SGM’s 2025 Annual Art Collection Exhibition “Timeless Art Legacy – Exhibition of Artworks Donated by Sim Tiak Choo” Launch – Showcasing Works of Art Masters Zhang Daqian, Liu Haisu, Wu Guanzhong, Li Chi-mao, Chen Jen Hao, Liu Kang and Others

The launch of the annual SGM collection exhibition “Timeless Art Legacy – Exhibition of Artworks Donated by Sim Tiak Choo” was held on 6 December 2025 at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM. Organised by SGM and co-organised by City Art Gallery and the Malaysia International Culture and Arts Promotion Association, the event was officiated by Dato’ Wong Kam Wah, senior adviser to the Majlis Senator Malaysia president. More than 100 guests, including senior figures from the art community, cultural practitioners and members of the public were in attendance.

SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai delivered the welcome address on behalf of the organiser. He expressed his appreciation and shared that since 2002, Datuk Sim Tiak Choo has donated artworks by renowned artists from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore. These include works by Zhang Daqian, Liu Haisu, Wu Guanzhong, Li Chi-mao, Chen Jen Hao and Liu Kang. To date, a total of 175 works have been donated, forming one of the key foundations of SGM’s art collection.

In his address, Datuk Sim candidly shared that his art collection journey was not built on wealth. To sustain both his gallery and family, he once sold dragon’s beard candy, protecting fine artworks as a street vendor and ensuring that these valuable works remained in Malaysia. Speaking on his decision to donate the collection, he explained that SGM was a natural choice, as its long-term commitment to art education and cultural exchange would allow the artworks to truly serve society and be appreciated by the public.

In his remarks, officiating guest Dato’ Wong Kam Wah affirmed Datuk Sim Tiak Choo’s dedication and contributions to the arts, describing him as an outstanding torchbearer in the passing on of cultural legacy. He noted that Datuk Sim’s years of effort have enabled the public to view original works by great masters while also providing platforms for younger artists to showcase their talents.

The exhibition adopts “Opening the Collection Vault” as its curatorial concept, offering the public insight into SGM’s professional collection system. Through this approach, visitors are introduced to processes such as cataloguing, storage and conservation, highlighting the importance of safeguarding cultural assets.

Through this exhibition, SGM hopes to deepen public understanding of the significance of art collections and inspire cross-generational awareness of transmitting cultural heritage, allowing the spirit of “Timeless Art Legacy” to continue unfolding.

Reported by Sim Dong Liang, photographed by Lum Heng and Chang Chung Jun