Philanthropist and wife donate 160 masterpieces to NGO, spreading love for art via exhibition
DRIVEN by the pursuit of beauty, an entrepreneur and philanthropist entrusted his personal art collection to Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) for permanent safekeeping while allowing the public to enjoy the artworks.
In wanting to share the beauty of art with the world, Datuk Sim Tiak Choo and his wife Datin Mary Tang, donated 160 artworks to SGM over more than 23 years.
The pieces are currently on display at the “Timeless Art Legacy – Exhibition of Artworks Donated by Sim Tiak Choo”.
A prominent figure in the Malaysian art scene, Sim is the founder of City Art Gallery and Art Expo Malaysia. He is also president of the Malaysia International Culture and Arts Promotion Association.
The 81-year-old said he was born into a family that had great appreciation for arts.
“Through my grandfather and father, I heard about art-related stories and saw many great men making contributions to the arts,” he said.
“For example Liu Kang, a China-born Singaporean artist known for developing the Nanyang art style, donated several of his artworks to the National Gallery Singapore.
“Dr Wee Cho Yaw was a banker and philanthropist who donated significantly to Nanyang Technological University in Singapore,” he added.
Sim said unlike many art collectors who were bankers and tycoons with deep pockets, his acquisitions were made on a more modest budget.
But he was determined to play his role in sharing art with society through exhibitions, donations, art fairs and art camps.
“I sold dragon’s beard candy in my early days to sustain my family, art gallery and art purchases,” he said.
“Some of the artworks were acquired from the artists I worked with. After calculating the profit sharing from hosting an exhibition, I would use my share to buy one or two of the artist’s works.
“These paintings are then kept in my personal collection or contributed for fundraising purposes.”
Sim said he acquired an eye for good art pieces through his family background and experience.
On why he chose to entrust his personal collection to SGM, Sim said there were not many organisations that had the facilities and capacity to manage, store, preserve and promote visual arts.
He felt he could still do more to contribute to Malaysia’s art scene, and intends to tap into his contacts to continue organising more events and fundraising initiatives.
Sim was speaking after the exhibition’s opening ceremony at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, Kuala Lumpur that was presided by Penang Port Commission chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin.
Also present were Tang, Malaysian Senators Council president Datuk Seri Khairudin Samad, his senior advisor Datuk Wong Kam Wah, SGM general director Koh Sia Feai and its communications, culture and information division head Chia Kok Peng.
The exhibition, which includes multimedia presentations, showcases works by prominent Malaysian and Singaporean art pioneers such as Lee Kah Yeow, Chen Jen Hao, Prof Chung Chen Sun, Tew Nai Tong and Liu Kang alongside masterpieces by renowned artists from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, including Zhang Daqian, Liu Haisu, Yu Youren, Wu Zuoren, Wu Guanzhong, Yang Shanshen and Lee Chi-mao.
The exhibition is organised into three sections: “Maestros Relations” that focused on creative masterpieces and cultural bonds of renowned artists, “Nanyang Horizons” that explores the unique context and spirit of the times in Malaysian and Singaporean art development, while “Artistic Expressions Across the Chinese World” engages in a dialogue with the diverse artistic dimensions of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
There is also an interactive experience zone, designed for visitors to gain insights into art preservation and collection management practices.
“The exhibition serves not only as a presentation of beauty, but also as a platform for cultural dialogue – embodying Malaysia’s spirit of unity in diversity,” Yeoh said in his speech.
“Over the years, Sim has been actively promoting the development of the arts and international cultural exchange, particularly in fostering Malaysia–China cultural relations.
“His selfless donation of these valuable artworks has transformed private collections into shared cultural treasures.”
Yeoh also commended SGM for upholding the philosophy of making art “of the people, by the people and for the people” through its efforts in making art more accessible to the public.
The exhibition is ongoing until June 28 at 7th Floor, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
Viewing hours are 11am to 5pm daily, except on Mondays. Admission is free.
For details, call 03-2144 8686 or visit harmoni-soka.org
