Calligraphy society opens three-day exhibition at Ngee Ann Cultural Centre

SINGAPORE - The Shicheng Calligraphy and Seal-Carving Society celebrated its 20th anniversary with an exhibition of calligraphy works at Ngee Ann Cultural Centre on Saturday. Among them were imprints of 11 stone tablets which sit in a calligraphy park in Jilin Province, China, bearing engravings of society members' works. They are the first works by Singaporeans to be featured in the park.

Mr Sam Tan, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, was the guest of honour at the event and wrote calligraphy together with masters from Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia.

"Calligraphy displays Chinese ancient traditions, as well as historical changes. Because of this, we Chinese have a responsibility to pass it on through generations. Of course, if we can get our non-Chinese friends to understand and appreciate it, that's even better," said Mr Tan in a speech in Mandarin.

He applauded the society for its indomitable spirit and the effort it put into raising the profile of the artform through exhibitions, talks and competitions. "Their achievements can be a good example for many community groups." The exhibition runs till Monday.

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