"When I was first approached for the NUS-ISS project, I accepted it readily because I like the theme. The theme is about painting Singapore from the old transforming into the new," shared local mural artist, Mr Yip Yew Chong. "I personally have experienced, seen, and even benefited from these transformations. And moreover, I also like the idea of painting the future," added Mr YIp, who is renowned for his murals along the streets of Chinatown and more.
Scenes of the past, with NASA's first rocket landing on the moon well-documented in history.
In marking NUS-ISS 40th Anniversary, a momentous milestone, the institution commissioned a series of paintings that showcases the transition and growth of the nation, as well as NUS-ISS, over the last 40 years.The artwork comprises of three 1.25m x 1.25m canvases depicting past, present and future. Known as the NUS-ISS Heritage Project, the paintings bring to life the stories and sights of Singapore old and new; and tell of how the institute has contributed towards Singapore’s transformation and progress, as well as its commitment in the next 40 years to come, to empower individuals and organisations in bridging future opportunities in the digital economy.
Unveiled by President Halimah Yacob, Mural Artist, Mr Yip Yew Chong and NUS-ISS CEO Mr Khoong Chan Meng at the NUS-ISS 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner and in the presence of NUS-ISS founding fathers and ex-chairmen, such as Professor Hang Chang Chieh, Dr Juzar Motiwalla, Mr Lim Swee Say, Mr Michael Yap, Mr Stephen Yeo and NUS-ISS Chairman, Ms Janet Ang.
As an ode to the trailblazing spirit of 1981, NUS-ISS' founding fathers and ex-chairmen were invited to take a commemorative photo with the NUS-ISS Heritage Project.
Said Mr Khoong Chan Meng, CEO of NUS-ISS, "Back in 1981, like many Singaporeans, I was just beginning to discover the wonders of what computers could do. Fast forward to today, digital is now part of every facet of daily lives. I'm very proud that NUS-ISS has always been part of Singapore’s transformation and progress through all these years."
Mr Yip Yew Chong enthused, for (Singapore's) hardware, we have built a highly functioning and a model to the world infrastructure. For example, we have very good housing, transport, and environmental management systems. And for its software which is our people, we are well-educated, and we have also become richer well here in terms of not just having more money, but also richer in our hearts our mind and our knowledge."
Painted with vibrant colours, the series took four months to complete. One will be able to spot an iconic landmark of yesteryear such as the red-brick National Library Building, present day robot waiters to high speed rails of the future with NUS-ISS as a common thread in all eras.
Interplanet travel will be possible in the future
Towards an optimistic future, Mr Khoong concluded, "I believe that Singapore will be increasingly hyper-connected with the global economy. I believe that our future generations can have happier and healthier lives. And to get there we must never stop learning. I am confident that NUS-ISS will continue to be the trusted partner in acceleration towards digital excellence."
The artwork will be permanently exhibited in NUS-ISS’ premises in the new year of 2023 for all to admire.
Watch the NUS-ISS Heritage Project Video here.