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The event will be conducted in Mandarin. AI translation in English will be provided.
NUS Libraries is honoured to receive a generous donation of private papers and artefacts from Chin Whai 秦淮, a celebrated figure in Singapore’s Chinese-language cultural scene.
Born Tan Leng Gek 陈龙玉, Chin Whai rose to prominence in the 1970s, when his songs gained widespread popularity across Singapore, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Known for his distinctive singing style and expressive ballads, he earned the affectionate title “King of Ballads”.
His artistic journey extends far beyond music. A prolific writer, Chin Whai has published 12 volumes of poetry, prose and essays. He is also an accomplished painter, illustrator and cartoonist, with his works appearing in publications including Sin Chew Daily and Nanyang Siang Pau. Deeply committed to giving back to society, he has headlined numerous charity events over the years, helping those in need and earning the title “Charity King of Songs”.
Join us for a special event celebrating Chin Whai’s rich and multifaceted contributions to music, literature, visual art and philanthropy. A Life Composed traces his remarkable journey and explores his enduring impact on the arts and society.
The event will also mark the donation of Chin Whai’s private papers to NUS Libraries and the launch of a digital archive, making his work more accessible to researchers, students and the wider public.
Highlights include three talks, physical and virtual exhibitions, and a Chin Whai-themed photo booth. A selection of Chin Whai’s published books are available for free. Please bring your own bag!
Programme
1.30pm
Registration & Fringe Activity
- Photo Booth featuring Chin Whai-themed backdrops
- Chin Whai book adoption: a selection of his published books will be available for free—please bring your own bag!
2pm
Welcome Address by Assoc Prof Natalie Pang
2.10pm
Speech by Su Zhangkai, on behalf of Chin Whai
2.15pm
Launch of Chin Whai Private Papers Collection
2.20 pm
Seminar
- Introduction by Su Zhangkai
- At the Confluence of Literature and the Stage: Chin Whai’s Elegance and Popular Appeal by Dr Sim Chuin Peng
Drawing on Chin Whai’s donated personal papers and artefacts, this presentation shares reflections on his literary work and stage career. It examines how Chin Whai bridged elegance and popular appeal, while expressing a deep sense of compassion and generosity through both his art and his philanthropy. - Listening Across Borders: Chin Whai and the 1960s Singapore Chinese Popular Music by Goh Song Wei
Discover the transregional appeal of Chin Whai’s music and repertoire—how his songs negotiated cultural, political, and sonic boundaries across Singapore and the broader Sinophone world in the 1960s. - A Multi-Hyphenate Star: Chin Whai’s Singing, Writing, and Editorial Work on Sinophone Radio in Postwar Singapore and Malaya by Liao Yiran
This final presentation explores the reciprocal relationship between Chin Whai and Sinophone radio in postwar Singapore and Malaya. It examines how radio broadcasting nurtured a generation of young cultural enthusiasts, while their creative practices, in turn, helped shape radio as a platform for cultural expression and nation-building. - Q&A
3.30 pm
Closing Remarks by Dr Magdeline Ng
3.40 pm
Tour of Chin Whai Exhibitions (Physical & Digital in VR)
4 pm
Refreshments
Speakers
/su-zhangkai.png?sfvrsn=bd0944d3_1 "Su Zhangkai")
Su Zhangkai (Moderator)
Associate, Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)
Su Zhangkai is an Honorary Library Fellow at NUS Libraries, as well as an educator and researcher in media, entertainment and cultural history. He currently lectures at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). Zhangkai has authored and edited several works on film, opera, and popular entertainment history, including "#Agak Agak – 90 Stories of Wang Sha and Ye Feng" (2019)
/dr-sim-chuin-peng.png?sfvrsn=ca1854ee_4 "Dr Sim Chuin Peng")
Dr Sim Chuin Peng
Deputy University Librarian, National University of Singapore
Dr Sim earned his PhD from the National University of Singapore and has served at NUS Libraries since 1993, where he oversees collection management, special collections, archives, and digital preservation. His research interests include collection development, digitisation of Southeast Asian cultural heritage, Ming—Qing history, Chinese publishing history, and bibliographical studies. Dr Sim is the author of three monographs and co-editor of the Catalogue of Pre-Republican Chinese Books at NUS Libraries. He has also published extensively in academic journals across Greater China.
/goh-song-wei.png?sfvrsn=f1d67e7b_1 "Goh Song Wei")
Goh Song Wei
PhD candidate, National University of Singapore
Song Wei is a PhD candidate with NUS Chinese Studies. His research interests include the history of Singapore Chinese popular culture and topics related to the overseas Chinese. He has participated in editorial and research projects at various local institutions, and his work has been published in academic journals in both English and Chinese.
/liao-yiran.png?sfvrsn=29c24975_1 "Liao Yiran")
Liao Yiran
PhD candidate, National University of Singapore
Yiran is a PhD candidate in NUS Department of Chinese. Her research interests include radio and sound studies, the cultural Cold War in Asia, and Singapore–Malaya cultural history. Before beginning her doctoral studies, she worked as a research manager at a local Teochew cultural research institution, where she was involved in cultural research, event planning, and publication editing. Her literary works have appeared in local literary magazines.
Part of the University initiative
All NUS staff, students, alumni and members of the public are welcome.
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Disclaimer
All information provided on the presentations is on an “as is” basis and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own risk. NUS Libraries does not in any way, expressly or implicitly, endorse any third party products, processes
or services.
NUS Libraries prohibits the use of presentation slides without permission.
NUS Libraries prohibits the use of presentation slides without permission.
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participation in the event.
