40th UOB Painting of the Year Virtual Awards Ceremony

Mr Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and CEO, United Overseas Bank Limited

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen

Good evening. I am pleased to join you at the 40^th UOB Painting of the Year Awards Ceremony.

Inaugurated in 1982, the annual UOB Painting of the Year Competition is Singapore’s longest running and most established visual art competition, eagerly anticipated by artists, art aficionados, and supporters of art both here and in the region. Over the years, the platform has supported Singaporean and Southeast Asian artists, and provided us opportunities to appreciate exciting new creations by both leading and up-and-coming artists.

UOB’s support of the arts over the past 40 years is an important demonstration of the value of the arts for both individuals and society. Art is not just for the few, appreciated in hallowed galleries or museums, but can and does touch the lives of the many. I firmly believe that the arts and culture is an essential part of our lives, especially as Singapore develops and matures as a nation.

Art enriches each of us in different ways. It can create a sense of wonder, challenge our perceptions and assumptions, or give us enjoyment through its aesthetic appeal. Art can also bring people together by uplifting our spirits and giving tangible expression to our heritage, values, and identity, thereby strengthening our sense of belonging.

I thank UOB for its committed and generous support for the arts, which has been recognised by the National Arts Council (NAC) through UOB receiving NAC’s Distinguished Patron of the Arts award for the past 17 years.

I am glad that UOB will continue to be a stalwart champion of the arts into the future. In October this year, UOB pledged to be a Major Donor under the Sustain the Arts (stART) Fund - an initiative by the NAC supported by the private sector, which was launched in January 2021 to boost the long-term sustainability of small arts organisations and nurture a culture of giving to the arts. The stART fund aims to support smaller arts groups in creating quality programmes and developing their organisational and fundraising capabilities, by enhancing arts practitioners’ innovation and production of digitally creative artmaking, and helping them reach out to and engage their audiences in novel ways.

For the arts to flourish and grow, it is important to foster a thriving ecosystem through strong and sustained partnerships among the public, private and people sectors, through initiatives like the stART Fund and partners like UOB. A diverse and self-sustaining arts ecosystem promulgates our sense of community and identity. I encourage everyone to consider how we can individually support our arts, whether as a patron, volunteer, fan, or simply a member of the audience. As collectors, corporates, and individuals, we can all play a role, and together, foster an arts scene that Singapore can continue to be proud of.

Before I conclude, I would like to congratulate all the winners of the 40^th UOB Painting of the Year Competition, and thank UOB for organising yet another successful edition of this signature initiative. I wish everyone an enjoyable evening ahead.

Thank you.