Singapore Students Prize

Alvin Ong (b. 1988, Singapore) Ong captures the complexities of the human face and figure in dreamlike paintings that often explore themes of identity, alienation and desire. In 2004, he is the youngest winner of the UOB Painting of the Year Competition at the age of 16. A former student of St Joseph’s Institution and National Junior College, he received his MA in Painting from the Royal College of Art (London) and BA from the Ruskin School of Art, University of Oxford. He lives and works between Singapore and London. In 2022, he was shortlisted for the Sovereign Asian Art Prize. His work has been exhibited internationally, including solo presentations with Anat Ebgi (LA), Ames Yavuz (Singapore, Sydney), Bank (Shanghai), Rodolphe Janssen (Brussels) and Various Small Fires (Seoul). His work is held in numerous public and private collections including the Victoria and Albert Museum, Peranakan Museum, ILHAM Gallery, X Museum, SunPride Foundation and UOB Art Collection.

David Chan is an artist and a senior lecturer at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in the School of Arts Design and Media (ADM). He won the 23rd UOB Painting of the Year – Representational medium category award and the 41st UOB Painting of the Year – bronze award. Comfortable in sculpture and painting, his subject matters revolve around human behaviour and representations of social commentary. He has exhibited in several countries, including China, America, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Beirut and Malaysia. In 2011, his work was selected for the 54th Venice Biennale at the Fondazione Claudio Buziol. In 2016, David was invited to participate in the 5th Singapore Biennale, Atlas of Mirrors, where he created a 23-meter outdoor sculpture on the lawn of the National Museum of Singapore. In 2011 and 2017, David was nominated as one of the top “50 Movers & Shakers” to watch by Time Out Singapore and Singapore Tatler. Additionally, in 2013, David was featured on the cover of World Sculpture News as an artist to watch.

Howard Bilton, a British-born entrepreneur and barrister, has made a multifaceted impact on tax advisory services, philanthropy, and the wine industry in Portugal and beyond. His ventures reflect a unique blend of business acumen and social responsibility, creating a lasting legacy in each sector he touches. 

Tax

As the chairman and founder of The Sovereign Group, Bilton has significantly influenced the tax landscape, particularly for expatriates and international businesses. The Group provides comprehensive tax planning and wealth management services, which help clients navigate complex tax systems. By doing so, it supports individuals and companies to optimize their tax positions within the legal framework, fostering an environment that is conducive to foreign investment and economic growth in Portugal. 

Charity

In the realm of charity, Bilton’s establishment of The Sovereign Art Foundation has made a notable impact on the local and international art scenes. The foundation not only recognizes and supports artists through awards and exhibitions but also raises substantial funds for charitable causes. A significant portion of its work is dedicated to using art as a medium for educational and healing purposes, particularly for disadvantaged children. Through these initiatives, Bilton has harnessed the power of art to make a tangible difference in the lives of many, providing both cultural enrichment and social support. 

 Wine

With Howard’s Folly, Bilton has ventured into the wine industry, intertwining the worlds of oenology and art. The winery is known for producing high-quality wines that reflect the rich terroir of Portugal, contributing to the country’s reputation as a producer of fine wines. Beyond the production, Howard’s Folly serves as a cultural destination, hosting art exhibitions and events that attract visitors from around the world. This unique concept not only promotes Portuguese wine but also elevates the cultural experience of wine tasting, setting a precedent for how wineries can engage with the arts. 

Overall Impact

Howard Bilton’s impact in the fields of tax, charity, and wine is characterized by a forward-thinking approach that leverages professional expertise to foster cultural and social development. By integrating his business endeavors with philanthropic goals, Bilton has shown that commercial success can go hand-in-hand with making a positive social contribution. His efforts have provided a model for sustainable development, showcasing how individual dedication to professional excellence and social responsibility can lead to broad and beneficial societal impacts. 

Seet Yun Teng is a curator, writer, and arts producer based in Singapore. With a Masters in Material and Visual Culture (Anthropology) from University College London and a background in contemporary art practice and art history, her research explores the intersections of design, craft, materiality, and technology.

She is currently Assistant Curator (Design), at the Asian Civilisations Museum (Singapore), where she specialises in contemporary design practices in Asia, particularly in product and furniture design. She has worked with various art institutions and cultural platforms like NTU Centre of Contemporary Art Singapore and Appetite SG.

www.yuntengseet.com