Performing Arts Student of the Year Ivan Yoong Chen Yoong
Merit NUS Fingerstyle Guitar
As President of NUS Fingerstyle Guitar, Ivan propelled the arts group to another level by promoting inclusivity and enhancing the value of each practice session. Under his leadership, he motivated members by offering guidance on guitar and song-related issues. On a community front, Ivan composed an original song based on text by a Foreign Domestic Worker, for the CFA Build-a-Bridge event. This showcased his talent and dedication in fostering a supportive community within NUS Fingerstyle Guitar.
Performing Arts Student of the Year Lim Kai Ling
Distinction NUS Arts Production Crew
Kai Ling is a proud member of two NUS Arts Groups – NUS Arts Production Crew (NAPC) and NUS Stage, and a passionate advocate for the arts in the NUS community.
As an active member of both arts groups, Kai Ling displays the rare talent of excelling both onstage and backstage – she acts, writes, directs, and stage manages.
Kai Ling showcased extraordinary leadership as President of NAPC in AY23/24 by leading with care, an inspiring vision and unwavering dedication. This year, Kai Ling has also stepped up as Vice-President of the Cultural Activities Club, continuing her commitment to shaping the arts on campus.
Performing Arts Student of the Year Yang Juan Hun (Violet)
Merit NUS Electronic Music Lab
Leading with exceptional talent, vision and creativity, Violet Yang made significant contributions to the NUS arts community. As President of NUS Electronic Music Lab (EML), she led the group in executing seven major projects, from workshops in NUS to performances at Singapore Art Week. An advocate for collaboration and experimentation, Violet has pushed EML to new artistic ventures previously unexplored.
Harnessing her musical talents and care for causes beyond art-making itself, Violet also initiated a project supporting the queer community in NUS - Harmonic Spectrum - in collaboration with other NUS student artists.
Beyond NUS, Violet performs and produces music as vylt, with songs surpassing 200,000 streams on Spotify.
Arts Production of the Year Blast! Out Of Bounds 2023: Apa?
Merit NUS Dance Blast!
Bold and dynamic, Blast! Out Of Bounds 2023: Apa? by NUS Dance Blast! explored the intricacies of the creative process through movement. A unique blend of various dance styles underpinned by a compelling narrative, the production highlighted the performers’ versatility, adaptability, and expressiveness. Apa? also served as a reaffirmation of community as it brought together several generations of Blast! dancers and alumni in the spirit of learning and creation.
Arts Production of the Year Bring It Back To Live: Bricolage
Merit NUS Arts Production Crew
NUS Arts Production Crew (NAPC)’s annual showcase was taken to new heights with Bring It Back To Live: Bricolage. Organised, produced and run entirely by NAPC, a 26-man team was involved in delivering every aspect of the production including lighting design, set design, sound engineering, stage management, production management, artist liaison and publicity. Working in collaboration with musicians from NUS as well as Viva LatiNUS, NAPC showcased a diverse line-up and proved that people working backstage can exercise creativity and passion as much as performers shining on stage. With impressive lighting design and sound mixing, this event also showcased the crew's ability to innovate and set new benchmarks for excellence in backstage management.
Arts Production of the Year Desi Lah!: The Rhythm of Home
Distinction NUS Indian Instrumental Ensemble
Desi Lah!: The Rhythm of Home by NUS Indian Instrumental Ensemble featured different songs from 6 different Indian states accompanied by perfect sound quality, dynamic lighting, and synchronised visual multimedia depicting scenes from each Indian state, enriching the audience’s sensory experience. Extensive marketing efforts were made to reach out to over 30 institutions working with migrant workers, which successfully translated to 131 migrant workers attending the show. The ensemble collaborated with organisations such as the High Commission of India and National Geographic to include state videos. Audiences praised the show as a joyous evening with festive, familiar, and meaningful music.
Arts Group of the Year NUS Arts Production Crew
Distinction
The NUS Arts Production Crew (NAPC), formerly known as the EMCC Crew, worked on 29 total productions in the past AY, from university-level events, to independent arts productions, and their own self-produced Bring It Back To Live concert.
Trained in backstage roles like lighting, sound, stage management and production management, NAPC has lent their support to a wide variety of student organisations beyond the arts, including sports clubs, faculty clubs, and NUSSU.
Thanks to the group’s rigorous training plan and enriching opportunities, students who started as beginners have gained skills and knowledge to begin working actively in the arts scene, earning high praise from industry professionals.
Arts Group of the Year NUS Indian Instrumental Ensemble
Merit
NUS Indian Instrumental Ensemble significantly increased their membership by embracing new instruments typically not found in such settings. They enhanced the artistic proficiency and professionalism of the ensemble through their activities. Members displayed exceptional dedication and perfecting their skills by participating in prestigious performances like Esplanade's Swar Pravaaham and Vasantham Channel's Varnangal.
Their annual showcase, Desi Lah!: The Rhythm of Home, is dedicated to migrant workers, highlighting inclusivity and community engagement beyond typical engagement. These efforts fostered a strong sense of community, improved musical skills, and made traditional Indian music more accessible and meaningful to a wider audience.
Original Artistic Work of the Year Pentas Budaya 2024: PELITA
Distinction Persatuan Bahasa Melayu Universiti Kebangsaan Singapura (NUS Malay Language Society)
Pentas Budaya 2024: PELITA by NUS Malay Language Society focused on the social phenomenon of child fostering, partnering with local theatre group Teater Ekamatra. They engaged in community dialogue and received professional guidance to enrich their storytelling. The set design by four NUS students featured a 90s look with batik elements. Director Chariska Anugrah used tableaux scenes to depict characters' facades and true feelings, while sound director Farah Salim incorporated live Oud music, resulting in a cohesive and impactful production.
Original Artistic Work of the Year the Lantern
Merit Pun Tsz Kiu
the Lantern, designed by Pun Tsz Kiu, transformed 5,500 unwanted bottles into a pavilion facade, a reminder of Singaporeans' disposal rate of bottles every 7 minutes. This innovative design rethought the integration of recycled materials into building design, creating new encounters and connections. the Lantern served as a sobering embodiment of environmental harm and a symbol of renewal. It called for bold, innovative design approaches to shape a more sustainable future, showcasing creativity, achievement, and collaboration.
Original Artistic Work of the Year The Theme of Desi Lah!
Merit NUS Indian Instrumental Ensemble
The Theme of Desi Lah!, composed by the NUS Indian Instrumental Ensemble, was inspired by All India Radio and Doordarshan Radio music, blending Indian Classical, contemporary, and folk music creating an engaging tune for all audiences.
Created in one hour, it showcased advanced techniques and intricate arrangements. The ensemble innovatively incorporated pre-recorded versions to enhance transitions between states. This project exemplified creativity, collaboration, and cultural engagement, leaving a lasting impact on performers and audiences while fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation among diverse communities.
Arts Production of the Year Arts Production of the Year
Commendation
AVANI
NUS Indian Dance
omniVerse: The Lovers
NUS Electronic Music Lab
Pentas Budaya 2024: PELITA
Persatuan Bahasa Melayu Universiti Kebangsaan Singapura (NUS Malay Language Society)
Sangae Muzhangu 2023
NUS Tamil Language Society
The Village
King Edward VII Hall Chinese Drama
Those Who Can't, Teach
King Edward VII Hall Hallplay
Original Artistic Work of the Year Original Artistic Work of the Year
Commendation
Clown Behaviour
NUS Stage
curry
Tan Jun Lin
NUS Electronic Music Lab
Dinner Party
NUS Stage
First Class Horrors
NUS Amplified
re:flection
King Edward VII Hall Dance
KO: Keep On
NUS Stage
Necessarily a Part
Chan Chee Meng
NUS Dance Synergy
Stuck
NUS Amplified
Performing Arts Student of the Year Performing Arts Student of the Year
Commendation
Lee Hong Shen Elton
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Pandi Preshita
NUS Indian Dance
Zhao Yushan
NUS Piano Ensemble