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"Aspects Of The City II", an abstract painting by 40-year-old local artist Ms Hong Sek Chern, clinched the top spot in this year's UOB Painting Of The Year (POY) Competition. Using traditional Chinese painting media, "Aspects Of The City II" was singled out from among over 1,100 entries submitted by about 800 participants for the prestigious POY Award.

This year's POY winner, Ms Hong Sek Chern, is no stranger to the competition. In fact, she submitted her first POY entry in 1995. Over the past ten years, she has won many certificates of distinctions and was also the Representational Category winner in 1999 and 2006.

Walking away with a trophy and cash prize of S$20,000, Ms Hong expressed her joy at winning the prestigious competition.

"I have been taking part in the UOB Painting Of The Year Competition since I was an art student. My first submission was more than ten years ago and that piece was accorded a certificate of distinction. I continued to earn similar recognition for works submitted in subsequent years. These inspired me to do better. It wasn't only about targeting to win the prestigious UOB Painting Of The Year Award; it was about how to better my personal best. When the good news was conveyed to me, I told myself 'At last, you've made it'.

This art competition is different from the others as it has four categories - Abstract, Representational, Traditional Chinese and Photography. As an artist, I like to pose alternative definitions on categories and I am really honoured to have won!"

Chief Judge of the competition, Professor Robert Stephen Ely, commented on the submissions for this year. He said: "Yet again, UOB's POY Competition has brought out a tremendous range and variety of impressive artwork. Amongst the many rough diamonds, there are some well-polished gems. The panel of judges has been challenged once again to make a decision on the winning pieces based on the quality of work submitted."

Gracing the prize presentation ceremony held at the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister For Defence presented the prizes and certificates to the winners. UOB gave away some S$50,200 in cash prizes, trophies and certificates of distinction to the winners.

"Many local talents have been discovered through UOB's POY Competition. It has become a springboard for many past winners to reach art lovers beyond our local shores. I commend UOB for its commitment to bring art to the masses and provide opportunities for Singaporeans from all walks of life to enjoy the arts," said Dr Ng Eng Hen.

Mr Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UOB Group reaffirmed the Bank's dedication to the local arts scene. He said: "UOB remains committed to promoting the arts in Singapore and nurturing new talents through our annual POY. We hope to encourage public appreciation of visual arts and to sustain the vibrancy of the arts scene."

"We will also be showcasing the top winning works from previous POY Competitions in conjunction with the Singapore Art Show 2007. These paintings collectively represent an overview of the aesthetic exploration of Singapore artists over the last 26 years," he added.

Please refer to Annex 1 (PDF: 89KB) for the full results of this year's competition.

The 26th UOB Painting of the Year Exhibition
The prize-winning entries and highly commended entries from this year's competition will be exhibited. Details are as follows:

Last year's UOB POY Award winner, Ms Namiko Chan Takahashi, will also be displaying her winning works at the Jendela, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay.

For details on the 26th UOB POY Competition and the panel of judges, click here (PDF: 101KB).

For more information on the UOB POY Competition, click here (PDF: 26KB).

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