of 2024
| Cat A: Ages 7 – 9 | Cat B: Ages 10 – 12 | Cat C: Ages 13 – 14 | Cat D: Ages 15 – 16 |
Cat A, First Place: “Roots of Passion: Kirtida Mekani’s Green Legacy” by Oh Yun Dong Emelia
My artwork shows Kirtida’s love and care for nature. It highlights her nurturing hands, symbolizing how she helps plants grow and inspires others to care for the environment. The colorful flowers and greenery represent her efforts to make Singapore greener. The children in the picture show her dedication to teaching young people about nature, so they can help protect it in the future. The mix of greenery and buildings in the background reflects her dream of a city where nature and urban life exist in harmony. Kirtida inspires me to make meaningful contributions and stay committed to my passions. I admire her compassion, which I expressed through vibrant colors and patterns to reflect her energy and celebrate her many contributions. Thank you, Kirtida, for the beautifully-landscaped Singapore we live in today and for showing me how one person’s vision can create lasting change.
Cat A, Second Place: “When Geh Min Saved Chek Jawa” by Damien Ng Jun Zhe
Dr Geh Min is one of the Singapore’s foremost conservationists. Her love for nature has led to the preservation of the Chek Jawa Wetlands. The area, which boasts great biodiversity, was due to be turned into a military training zone but the plan was called off after submissions by conservationists. I researched on the different plants and animals in Chek Jawa that were saved by Dr Geh Min. I included some of them in my drawing. These include the crocodiles, lobsters, and crabs. One of the plants that I drew was Singapore Rhododendron which has purple flowers. The leaves are edible and are used to treat diarrhea. Mangroves are also iconic in Chek Jawa with its hanging breathing roots. I drew the bridge that brings us closer to the nature walks in Chek Jawa. The bridge signifies the connection that Dr Geh Min helped in bringing humans closer to nature.
Cat A, Third Place: “Harmony with Nature: Nurturing Growth and Community” by Zhou Ruoxian
I have chosen to draw Mrs Kirtida Mekani who is a distinguished environmentalist, educator, businesswoman, and artist based in Singapore. I admire her contributions to environmental conservation, education, and the arts. I specifically like the Plant-A tree program which she co-founded in 2007. This program led to the planting of more than 76,000 trees across Singapore, enhancing the island’s biodiversity and engaging over 100,000 Singaporeans in environmental stewardship. With her efforts of environment conservation, I grasp the idea of drawing her holding an orange fruit, symbolising agriculture or sustainable practices. Her serene expression reflects harmony with nature. The lush greenery in my drawing emphasise a connection to nature and biodiversity. Flowing river represents the importance of water and life. I used colour markers and color blending and layering technique. I also used quick short strokes to add texture for realism. I apply contrasting colours, highlights and shadows too.
Cat B, First Place: “Her Priceless Dedication for Nature History” by Daeun You
I chose Yang Chang Man because I hope we all remember her passion for preserving biodiversity and her efforts to record vibrant specimens, not only for Singapore, but also for Southeast Asia. I hope to offer a glimpse of her legacy about living things she really loved through my drawing. I sincerely wish to share her great vision with people all over the world.
Cat B, Second Place: “The Woman of Justice” by Sun Zimo
I drew Phyllis Tan Poh Lian because she deeply inspired me as she was the first female president of the Law Society of Singapore. Her story is one of courage, leadership, and determination, especially during a time when few women were part of the legal profession. In my artwork, I portrayed a historical image of her alongside a modern representation of the law. This contrast symbolizes how much has changed due to her groundbreaking achievements. Without her perseverance and trailblazing spirit, women might not have found their place in Singapore’s legal society. Her efforts in breaking barriers continue to empower and inspire future generations.
Cat B, Third Place: “Return to the Countryside” by Wang Duo
Ivy Singh wishs more people will spend more time appreciating the pieces of nature around us instead of looking down at our mobile devices. As she said, “We’ve got to bring the countryside back.” I agree with the objectives she stands for and that’s why i decided to draw Ivy Singh for this art competition. Her persistence in trying to make Singapore a better place is truly commendable.
Cat C, First Place: “Voices of the wild” by Charlotte Hong Kaixun
This artwork depicts Yang Chang Man, protector of the Raffles collection. She gives these specimens a voice, ensuring they are not forgotten. I layered faint animal scenes over her portrait to symbolize her deep love for nature. Her passion for animals shapes her life and work, making them an integral part of her heart. On the left is a shelf of past specimens, preserved to honor their history, while on the right is the Lee Kong Chian Museum, which she helped transform into its current state. At the top is the iconic whale skeleton, an old piece that has journeyed with the collection through various locations. I hope to convey Yang Chang Man’s dedication to nature and her lasting impact on both the preservation of these animals and the society that values them.
Cat C, Second Place: “A Legacy of Love” by Alyssa Judy Chan Ying Ren
This artwork honors Teresa Hsu, “Singapore’s Mother Teresa,” a pioneering social worker who founded Home for the Aged Sick—one of Singapore’s first homes for elderly sick individuals—and Heart to Heart (NGO). She devoted her savings and lived a simple lifestyle to feed and house the poor and elderly, (many who are younger) ensuring no one went hungry or uncared for. This artwork features murals reflecting her compassionate social work for the less privileged, symbolizing her lasting legacy. The foreground has Teresa gazing at the Home and a large warm- toned portrait of Teresa smiling warmly, showing the joy of doing social service. Surrounding her are the murals capturing the essence of her compassion: her holding a bedridden elder’s hand, feeding the elderly, and distributing food to the needy — capturing the essence of her compassion. The vibrant, soft colour palette conveys her love, empathy, and dedication to serving the abandoned, needy and neglected.
Cat C, Third Place: “Redefining the Bench” by Wee Hsin Shuen, Myra Jade
‘Redefining the Bench’ is a collage-like artwork depicting Lai Siu Chiu, Singapore’s first female judge. The fading ‘My Lord’ contrasts with the new, bright ‘Your Honour’ text, symbolising how Lai changed the standard, traditional address to the gender-neutral term. This simple but powerful change reflects her impact on the legal system and was something I felt moved by. In the middle of the artwork depicts Singapore’s former Supreme Court, reflecting her contribution to justice. Lai’s career journey is illustrated beside it. On the left is a statue of Lady Justice, reflecting how Lai’s paving the way will inspire future generations of women. Just as Lady Justice represents the future of impartiality and equity, Lai Siu Chiu’s inspiring career serves as a guiding light for women who aspire to create change. Everything is wrapped up with a yellow ribbon, a reference to the Yellow Ribbon Fund, highlighting Lai’s compassion for rehabilitating ex-offenders.
Cat D, First Place: “Balance” by Goh Min Xuan
Kwa Geok Choo is a remarkable woman who redefined the roles of women in Singapore. Her contributions to the legal field and even drafting for the People’s Action Party has shaped Singapore’s success and showed women that we too, can have an impact on our country’s future. Beyond her work life, she exemplified grace and compassion as a loving mother and partner, balancing her roles with humility and compassion. She often looked out for those around her and used her intellect to improve others’ lives. I made use of colour and contrast to symbolise how she broke traditional stereotypes and carried her legacy from the past to the present. I believe her acts of strength and kindness will forever inspire future generations of women to rise, lead, and leave their mark.
Cat D, Second Place: “The Gentle Warrior” by Joey Chua
My artwork is about Ivy Singh-Lim, also known as “The Gentle Warrior”. In an urban city like Singapore, is it so valuable to have such a figure championing for farming and nature, even opening a farm called “Bollywood Veggies”. She mentioned that her goal is to “Bring back the countryside”, which shows her genuine passion and determination. She is incredibly inspiring, showing others that true spirit translates words into actions. Through the symbols in this artwork, I hope to illustrate these qualities of Ms Ivy Singh-Lim. The elements of nature, such as the bouquet of flowers (the flowers are found in Bollywood Veggies), show her love for farming; her dog expresses her advocacy for animal rights; the three Ivy’s illustrate her true “Gentle Warrior” spirit. I used gouache as I hope it brings the most vibrancy and expression to the work, and added typography to indicate her strong message.
Cat D, Third Place: “Her Lionhearted Bloom” by Lim Xing Jie
The title, “Her Lionhearted Bloom” encapsulates dual meanings, with “Her” referring to both Agnes Joaquim and Singapore as a nation. Joaquim’s passion for gardening and science birthed the Vanda Miss Joaquim, Singapore’s national flower, symbolising the nation’s resilience and multicultural heritage. This achievement set the stage for Singapore as a global hub for orchid breeding and horticulture. My artwork features Agnes Joaquim gazing down at her creation as a light shines onto them. I depicted Joaquim’s shadow as a lion to embody the determination and courage she displayed in her groundbreaking work as a horticulturist when women had fewer opportunities to shine. The colors of the Singapore flag, with its iconic crescent and stars, are incorporated as tribute to Agnes Joaquim’s pivotal role in shaping Singapore’s legacy. Her passion and innovation deeply resonated with me as an artist, inspiring me to boldly push boundaries and immerse myself into my craft.
Cat A, Honourable Mention: “First Female President of Nature Society” by Lo En Yu Arevelle
Dr Geh Min has contributed significantly to the environmental conversation in Singapore. One of her better-known contributions is the conversation of Chek Java Wetlands. She has shown me that even as a student, I can also speak up and do good for the environment. I want to be someone like her.
Cat A, Honourable Mention: “The Gentle Warrior of Kranji” by Paul Zagorodnov
I chose to draw Ivy Singh because she’s awesome. Ivy is full of energy and calls herself “The Gentle Warrior,” which is the coolest name ever. She believes in fighting for what she cares about and can make a big difference with her words and actions. She helps farmers in Kranji and stands up for saving the earth and growing food the right way. Ivy also thinks the countryside “should be a place with a soul,” where people feel happy. She helps people find jobs through farming, including team members with disabilities. I drew Ivy because I want to let her know that she is inspiring to me. She makes me feel like I can do anything if I put my heart and soul into it. I made the drawing super colourful with water-based markers because Bollywood Veggies is full of life, just like Ivy!
Cat A, Honourable Mention: “A woman’s independence” by Zhang Hanzhe, Abby
Mdm Grace Yin is an inspiring pioneer who greatly helped the community, especially women. Like my parents who came from China to build a better future, her resilience and kindness deeply inspire me. She used her talents in handicraft and needlework to make a name for herself and supported causes such as the Singapore Women’s Association. During the Japanese Occupation, she initiated the Shantung Relief Fund by selling vegetarian dishes to aid those in need. Her selflessness and contributions, even in difficult times, make her a respected Singapore icon and a role model of compassion and perseverance.
Cat B, Honourable Mention: “Vanda Miss Joaquim” by Adela Laurel Ng Chenxuan
I chose to draw Agnes Joaquim as she was the first woman to breed a hybrid orchid successfully. She cross-bred Vanda teres with Vanda hookeriana to create a new orchid, Vanda Miss Joaquim. The flower is a combination of vibrant colors that speaks of elegance. It was officially named the national flower of Singapore in 1981; a testament to Agnes Joaquin’s innovative and contribution to our nation’s heritage. The orchids I drew filled me with much pride in my country’s unique diversity. Agnes Joaquim, a Singapore resident of Persian Armenian descent, has helped to create a nation’s legacy that lasted for generations. Her story inspires me to persevere and be resilient as she was able to create such a beautiful flower even without any formal training in horticulture. It has taught me that I should pursue the things I’m passionate about and not give up easily.
Cat B, Honourable Mention: “The Best Lady in Town” by Liu Jingzhi
l chose to draw Mrs Lee Choon Guan in my artwork because she helped a lot of people by donating money. If I can meet her, I will say, “Thank you for your support and kindness to all the people who need help.” She inspires me and even though we may not have a lot of money, we can still help each other. Not only boys are the best, girls can be the best too.
Cat B, Honourable Mention: “Guardian of Justice: A Trailblazer’s Legacy” by Zhang Junxian
This artwork celebrates Lai Siu Chiu, Singapore’s first female Supreme Court judge, a trailblazer in the nation’s legal landscape. Through her historic role, she paved the way for women in law and exemplified fairness, strength, and dedication. The painting portrays Lai Siu Chiu in her judicial robes, surrounded by symbols of justice, including the scales of justice, law books, and Singapore’s old and new Supreme Court buildings. Her impact extends beyond the courtroom, symbolized by her contributions to social causes, bringing hope and change to the community. This piece honors her remarkable achievements and her lasting legacy in both law and society.
Cat C, Honourable Mention: “Singapore’s Mother Teresa” by Amber Alexyz M. Lamsen
I chose Teresa Hsu Chih to spotlight her extraordinary achievements and lasting legacy, which I believe will continue to inspire future generations. Teresa generously donated to charities such as Heart to Heart Service and the Home for the Aged Sick, dedicating nearly all of her personal funds to providing food, shelter, and support for the poor and elderly. Her selfless contributions earned her numerous awards and widespread recognition for her tireless efforts and compassion. Through my artwork, I aim to demonstrate how Teresa Hsu Chih has inspired workers, volunteers, and citizens to dedicate themselves to making a meaningful impact on society. She truly earned the title of “Singapore’s Mother Teresa”.
Cat C, Honourable Mention: “Inspiring a Greener Tomorrow” by Cao Shulan Sarah
My artwork is inspired by Kirtida Mekani and her remarkable contributions to nature, which have made our nation greener than ever before. Using a combination of watercolor, markers, and white highlighting pen, I have captured the diverse flora and fauna that enrich our environment, such as the rain tree, cannonball tree, and various animals like birds and marine creatures. At the bottom of the piece, a young Kirtida is depicted pointing at a pile of compost—an image symbolizing the moment that opened her eyes to the beauty of nature and ignited her lifelong commitment to environmental conservation. Her significant efforts in protecting the environment have left a lasting impact, and I hope her story inspires others to join the movement to preserve and cherish our planet. Kirtida Mekani has deeply inspired me, and I aspire to follow in her footsteps one day.
Cat C, Honourable Mention: “The Gentle Warrior” by Guan Yichen
This artwork is inspired by Ivy Singh-Lim, a passionate farmer and the owner of Bollywood Veggies. Known as “the Gentle Warrior”, she cares deeply about environmental protection and sustainable development, committing to organic farming practices and promoting a green and healthy lifestyle. In the center, Ivy sits in a rattan chair with a wooden stick in hand, her dog by her side. Surrounding her are collages of scenes from her farm: at the bottom, bright flowers and plants; in the middle, joyful scenes of children enjoying activities in the field; and in the background, cow sculptures and fresh fruits hanging from trees. Opening her farm to the public, she offers educational hands-on experiences in farming. Ivy’s work shows the importance of following our passions and standing up for what we believe in; she proves that with hard work and determination, we can achieve our dreams and create a positive impact.
Cat D, Honourable Mention: “A Vision for Tomorrow” by Sun Jiaze
A Vision for Tomorrow honours the extraordinary life and work of Myrna Braga-Blake, a pioneering social worker and educator whose tireless dedication shaped services for victims of domestic violence and nurtured future generations of social workers. The figure of Myrna, looking up from her notebook toward a vibrant and modern Singapore skyline, represents her role contributing to the nation’s progress. To the side, a vignette illustrates Myrna’s compassionate work at PAVE, where she supported victims of domestic violence. Above, another scene highlights her foundational work in Penang, where she spearheaded the YWCEP, integrating young women into the burgeoning electronics industry. Interwoven with the Vanda Miss Joaquim and delicate butterflies, the artwork captures themes of resilience and transformation. The Vanda Miss Joaquim, known for its strength and beauty, reflects Myrna’s enduring impact, while the butterflies symbolize change, hope, and the lives she helped transform through her advocacy and mentorship.
Cat D, Honourable Mention: “Bloom” by Yang Xuanyi
I decided to draw the 2 different flowers Agnes Joaquim used to breed the Vanda Miss Joaquim, which sits on her head as part of her head piece. The circle disk with the flower inside represents the Vanda Miss Joaquim medal which I found online, and the colours below the 2 orchids on the top left side of the artwork represent the weaving of strings in the colours of the flower.
Cat D, Honourable Mention: “Yang Chang Man” by Yu Jiyun
I drew Yang Chang Man, who is the protecter of the Raffles Collection. I referred to some of the pictures from when she was younger, and drew her with some skulls, snakes, and birds. I chose to draw her because I like and have an interest in animals since I was younger. I think her mindset is very respectful and I would like to make a big change to my country in the future. Although the drawing seems a little cold and monotone, I was happy and joyful while drawing her. I used colour pencils the most, watercolour and pastels for the hair, and created highlights with white acrylic paints.
Past winners & honourable mentions
Hear from our past judges
“I am impressed by the sheer talent and creativity on display. Every artwork, accompanied by its own unique story, offers a captivating glimpse into the vibrant perspectives of these young artists. The dedication and sheer spark evident in each participant are truly inspiring, and I am confident they will continue to illuminate the world with their incredible talent.”
“It was challenging to pick winners, but I would encourage all participants to keep in mind that in the end, art is subjective in nature. If you keep putting out genuine hard work and heart work, your art will touch some people and may even change their lives. So, don’t give up 😊”
Melissa is also the Creative Director of ‘Singapore in the Eyes of Mother Artists (SITE.MA)’, a book launched by Mama on Palette.
Meet our esteemed judges
Amanda Chuan
Amanda Chuan serves as the General Manager of Human Resources at The Hour Glass Limited, the leading cultural retail enterprise in the watch industry. With over 27 years of HR experience, Amanda is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering talent and organizational growth.
Beyond her professional endeavors, she is a passionate advocate for the arts, influenced by her upbringing in a family that cherished art and music. Amanda believes in the profound ability of art to connect people and deepen our understanding of the world. She is honored to be a judge for the AWESOME Art Competition and eagerly anticipates the remarkable submissions.
Kevin Y.L. Tan
Kevin Y.L. Tan is a scholar of law, history and politics. He is Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore and Editor-in-Chief of the Asian Journal of Comparative Law.
Kevin is active in civil society organisations. He was formerly President of the Singapore Heritage Society and also of The Roundtable and is currently President of the Singapore Chapter of the International Council on Sites and Monuments (ICOMOS). He also serves on the SCWO Women’s Hall of Fame Selection Panel.
Audrey Chin
Audrey Chin’s creative work explores the intersections between society, gender and faith. She is a Fellow of the Iowa International Writing Program and has been nominated for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize and shortlisted for the Singapore Literature Prize.
A practicing financial steward and a life member of AWARE, she has helped to develop the organization’s Financial Intelligence Training Program.
She is a Christian.
Dahlia Osman
Dahlia Osman is an art educator with over 30 years of experience designing curricula and teaching various disciplines such as drawing, printmaking and sculpting. She has worked at various institutions, including LASALLE College of the Arts, United World College S.E.A. and Central Saint Martins, London.
As a multidisciplinary artist, Dahlia has been commissioned to create public sculptures, as well as large charcoal drawings and murals for local museums and private residences. She has also collaborated with theatre companies on set design and fabrication for numerous productions. Her extensive work experiences include Japan, Jakarta, Brunei, Australia, New York and London.
Soh Ee Shaun
Soh Ee Shaun is an artist, illustrator, and educator known for his vibrant paintings that embody energy and mindfulness. His unplanned abstract works experiment with shapes and colors, creating harmonious forms. Recently, his focus on mindfulness has led him to create rhythmic color field paintings that explore the balance between movement and stillness.
Ee Shaun has worked with major brands like Apple, Amazon, Disney and Shake Shack, and was a finalist for the 2012 Sovereign Asian Art Prize. He currently teaches at the School of the Arts, Singapore.
Prizes
First Prize
Apple iPad
Apple Pencil
Second Prize
Wacom Pen Tablet
Clip Studio Paint PRO (1-year License)
Third Prize
Art Friend Vouchers
Mama on Palette Workshop Vouchers
Honourable Mentions
Art Friend Vouchers
Participatory Gifts
Digital Certificate of Participation
A huge thank you to our prize sponsors & partners!
KEY SPONSOR
PRIZE SPONSOR
PRIZE PARTNER
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