“Nanyang New Frontiers” – First WKSGM 25th Anniversary Exhibition Celebrates Cao Tang Men 20th Anniversary

Wisma Kebudayaan SGM kicked off its 2026 season on 14 March with “Nanyang New Frontiers: 20th Anniversary Art Exhibition of Cao Tang Men Eastern Arts Society.” This exhibition carries dual significance; other than celebrating Cao Tang Men’s 20th anniversary, it also opens the series of events commemorating WKSGM’s 25th anniversary.     

The exhibition, jointly organised by SGM and “HARMONI: Soka Art and Culture,” in collaboration with Cao Tang Men, brought together senior figures from the arts and culture sector during the opening. National Art Gallery of Malaysia Deputy Director-General of Operations Rohana Mohd Yusof delivered remarks on behalf of the National Visual Arts Development Board Director-General and officiated both the opening and the catalogue launch.

In welcoming guests, SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai noted that since its establishment in 2001, WKSGM has hosted over 600 arts and culture programmes. Through these efforts, it has continued to foster social exchange and mutual understanding through the arts, promote the values of peace, and support Cao Tang Men in carrying forward its founding spirit to a new stage of development.

Cao Tang Men previously held its inaugural members exhibition at WKSGM in 2005. In his speech, Cao Tang Men president Chong Choy remarked, “Returning here 20 years later to present this exhibition is deeply meaningful.”

Centring on the “Nanyang New Frontiers” theme, organising committee chairperson and curator Ong Chia Koon explained that “Nanyang” represents the artists’ shared conviction, rooted in the region, while “New Frontiers” symbolises innovation and creative breakthroughs – this showcases the growth and contemporary expression of ink painting art in the Nanyang region.

The exhibition also pays tribute to the late Nanyang ink painting artist Dr Cheah Thien Soong. In her opening remarks, Mdm Rohana affirmed his contributions to the development of visual arts in Malaysia and commended his influence in promoting arts and culture.

Featuring 134 works – 81 paintings and 53 seal carvings – by 55 artists, the exhibition highlights the diverse creative expressions of its members. Overseas advisors from Guiyang and Beijing, China, were also present in support, adding an international dimension to the event.

Click here to watch opening ceremony highlights.

Exhibition Information

Dates: 14 March–12 April 2026
Time: 11:00 am–5:00 pm (closed on Mondays)
Venue: Harmoni Soka Gallery, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, 
Admission: Free, open to the public

Pre-Exhibition Sharing Session Enhances Narrator Preparation

In conjunction with the exhibition, “HARMONI: Soka Art and Culture” held an online pre-exhibition sharing session on 1 March, attracting over 100 participants including narrators, SGM arts volunteers and art enthusiasts.

Cao Tang Men president Chong Choy and curator Ong Chia Koon presented and interpreted more than 20 selected works, offering insights into the artists’ creative journeys and the meanings behind their pieces. They also encouraged the audience to engage actively with the exhibition.

The session helped narrators deepen their preparation and enhance outreach efforts, while enabling art enthusiasts to gain early insight into the exhibition, thereby encouraging greater public attendance.

Reported by Sim Dong Liang, Ting Cheau Ya, Photographed by Chang Chung Jun, Jeffery Lum and Lum Heng