The Oval Partnership, a Patron of the Singapore Night Festival 2023, presents a journey to Kampong Port Cities of the 14th Century through an exhibition, artists interpretation and a panel discussion.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 11 August 2023 – DORMANT stories of our land from 700 years ago — a woman village leader, sustainable kampung life, and street dancing — will be reawakened at the Singapore Night Festival 2023 (SNF).

Through the magic of multimedia storytelling, visitors to “Singapore, the Great Port City” at SNF will be transformed into denizens of a “kampung city”, to experience life in a pre-colonial era. The immersive journey upturns the narrative of this island’s past as a sleepy fishing village, highlighting exemplary practices that continue to influence today’s modern nation.

Before it became Singapore, the island 700 years ago, was always part of Malay seafaring and trading. Its significance as a port came later, about 200 years ago, when the British restored power to the Sultans.

The Oval Partnership’s findings revealed the bustling port and trading cities in 14th Century Southeast Asia functioned as “decentralised kingdoms” in the region, even before the Dutch and Portuguese arrived in the 15th Century. Discoveries include traits about Malay culture prior to Singapore’s modern identity, and how kampung living thrived across Melaka, and other parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.

Reigniting nuances of heritage reduced to social media sound bites is critical to inspiring creative thought about the future, said Mr Chris Law, Founding Director of The Oval Partnership and visionary behind the exhibition.

“This event recreates the experience of a bygone age, and enables attendees to explore how life was lived then,” he said. “Now we have a clearer sight of where we came from, and how we were shaped. It deepens our understanding of the giants whose shoulders we stand on, so we can build a better world for the generations that come after us.”

BUILDING A CULTURE OF CO-CREATION
The Oval Partnership collaborated with Singapore Management University (SMU) students, as well as Singapore Institute of Technology’s (SIT) research group, to revisit cultural elements indicating sustainable practices, gender equality and cultural modernity.

The Oval Partnership organized research workshops and visits to Kampong Lorong Buangkok and Pulau Ubin, where participants documented oral histories of villagers. The students then created their own artworks based on their experiences and responses, which will be displayed in Zone B (Present) as part of an exhibition.

In addition, Oval invited a research group from SIT to present their project works and a published book titled “Project Kampong Lorong Buangkok.” The exhibition of their works and book will also be featured in Zone B (Present). The SIT research group was led by Dr. Intan Azura Mokhtar, who is an Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Community Leadership and Social Innovation Centre (CLASIC) at SIT. The group included Dr. Jawn Lim Tze-Hin, Dr. Charles Carroll, and Dr. Agnes Xue Lishan from SIT’s Business, Communication, and Design Cluster.

Works from SMU students who went for the site visit will also be presented at the exhibition’s Zone B (Present).

This initiative is just the beginning. The Oval Partnership’s ongoing research collaborations with leading institutions of higher learning (IHLs), and co-creating with communities where it has a presence, reflects its mission to study and preserve the region’s natural history.

Working as a heritage ally to more IHLs and individuals with a stake in the pre-colonial history of Southeast Asia, it aims to restore fresh perspectives about the region, such as its position as a hub of constant activity including trading, deal-making, and an exchange of ideas.

The Oval Partnership hopes to extend its work into Thai and Vietnamese cultures, and invites those interested in these cultures to participate by emailing Audrene Lam at audrenelam@ovalpartnership.com.

ENTER A WORLD OF “LOST CITIES”
Audiences stepping into the extraordinary world of the “Lost Cities Exhibition” will embark on an immersive journey into the Kampong Cities of 14th-century Southeast Asia — a progressive culture.

Seven hundred years ago this region was already an international trading zone, where traders came with exquisite items that represented material wealth as much as knowledge—from Japan, China, India, Burma, the Arabian Gulf, and Venice. In this egalitarian setting, women had as many rights as men in most aspects.

As SMU students documented stories about the last two kampungs in Singapore — Pulau Ubin and Kampong Lorong Buangkok — they further discovered their sustainable practices and ways of living.

Over several months of fieldwork at Kampong Lorong Buangkok, they shaped the story of the exhibition’s fictional protagonist, a village leader, on the captivating story of its landlady, Ms Sng Mui Hong. The daughter of the kampung’s founder and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, Mr Sng Teow Koon, continues to have daily interactions with other residents. Working with them, she helps to resolve conflict, and encourage purpose.

The exhibition is further enriched by intricate details about kampung living in precolonial port cities, providing insights into a previously little-known world.

REVISITING A GREAT PORT CITY
In addition to SMU, The Oval Partnership also worked with SIT to transport audiences to a re-imagined village at the Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) precinct from 700 years ago.

“Singapore, the Great Port City” recalls the country’s critical position in the region.

As a pearl in a vibrant network of global maritime trade, it was already prosperous. Even back then, the region was a centre of economic, social and governance innovation. It shared the dynamic and interconnected culture of port cities along the Straits of Melaka including Aceh, Kedah, and Malacca.

SNF returns to its full scale with an emphasis on post-pandemic themes such as sustainable living and climate action, which have become more compelling to global audiences since 2020.

This year’s exhibition uncovers Singapore’s relationship to its neighbours along the Melaka Straits, diving deeper into the port-city heritage. It has a strong focus on restoration and preservation, centred on the following themes:

* Heritage refers to bringing back and reinstating lost practices.

* Sustainability looks at from the House to the City – the Best Sustainability Development and Practices in the Kampong Port Cities in terms of Environmental, Social and Governance.

* Community refers to rediscovering Vestiges of Kampong Heritage, centered on studies of Kampong Lorong Buangkok and Pulau Ubin.

Aligned with The Oval Partnership’s renowned commitment to preserving heritage and sustainability while designing tomorrow’s built environment, the group is proud to be Patron of SNF.

DON’T MISS A GOLDEN ERA
Date: August 18 to October 1, 2023
Weekdays: 10am to 6pm
Weekends: 10am to 10pm
Entry: Free
Venue: Fort Canning Centre
Journey through Singapore’s golden era from 18 August to 1 October at Fort Canning Centre. Join us on this immersive expedition into the captivating realm of kampung culture, to uncover a history going back nearly a millennium, legacy remains in modern-day Singapore. Experience the unique perspective of a fictional tale led by a visionary female kampung chief and embark on an exploration of this society in harmony with the natural world.

JOIN OUR PANEL DISCUSSION
Date: August 16, 2023
Entry: Free
Venue: Fort Canning Centre/ Online
Time: 7pm to 8pm
Register here: https://www.ovalpartnership.com/en/exhibition-panel-discussionrsvp

It is about the sustainability model of the kampung port cities during the pre-colonial era, given our current model based on fossil fuel energy and its collateral effect on our society and environment. Featuring Chris Law (Foundering Director of The Oval Partnership), Dr. Johannes Widodo (the Director of the Graduate Programmes in Architectural Conservation, and Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Asian Architectural and Urban Heritage in Melaka of the Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore), Dr. Barnabas Calder (the Head of the History of Architecture Research Cluster, University of Liverpool), and Mr. Clement Onn, (the Principal Curator at Asian Civilisations Museum).

Kampong Port Cities of the Pre-colonial Era Exhibition will take place at Fort Canning Centre. For more details, please visit: https://www.ovalpartnership.com/en/news/kampong-port-cities-of-the-pre-colonial-era-exhibition

Hashtag: #ovalpartnership #exhibition2023 #SNF2023 #singaporenightfestival #Kampong #Kampongcities #culturalheritage #sustainability #community

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ABOUT THE OVAL PARTNERSHIP

The Oval Partnership is an award-winning team of international strategic consultants, urbanists, architects, and designers. They conceive and deliver leading projects that nurture and sustain the long term value of a community’s social, ecological, and economic capital.

For more information about Oval Partnership, please visit https://www.ovalpartnership.com/

TAOYUAN, TAIWAN – Media OutReach – 11 August 2023 – From August 11 to October 15, the 2023 Hakka Expo officially welcomes all the guests to visit Taoyuan, Taiwan, with the theme “Travel to Tomorrow.” Taking advantage of its smart city features, the Expo will present the diversity of the Hakka people by opening up a dialogue between new technology and the future.

There will be lots of performances every weekend during the event period. In the much-anticipated show, “Into the 1895 – The Story of Hakka,” dancers will use their physical skills and props to interact with fire through the combination of Hakka poetry and literature to create a poetic beauty between stillness and movement. In addition, pop singers and groups from various countries will gather at Taoyuan Hakka Music Festival, while the “Hakka Symphony” will render magnificent harmonies of Eastern and Western instruments. “So Young Taoyuan Is!” will bring together a variety of hip-hop, pop music, and DJs for you to enjoy!

Aside from the marvelous performance, the Taiwan Pavilion, one of the main exhibitions, is filled with impressive works of art and interactive installations that showcase the culture, music, crafts, food, beliefs, and history of the Hakka people across Taiwan’s 14 cities and counties. The World Pavilion also offers a fascinating glimpse into the Hakkas’ settlement in 20 countries through stunning AI-generated art and projected images in a ring-shaped space. You can immerse yourself in the dramatic environment that will leave you with a new perspective on Hakka’s life.

Before leaving the venue, don’t miss a chance to interact with the charming “Hakka AI robot.” You can speak Hakka with the robot, and use games to piece your own Hakka memories.

For more information, please visit https://www.hakkaexpo2023.tw/homePage

Hashtag: #HakkaExpo

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Curates high-quality art content in collaboration with enterprises and government to contribute to tourism and industry development through major arts and cultural events

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 11 August 2023 – Forward Fashion (International) Holdings Company Limited (“Forward Fashion”; Stock Code: 2528), a creative integrated group with three synergistic business segments – fashion, art and lifestyle – presents four arts and cultural projects in collaboration with the three major integrated resort operators in Macau and the Group’s multi-dimensional art space, Artelli, for the international art event “Art Macao 2023”. Leveraging their extensive artistic resources and curatorial experience, the parties aim to provide a more diversified and rich arts and cultural experience for the market, and to establish new arts and cultural landmarks exclusive to the city. This year’s “Art Macao” began on 28 July 2023 and will run until October 2023. During this period, the Group collaborates with over 14 international and local art units to create original art content for Macau. The lineup includes four renowned contemporary artists: Wang Bo, one of the top 100 young contemporary artists in China; Mr Doodle, an internationally renowned art master; Jason Naylor, a graffiti artist from New York; and Philip Colbert, a contemporary pop art master. They visit Macau for the first time, where they meet and engage local artists and the public. Visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the process, stories, and meanings behind the creations from the artists’ perspectives, further fostering the development and popularisation of Macau’s arts and culture.

Artelli Collateral Exhibition – “Form and Essence, Between Complexity and Simplicity” Solo Exhibition by WANG Bo, Young Chinese Avant-Garde Artist

“Form and Essence, Between Complexity and Simplicity” is the solo exhibition of the young Chinese avant-garde artist Wang Bo, and marks Artelli’s inaugural exhibition featuring young Chinese artists. It is also Artelli’s first participation in “Art Macao 2023”, a major international arts and cultural event in the city, showcased in the form of a collateral exhibition. Beijing artist, Wang Bo, is among the 100 young Chinese artists selected by the Ministry of Culture for the cultural industry key initiatives. At the event, he has chosen to exhibit his “A Book” series, which is inspired by the poems of his favourite Macau poet Yao Feng, thereby connecting his work to the city. Through the bold and vivid use of colors, he analyzes and appropriates everyday aesthetics, reconstructs Chinese landscapes, and translates classic Western patterns into his works. By combining historical iconography and spatial treatment, he presents a visual language with a new sensibility. On 4 August, Wang Bo participated in the opening ceremony and art talk in Macau.

First Macau exhibition by internationally renowned artist Mr Doodle

Artelli, in its capacity as a co-organizer and curator, has presented the “Mr Doodle – First Exhibition in Macao” with Melco Crown Entertainment. Mr Doodle’s meticulously created artworks can be seen throughout City of Dreams and Artelli, including the iconic public art building “Doodle Showroom” on the Cotai Strip, which reinvents the look of The Showroom with its sleek lines and unique patterns; “Doodle Hall” is a breathtaking immersive exhibition at the main entrance of City of Dreams while “Doddle Love Wall” is a large-scale public interactive art installation that will be launched on China’s Valentine’s Day; “Doodle Cube” is a multimedia art installation at the Morpheus Hotel that blends a distinctive style of graffiti with a free-flowing architectural design.

At Artelli, visitors can witness the world debut of Mr Doodle’s large-scale original exhibition, “Disney Art Collection by Mr Doodle”, a highlight of his exhibition in Macau. On 12 September, Mr Doodle will make his first visit to Macau to showcase his creations, and visitors can look forward to a vibrant exhibition of contemporary art.

BE@RBRICK MACAU – World’s First Immersive BE@RBRICK Art Exhibition

Organized by Galaxy Entertainment Group, co-organized by Forward Fashion and curated by BE@RBRICK MACAU, the World’s First Immersive BE@RBRICK Art Exhibition has taken place at Galaxy Macau^TM, establishing a new art landmark in the city. This event is the largest BE@RBRICK art exhibition ever held in Macau, combining technology and digital art to present a cultural fusion of trend and art, offering an innovative and diversified art exhibition for both tourists and residents.

The art exhibition is divided into several zones, starting with the limited edition BE@RBRICK MACAU 2023 and a series of two-meter-tall BE@RBRICK 3000% art installations unveiled at the Pearl Lobby, which incorporate AR elements to create an immersive interactive experience and bridge the gap between art and audience. The exhibition also boasts the world-first and tallest MY FIRST BE@RBRICK B@BY 10000% giant outdoor art installation towering over seven meters, displayed at the Outdoor Lawn near Diamond Lobby, which is set to become a must-see attraction in Macau. Over 50 exhibits from previous BE@RBRICK MACAU exhibitions will be showcased, along with immersive experience spaces such as “BE@RBRICK Garden” and “BE@RBRICK Infinity”. Additionally, the world debut of BE@RBRICK digital art will be presented at GalaxyArt. Another highlight is the special edition BE@RBRICK, created by Macau artist MCZ_Thomas, has also been released to promote the cooperation of “International IP x Macau element x Macau artist”, bringing local artists to the international stage. The opening ceremony has also extended to the “Power of Art – Contemporary Art & Fashion: A Driving Force of the Cultural Industry Development” art forum and exchanged in-depth thoughts among industry professional.

Diversified and explorative art hub ASCE launches the first “Meet the Magic” exhibition since its opening to light up Macau’s summer art scene

Internationally renowned artists Jason Naylor and Philip Colbert visit Macau for the first time

Organized by Sands China, co-organized by Forward Fashion, and curated by ASCE, “Meet the Magic: In celebration of Disney 100 by Philip Colbert & Jason Naylor” exhibition invites two internationally renowned contemporary artists, Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor, to present a series of original artworks and giant installations. The exhibition showcases two five-meter-tall Mickey Mouse-inspired large-scale art installations in Le Jardin at Parisian Macao and the lagoon area of The Venetian Macao. This marks the first time that Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor have displayed their original works, including classic and world premieres, in Macau. Their vibrant art injects infinite colour into the summer and provides a richer cultural experience for both local residents and tourists. At the opening of the exhibition, New York graffiti artist Jason Naylor and contemporary pop art master Philip Colbert met the local young artists, media, and collectors and shared their creative experiences with them in Macau. The artists attracted a large number of fans and kicked off the summer of art together.

Mr. Patrick Fan, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Forward Fashio, said, “Forward Fashion and our art brands are honoured to participate in the international art event ‘Art Macao’, and to collaborate with a number of large-scale integrated resort operators as organizer, co-organizer and curator to create interesting and high-quality art content, bringing surprises to the market and art enthusiasts, and jointly creating new cultural and artistic landmarks for the city, so as to position Macau as a more attractive travel destination. As an art content provider, Artelli, a multi-dimensional art space of Forward Fashion, has rapidly established footholds in four major cities, namely Macau, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Shanghai, in six months, and organised more than five high-profile international art exhibitions. Looking ahead, Forward Fashion will continue to introduce more innovative, dynamic, and diverse international visual arts projects, which will further enhance the artistic and cultural atmosphere in Macau. Additionally, the Group aims to provide more exhibition platforms for local and international artists to exchange ideas and showcase their work.”

Forward Fashion will constantly explore its unique business model that combines culture, art and commerce in future in an effort to establish a sustainable art and culture business ecosystem where art, commerce, and tourism can work together. Through its original art brands Artelli and ASCE, Forward Fashion will collaborate with high-end brands, well-known IPs and artists, to introduce more exclusive and first-of-their-kind collaborative projects. This will include creating original art content and collectibles, as well as expanding the international market. The Group will also continue to innovate and explore the possibilities of Web3 digital art, bringing more refreshing art experiences to the market.

Hashtag: #ForwardFashion

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About Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2023

“Art Macao” is an international art event organised by the Macao Special Administrative Region Government integrating resources from various sectors in the S.A.R., aimed at congregating global creative forces to produce a city-wide signature biennale event. Renowned curator Qiu Zhijie is the chief curator of “Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2023”, which has adopted the theme “The Statistics of Fortune” to reflect on the expectations and concerns caused by the development of science and technology and explore the clashes and interactions between science and religion. From summer to autumn, through eight sections – , namely, the Main Exhibition, Public Art Exhibition, City Pavilion, Special Exhibition, Invitational Exhibition by Local Artists, Local Curatorial Project, Art Exhibition of Higher Education Institutions and Collateral Exhibition, nearly 30 art exhibitions will be presented across the city, in a showcase of modern and contemporary masterpieces that are zestful and representative, by over 200 artists from more than 20 countries and regions, allowing visitors to experience the breadth and depth of art while at the same time embarking on a grand aesthetic journey. The objective is to raise to a new level the cultural and artistic atmosphere of Macao as a famous World Heritage city.

Website: https://www.artmacao.mo/2023/en

About Forward Fashion (International) Holdings Company Limited

Forward Fashion (International) Holdings Company Limited is an integrated group with three synergistic business segments – fashion, art and lifestyle – and a commitment to creating innovative retail business model. With a track record of managing over 100 brands, the Group has helped many brands to establish their first presence in Greater China. In recent years, the Group has actively enhanced its operations and developed its own brands, such as Artelli, ASCE, UMJ, WF Fashion, to further enrich its brand portfolio. Leveraging its extensive retail experience and IP resources, the Group has spearheaded exclusive collaborations with brands and cultural and art communities to expand into the international market.

Mr. Fan Wing Ting, Patrick, is the founder, chairman and executive director of Forward Fashion Holdings. In 2005, he founded the first company of the Group in Hong Kong focusing on fashion apparel retail in Greater China. Following the Group’s 2020 listing on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, Forward Fashion has embarked on eCommerce platforms and introduced international fashion and artistic brands and visionary international art projects to Greater China. The Group aims to cater for the preferences and needs of local youths and promotes business diversification.

About Artelli

Artelli is the pioneering multi-dimensional space for contemporary art, lifestyle aesthetics, digital and techno art, art communities, and brand collaborations. The space stands as a new and unprecedented international landmark for art and culture.

Artelli will ultimately join forces with over a hundred internationally renowned artists and brand designers to co-create exclusive art projects and debut collections. With a dedicated focus on Web 3.0 digital art and metaverse, Artelli pioneers the exploration of new artistic dimensions. Guided by a strong commitment to become a multi-dimensional art space that fosters collaborations within the art and culture communities, Artelli’s visionary path unfolds through the fusion of art, technology, and the dynamic commercial sector.

Artelli has successfully organized more than five highly anticipated art exhibitions, featuring international artists in prime locations spanning Macau, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Shanghai. In the future, Artelli envisions expanding its brand to attain international prominence as the landmark for art and culture. With aspirations reaching Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, New York, London, and Paris, Artelli is set to leave a vivid mark on the global stage over the next five years.

About ASCE

A playful creativity hub for visionary breakthroughs of internationally acclaimed characters. ASCE serves as a diverse and explorative art hub where collectors gather for social exchange and discover the fabric of everyday life.

ASCE embraces the ethos of playfulness, everyday lifestyle, and personalization, uncovering collaborations with internationally renowned artists and brand designers to create seasonal character projects. ASCE blends fashion, art, design, and technology to build a diverse hub for lifestyle art experiences and boundary-breaking creative exchanges. Strengthening bonds with creative communities, ASCE will be hosting a range of exceptional events, establishing as an exploration hub for art, culture, and lifestyle enthusiasts to connect and exchange ideas.

ASCE aims to achieve new milestones in art + commerce in the Greater Bay Area and targets to expand its footprint worldwide in mainland China, and to Tokyo, Seoul, New York, London and Paris.