Wisma Kebudayaan SGM (WKSGM) opened its 2026 season on 14 March with “Nanyang New Frontiers: 20th Anniversary Art Exhibition of Cao Tang Men Eastern Arts Society.” The exhibition marked a dual celebration: commemorating Cao Tang Men’s 20th anniversary and opening the series of events for WKSGM’s 25th anniversary.   

Jointly organised by SGM and Harmoni Soka Art and Culture, in collaboration with Cao Tang Men, the opening attracted many figures from the arts and culture sector.

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 Amerrudin Ahmad 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, fostering social exchange, promoting peace and supporting Cao Tang Men in advancing 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.”

Koh Sia Feai

Chong Choy

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.

The exhibition also paid tribute to the late Nanyang ink painting artist Dr Cheah Thien Soong.

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

Art Talks and Workshops
To complement the exhibition, a series of events took place in March and April. Art talks offered insights into the art of calligraphy and selected works, while interactive workshops in Chinese ink painting, paper cutting, and seal carving brought traditional art forms to life through hands-on experience.

Chinese ink painting workshop

Paper cutting workshop