by Damien Ng Jun Zhe
2024 Second Place, Category A (Ages 7 – 9)

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.

by Zhou Ruoxian
2024 Third Place, Category A (Ages 7 – 9)

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.

by Daeun You
2024 First Place, Category B (Ages 10 – 12)

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.

by Sun Zimo
2024 Second Place, Category B (Ages 10 – 12)

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.

by Wang Duo
2024 Third Place, Category B (Ages 10 – 12)

Ivy Singh wishes 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.

by Charlotte Hong Kaixun
2024 First Place, Category C (Ages 13 – 14)

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.

by Alyssa Judy Chan Ying Ren
2024 Second Place, Category C (Ages 13 – 14)

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.

by Wee Hsin Shuen, Myra Jade
2024 Third Place, Category C (Ages 13 – 14)

‘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.

by Goh Min Xuan
2024 First Place, Category D (Ages 15 – 16)

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.

by Joey Chua
2024 Second Place, Category D (Ages 15 – 16)

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.

by Lim Xing Jie
2024 Third Place, Category D (Ages 15 – 16)

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.

by Aarika Banerjee
2023 First Place, Primary Category

My artwork is in the form of a newspaper report about Kandasamy Jayamani’s gold medal for the SEA Games 1983 marathon. It is in monotone, except for the gold medal, which is to highlight her success.

l chose Jayamani as l was very inspired by her. She saw Glory Barnabas win the gold medal for the 200m finals at the 1973 SEA Games and her heart set on doing the same. At the 1983 Games, she was disappointed when she only got a bronze medal for the 3000m. But she pressed on and was able to get the marathon gold. The fact that she was not disheartened and was able to bounce back is why l chose her.

by Sun Jiaze
2023 First Place, Secondary Category

My artwork is of Amanda Heng, a trailblazing artist whose profound impact on Singapore’s art scene resonates with me. As an Art Elective Programme student, I’ve explored her social commentary artworks, courageous leaps into a time when public performance art faced limited recognition. Amanda’s monumental contributions shape our cultural identity, allowing us to peer into past lives. She paves the way for aspiring artists, her role model status emboldening others.

In the foreground, Amanda smiles, pointing towards sunlight, capturing her cheerful nature. Candid photos reveal her contagious joy, reflecting unwavering positivity amid adversity. This portrayal symbolizes a bright future for public performance artists.

Illustrating iconic Singaporean elements at her base, I highlight the cultural tapestry she wove. The towering tree signifies her accumulated artistic wisdom, inspiring the younger generation. Two impactful photographs depict her interactive work, “Bean Sprouts,” and her commitment to empowering women in art, showcasing her enduring legacy.

by Sharleen Lek Chee Sham
2023 Second Place, Primary Category

“Pioneering Skies” intricately captures the indomitable spirit of Lee Mei Yi, a trailblazer as Singapore’s first female fighter squadron commander. This visual tribute unfolds her remarkable journey of overcoming gender biases and soaring to unprecedented heights. Mei Yi’s unwavering pursuit of excellence, from her formative years at Raffles Girls’ School to her commanding role at 140 Squadron, radiates resilience and determination.

In this artistic narrative, Mei Yi’s story is more than an account of personal triumph—it’s a testament to breaking societal barriers and proving that dreams know no gender. The artwork serves as a vibrant tribute, inspiring young minds to dream fearlessly, fostering the belief that with courage and determination, aspirations can be transformed into reality. The artwork celebrates not just Mei Yi but is an enduring narrative of empowerment, beckoning all to aspire to the extraordinary.

by Samantha Liu
2023 Second Place, Secondary Category

This artwork is inspired by Janet Lim Yuen Kheng, a global refugee crisis problem-solver. I was inspired by her stories of aiding refugees to discover a new chapter in their lives, hence the title of this artwork.

I have used acrylic and graphite to complete this artwork, incorporating shattered mirrors, representing the hardships refugees must go through, and blossoming flowers through the cracks, representing the “blossoming” into a new chapter of life. I have painted lilies, violets, and angelica flowers that symbolise peace, new beginnings, and strength.

In the resilient spirit of refugees, hope blooms and blossoms amidst adversity, reminding us that the human spirit can overcome difficulties and lead us to a strong and empowering life. Thanks to the help of the inspirational figure Janet Lim Yuen Kheng, many individuals get a chance to live a better tomorrow.

by Lin Xinyu
2023 Third Place, Primary Category

“Bubbles of Brilliance” represents my respect for these amazing women’s accomplishments in various spheres like society, culture, politics, science, and sports.

In the drawing, I am the girl blowing bubbles. Each bubble represents a famous woman from the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame. They broke barriers and set new records, inspiring us to have big dreams. In these colourful bubbles, there are stories of women who dared to dream and who made those visions real. They are like role models, showing strength and never giving up.

As the bubbles float, they tell stories of bravery and resilience, encouraging us to imagine ourselves achieving alongside these amazing women. I hope my drawing can capture the legacy of Singapore’s awesome women, honour them, and inspire future generations to believe in themselves and their potential.

by Jee Si Xuan Jaleesa
2023 Third Place, Secondary Category

Yip Pin Xiu was born with muscular dystrophy but she did not let her disability keep her from living life to the fullest. Overcoming her insecurities, she continues to pursue swimming and dares to achieve more and more. This mindset helped her bring home Singapore’s first ever Olympic-level gold medal.

This artwork represents how she dares to push herself to pursue further and make an impact on society. There is positivity surrounding her so that she can push herself towards her goals. She is like a light of inspiration to me to push myself to the limits and focus on the good things in life.

by Lo En Yu Arevelle
2024 Honourable Mention, Category A (Ages 7 – 9)

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.

by Paul Zagorodnov
2024 Honourable Mention, Category A (Ages 7 – 9)

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!

by Zhang Hanzhe, Abby
2024 Honourable Mention, Category A (Ages 7 – 9)

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.

by Adela Laurel Ng Chenxuan
2024 Honourable Mention, Category B (Ages 10 – 12)

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.

by Liu Jingzhi
2024 Honourable Mention, Category B (Ages 10 – 12)

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.

by Zhang Junxian
2024 Honourable Mention, Category B (Ages 10 – 12)

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.

by Amber Alexyz M. Lamsen
2024 Honourable Mention, Category C (Ages 13 – 14)

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”.

by Cao Shulan Sarah
2024 Honourable Mention, Category C (Ages 13 – 14)

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.

by Guan Yichen
2024 Honourable Mention, Category C (Ages 13 – 14)

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.

by Sun Jiaze
2024 Honourable Mention, Category D (Ages 15 – 16)

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.

by Yang Xuanyi
2024 Honourable Mention, Category D (Ages 15 – 16)

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.

by Yu Jiyun
2024 Honourable Mention, Category D (Ages 15 – 16)

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.

by Lee Wei Ting Renae
2023 Honourable Mention, Primary Category

This painting shows some of the many women who powered Singapore’s growth. In the foreground, Georgette Chen, a famous painter herself, is painting these women of different times, overcoming challenges and contributing to Singapore in different fields. In the centre, Agnes Joaquim presents Vanda Miss Joaquim which became Singapore’s national flower in 1981. Liew Yuen Sien, Nanyang Girls’ High School’s principal for 40 years, shaped many generations of young students, and swimmer Joscelin Yeo did us proud by winning 40 SEA Games gold medals.

Behind them is Dr Cheong Koon Hean, the first female CEO of HDB, who transformed Singapore’s city and housing. On the right, Gan Siow Huang, the first Brigadier-General of SAF, salutes Lee Mei Yi who is flying a fighter plane as the first female to command a fighter squadron. Finally, Anastasia Tjendri-Liew presents her delicious kuehs to the world and everyone stands proud in front of our Singapore flag.

by Sofia Etana Limin​
2023 Honourable Mention, Primary Category

I did not know the first female doctor is so amazing. It makes me feel good to be a woman. I would love to be as smart and kind as she is. She helps me to have new dreams. I may want to be a doctor just like her when I grow up. I want to help people like she did. Now when I see doctors who are women, I will remember her.

by Cheung Yui Sam Isabel
2023 Honourable Mention, Primary Category

I chose Esther Tay, a clothing designer who was the first to export a Singaporean brand to Japan. The clothes she designs reflect Southeast Asian ethnicities, and are loose, comfortable and perfect for regular wear.

Esther Tay’s lines of clothing were one of the first to go international, so I used the Singapore Esplanade as part of the backdrop and painted it in the colours of the earth to signify internationalism. Orchids surround her to represent Singapore. In the background is the fabric pattern she designed, like waves expressing that Singapore design is going international.

I admire Esther Tay’s strength and determination in following her dreams of becoming a designer. Despite facing multiple challenges, she never gave up and did not let these setbacks discourage her from her path to success.

by Elizabeth Lee Zhi Xuan
2023 Honourable Mention, Primary Category

I have a passion for design and art, and my dream is to become a fashion designer. I believe that achieving our dreams requires a lot of persistence, enthusiasm, and patience. Fortunately, I’m blessed to have the support of my family, who encourages me to freely express my creativity, join art classes, and take steps toward my aspirations.

In my exploration of art, I came across the inspiring stories of remarkable women in the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame (SWHF), particularly Celia Loe and Esther Tay. Their stories taught me that no matter how tough the challenges from society or the environment, as long as we remain true to our dreams, success is possible Their resilience during the challenging times of COVID-19 deeply inspired me, showing that even in adversity, we can continue to explore, grow, and achieve greatness.

My artwork delves into the beautiful fusion of the past and the modern. To me, maintaining beauty is not solely about appearances; it involves investing in ourselves. Beyond physical aspects, I believe in reading more books, exploring history, and passing down the spirit of knowledge and growth.

Through my creations, I hope to show the harmonious combination of tradition and modernity, which is the essence of female beauty and the importance of self-improvement.

by Angela Mu Zi Meng
2023 Honourable Mention, Primary Category

The little girl in the painting is the author herself, an environmentalist who has a special love for the ocean and a desire to protect marine life. However, she finds it challenging as a girl to accomplish this task.

Just when she is about to lose hope, she thinks of Mrs. Halimah Yacob, the first female president of Singapore, who inspires her with determination. She is determined to become someone like her and believes in her own ability to achieve it.

by Lim Si Qi Sophie
2023 Honourable Mention, Secondary Category

This artwork is meant to capture the spirit of the playwright and novelist Ovidia Yu. It features her and her various works – plays and murder mystery novels. The theatre stage that she is standing on is the one at the Esplanade.

In the artwork she is holding a pencil and book, which is a reference to her childhood where she would write short stories. By portraying her in the middle I hope to put the spotlight on her and feature some of her most popular works alongside her. Examples include her murder mystery series Crown Colony, as well as her play “Round and Round the Dining Table”. I used the sets of the plays in order to depict them. 

by Sophia Adriana Tng Bte Rohaizad
2023 Honourable Mention, Secondary Category

This artwork depicts Ovidia Yu’s various creative works, featuring ‘The Tree Mystery’ book series (centre), ‘An Aunty Lee Mystery’ book series (bottom left) and ‘The Woman In The Tree On The Hill’ play (bottom right).

At the bottom of the piece is a book. The two gender symbols with an equal sign in between signifies Ovidia’s plays on gender roles. The top left corner showcases her past experiences dealing with medical school and financial limitations. She persevered and worked hard throughout, and became successful in the end with her popular fiction series: ‘Aunty Lee’s Delights’.

The top right corner showcases her several achievements, including writing more than 30 plays and getting 1st and 2nd in a Short Story competition and Short Play contest respectively. At the top is Ovidia herself, pouring out these wonderful stories from her imagination and ingenuity.

by Phan Anh Thi
2023 Honourable Mention, Secondary Category

“Embrace” captures the influential spirit of pioneering contemporary artist Amanda Heng. The central composition features three women, representing different stages of Ms Heng’s artistic journey, embracing and embodying the feminist and physically interactive themes present in her works. The abstract background incorporates symbolic elements such as bean sprouts, heels and hand-held mirrors, and prints reflecting her iconic artworks.

Strong brushstrokes highlight the invincible spirit of women, while blurred sections symbolise women’s harmony of boldness and sensitivity. My painting conveys Ms Heng’s impact on inspiring women to embrace their identities and pursue dreams despite obstacles of age, gender, or background.

Personally resonating with Ms Heng’s belief in art as a journey of self-discovery, the making of this painting corresponds to her philosophy of finding the “real and true you.” This painting serves as both a tribute to Ms Heng’s influence and my personal exploration of identity and emotion through artmaking.

by Jayee Ooi
2023 Honourable Mention, Secondary Category

BREAKING NEWS: Move over Maverick, it’s Mystique! Singapore’s first female fighter squadron commander, Lee Mei Yi, rises above all!

The Senior Lieutenant-Colonel in the Republic of Singapore Air Force overcomes all obstacles in her path – be it old-fashioned stereotypes or societal expectations. She breaks through it all with her peerless strength and discipline.

In fact, there is a steady build up of women in the Singapore Armed Forces, partially thanks to female leaders like Lee Mei Yi who serve not only to defend the country, but also as a role model to females in traditionally male-dominated industries.

It is clear as day – Lee Mei Yi’s indomitable spirit inspires women to pursue their dreams and soar into the skies!

by Sophia Su Feiya
2023 Honourable Mention, Secondary Category

“Harmony of Triumph” captures Florence Chua Siew Lian’s dual legacy in a vivid dual-sided concept. One side, ablaze with vibrant colors, showcases her hockey triumphs at six SEA Games, climaxing in the historic 1993 SEA Games gold medal win. Dynamic strokes embody the passion defining her sporting legacy.

Conversely, adopting a monochromatic palette, the other side symbolizes Florence’s 33-year police journey. Grayscale imagery narrates her historic achievements, notably as the first female Deputy Commissioner, and leading operations under the Organised Crime Act. Typography features her impactful quote: “Gender is never an issue for officers in blue,” reinforcing her commitment to breaking gender barriers.

This artwork serves as a powerful tribute to Florence’s resilience, leadership, and groundbreaking contributions in both sports and law enforcement.