Guest of Honour: Mr Edwin Tong
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law
3 to 4 October 2024 (Thursday and Friday)
Lee Foundation Theatre, NAFA Campus 3
151 Bencoolen St, Singapore 189655
More information at
NAFA Convocation 2024#NAFAConvocation2024
The Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, is proud to present 777 graduands from its diploma and degree programmes at its annual convocation ceremony. Held on 3 and 4 October 2024 (Thurs and Fri), NAFA Convocation 2024 will celebrate those who exemplify NAFA’s spirit of creativity, exploration, and resilience. They join a distinguished alumni network of over 19,000 artists and creatives who have pursued diverse careers. Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, Mr Edwin Tong, will deliver his speech to the graduating cohort and present the NAFA Distinguished Alumni Award to luminaries Dr Ho Kah Leong and Dr Lim Kian Siong Darius for their impactful contributions to the global arts landscape and beyond.
Cultivating Diverse Pathways to Success
This year, we enrol the pioneer cohort of students into the UAS undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, many of whom are graduands from the NAFA diploma programmes. One of them is Zhuang Chuhang, Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama) who is enrolled into Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Contemporary Chinese Theatres programme, the first of its kind in Asia. A top graduate from his cohort, he is among the first recipients of the prestigious NAC-UAS Arts Scholarship. Zhuang is deeply passionate about theatre and has broadened his experience to go beyond performing in numerous productions. Zhuang has taken on various roles on and off stage, such as being an assistant director for Soul Mate with local theatre company, EtCetera; serving as a photographer for Hwa Chong Institution’s 100th Anniversary Musical; and working as front of house staff for Nine Years Theatre. Zhuang views this hands-on industry experience, along with his scholarship, as an explorative step forward to grow as an artist and enhance the arts and cultural scene in Singapore by teaching the next generation of theatre makers.
Zhuang Chuhang, a graduand from Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama), is among the inaugural recipients of the esteemed NAC-UAS Arts Scholarship, where he will advance his studies in the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Contemporary Chinese Theatres.
Arts as a Force for Social Impact
Embodying NAFA’s core values of passion, care, and excellence, Monica Tan Mei Yee is a proud recipient of this year’s Ngee Ann Kongsi Gold Medal (Diploma). Monica enrolled in the Diploma in Graphic Communication programme after a career in Chemistry in Australia. Her previous experience in the science industry fuels a unique approach to her design practice, where she undertakes extensive research for every brief and harnesses her design skills to create clear compelling visual narratives. She has also utilised her skills for social good, Monica volunteered with the Migrant Workers’ Centre, guiding the migrant brothers in designing a logo for their t-shirt project, and co-curated a sustainable art installation for World Water Day 2023 to promote water conservation. Her exceptional talent is further recognised by the industry with multiple Crowbar Awards in 2023—positioning her to continue making a positive difference through her discipline.
In celebration of Singapore World Water Day 2023, Monica Tan Mei Yee and fellow students from the NAFA Talent Development Programme (NTDP) crafted a sustainable art installation. This installation, featured in the glass displays at NAFA Campus 1 along Bencoolen Street.
Similarly, Diamond Nabilah Misson from Diploma in Fine Art has used her craft to bring a voice to marginalised communities. Her recent exhibition, >Odyssey to Motherhood, addresses maternal mental health, aiming to foster empathy and healing through art. Diamond has shone bright on the global stage, winning the Prix du Talent Award at the Jeune Pinceau International Young Artist Competition 2023 with her piece, The Attunement to Our Digital Chasm. As the NAFA President Award (Diploma) recipient, Diamond exemplifies the success of the NAFA Talent Development Programme (NTDP), benefiting from mentorship by artist-educators to refine her skills and advance as a professional artist.
Graduand Diamond Nabilah Misson from the Diploma in Fine Art’s winning piece at the Jeune Pinceau International Young Artist Competition 2023 with her work titled, The Attunement to Our Digital Chasm.
To encourage graduands to scale greater heights with their strong foundations built at the academy, NAFA President, Mrs Tan-Soh Wai Lan said, “As NAFA graduates, you carry with you the courage to seize opportunities and overcome whatever obstacles that may come your way. The journey of growth and maturity you have undertaken at NAFA is precious and prepares you well for the ever-evolving landscape. I am confident that you are now ready to go forth to chase your diverse aspirations and carve out your own unique path to success. At the same time, be a positive force and change our world for the better.”
Distinguished Alumni Medal Award
The academy will award the Distinguished Alumni Award to two exceptional recipients, Dr Ho Kah Leong and Dr Darius Lim. Dr Ho, an alumnus from 1955 to 1966 and former NAFA President (1997-2003), recently showcased his works in the solo exhibition Trilogy Art of Ho Kah Leong, featuring calligraphy, oil paintings, and wood-cut prints. Dr Lim, a 2009 graduate from NAFA’s School of Music, is the Artistic Director of the Voices of Singapore Choral Society and an internationally acclaimed composer and conductor. His work, The Fire Dance of Luna has sold over 35,000 copies and won top prizes in global competitions. Both Dr Ho and Dr Lim have built distinguished artistic careers and exemplify NAFA’s legacy of excellence.
ANNEX 1 – Profile of Award Winners
ANNEX 2 – NAFA Convocation 2024 Schedule
ANNEX 3 – Background Information