Art institute founder’s legacy must continue, says deputy premier

KUCHING : Continuing the late Chong Liew Syn’s legacy would nurture more artistic talents and allow future generations to appreciate the value of art, says Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

Reflecting on Chong’s impactful contributions as the founder of the Sarawak Fine Arts School, Dr Sim likened the artists who emerged from the school to disciples, suggesting collaboration to ensure the perpetuation of the values instilled by Chong.

”Since the late Chong started the Sarawak Fine Arts School, all of you (artists) are disciples, just like Jesus where he had 12 disciples, so maybe all of you can get together to ensure that it (values) can continue,” he said during his address when attending the launching ceremony of the Chong Liew Syn art show at La Promenade Mall last night (Jan 19).

As a former student of Chong, Dr Sim acknowledged the transmission of values in arts, culture, and music. He stressed the need to impart an appreciation for Sarawak’s culture to the younger generation.

“We have talents, talents can be anywhere, it is just the matter of whether we give the opportunity, how we develop the opportunity, and more importantly how we pass it on,” he added.

Additionally, Dr Sim also expressed hope for increased support from government-linked companies (GLCs) for artists

“It will be a bit tough at the moment, but we try to ensure that the legacy will continue,” he added.

With an upcoming art gallery in Kuching, Dr Sim said he anticipates a thriving art scene in the city.

”Each and everyone of you is a treasure to us, depending on how you want to contribute, play your role and do your part. Madam Chong reminded us, although she was trained in Hong Kong, her home is Sarawak,” he said.

For the record, Chong Liew Syn founded the Sarawak Fine Arts School in 1975, it was the first private art institute to gain Government’s accreditation in this region.

Chong passed away in 1999, at just 50 years-old, the school has produced hundreds of artists including many contemporary artists, captains of industries, politicians, and even scientists who reside from Sarawak to the US.

Among those present at the evening were Hock Seng Lee (HSL) Realty Sdn Bhd director Yu Ji, Hoan Gallery director Hoan Kee Huang and Chong’s eldest son Ken Loh.