Outgoing SIFA director Ong Keng Sen has a few choice words about Singapore
ONG KENG SEN IS TIRED . He’s tired of the bureaucratic battles, the regression of the government’s attitude towards art, and the constant need to pander to fears. “I come from the heartlands. Yet, my parents who are not English-educated are more open towards the arts than the people in the National Arts Council. My parents never saw the arts as something to fear,” says Ong.
Ong has every reason to be disenchanted. When the veteran art practitioner was approached to direct the inaugural Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA), he only accepted on account of one factor – that the festival would be an independent event, unencumbered by government oversight. However, with each passing year, Ong began facing more and more restrictions.
This story is from the November 2017 edition of August Man SG.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2017 edition of August Man SG.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How Does A Hotel Brand Become The Best In The World?
Cristiano Rinaldi, president of Capella Hotel Group, shares its recipe for success.
The Future Will Be Pixelated, Probably
What are the implications on one's lived experience as online life is rife with meaning and possibilities?
PARADISE FOUD
It's time to give tuning out its due. We all need a break from the group chat(s).
Sunday Island Mornings
An island cluster so beautiful that Harry Winston made a watch in its honour.
A Clear Vision Of The Future
With the proliferation of its Myopia Centres, local eyecare brand W Optics is keeping Singaporeans clear-sighted for the future.
MAKING INVESTING MORE DELICIOUS
FINANCE INDUSTRY VETERAN WALTER DE OUDE IS COMBINING HIS ERUDITION AND EXPERIENCE WITH THE STAR POWER OF HENRY GOLDING TO BRING US AN INVESTMENT PLATFORM THAT'S MUCH SWEETER THAN MOST.
THE MAN OF MANY TASTES
On the opening day of his longgestating contemporary Italian restaurant Le Pristine in Singapore, the Esteemed chef Sergio Herman gives us a poignant account of why his philosophy of gastronomy is fundamentally inclusive.
BAPTISM BY FIRE
Dave Pynt, Chef-Owner of the Burnt Ends Hospitality Group, reflects on the universally resounding success of the eponymous restaurant as well as the recently released book of the same name.
VROOM VROOM
One of the most memorable moments of the recently concluded Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024 was when Jack Daniel's and McLaren linked arms.
FORGED IN RED
The Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Cortina Limited Edition brings H. Moser & Cie and Cortina Watch together in a bold, exclusive creation for the ages.
