Siong Leng

Siong Leng is the recipient of the National Arts Council Major Grant (2022 – 2025). Siong Leng was established in 1941 and owes its success to late chairman, Mr Teng Mah Seng. Under his guidance, Siong Leng has become an arts company that preserves and promotes Nanyin. Mr. Teng received the Cultural Medallion in 1987 due to his passion and love for Nanyin. As Siong Leng ‘s chairman, he continuously worked to reform and revive Nanyin. He revitalised Nanyin by writing new lyrics and music that were livelier and more relatable. With his hard work and perseverance, Nanyin was given a new life. In 1983, Siong Leng participated in the 37th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and won third prize in the folk solo category with Mr Teng’s work “Reminiscence”, and fourth prize in the folk ensemble category with the traditional Nanyin piece “Trotting Horse”. In 2010, Siong Leng took part in the same competition and won the first prize in the folk solo category with Mr Teng’s work “Facets of Life”. Siong Leng has organised the inaugural Southeast Asia Nanyin Conference in 1977, the International Nanyin Concert & Symposium in International Youth Nanyin Concert and Symposium in 2015, as well as the International Youth Nanyin Festival in 2018. To ensure that the musicians maintain close relations with other Nanyin musicians over the world and keep up with the development of Nanyin, the company actively participates in International Nanyin Symposiums held in Asia, to contribute to the efforts of promoting and developing the ancient artform. Siong Leng has also toured and performed in major cities and countries in Europe, Asia, and the United States of America. In 2017, Siong Leng was the recipient of the inaugural ‘Singapore Chinese Cultural Contribution Award’, awarded by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. And in 2021, Siong Leng was awarded ‘The Stewards of Intangible Cultural Heritage Award’ by The National Heritage Board.