Timeless Art Legacy Exhibition Showcases 160 Treasures of Art in Trans-Boundary Cultural Dialogue

On 12 April 2026, SGM held the opening ceremony of the “Timeless Art Legacy – Exhibition of Artworks Donated by Sim Tiak Choo” at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, attracting nearly 200 figures from the arts and culture community, along with distinguished guests from various sectors, to witness the inauguration of this exhibition.

The exhibition was officially opened by Penang Port Commission chairperson Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin. Distinguished attendees included the Council of Malaysian Senators president Dato’ Sri Khairudin Samad, Dato’ Wong Kam Wah, as well as the donor Datuk Sim Tiak Choo and his wife Datin Mary Tang.

The exhibition features a total of 160 art pieces generously donated by Datuk Sim and his spouse to SGM over a span of 23 years, from 2002 to 2025. The collection encompasses works by renowned artists from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, as well as Malaysia and Singapore, presenting a diverse and cross-regional artistic landscape.

In his welcoming remarks, SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai highlighted Datuk Sim’s longstanding dedication to art collection and promotion, enabling art to be part of everyday life and serve as a vital medium for connecting people. He added that SGM has consistently upheld the cultural principle of “art by the people, for the people,” and hopes that through this exhibition, the public can engage with high-calibre artworks, gain inspiration and foster greater social understanding and peace.

In his opening address, Dato’ Yeoh noted that the exhibition is structured around the themes  “Maestros · Relations,” “Nanyang Horizons” and “Artistic Expressions Across the Chinese World.” These thematic threads trace artistic developments across different regions and historical contexts, presenting dialogue and integration among diverse cultures, and contributing to a deeper sense of social identity and cohesion.

In his remarks, Datuk Sim shared that art is not merely a form of personal collection, but also a vessel of historical memory and cultural value. He emphasised the importance of institutional preservation and public exhibition in achieving intergenerational transmission and shared societal appreciation.

Through systematic curation and comprehensive presentation of the collection, the exhibition highlights the role of art as a bridge in cross-cultural exchange. It allows the public to encounter classic works at close range, deepening their understanding of cultural heritage and echoing the ongoing practice of “Timeless Art Legacy.”

Reported by Eng Joo Min, photographed by Chang Chung Jun, Jeffery Lum and Lum Heng

Exhibition Period

Date : 11 April–28 June 2026 (closed on Mondays)
Time : 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 
Venue : Harmoni Hong Wen Art Gallery (7F), Wisma Kebudayaan SGM
Free admission. The public is warmly invited to attend.