Singapore Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong officially inaugurated the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS) new campus. The opening marks a significant milestone for the institution, which has long played a central role in preserving and teaching Indian classical arts in Singapore.
Founded in 1949 with just six students learning in a private home, SIFAS has grown over more than seven decades into one of Singapore’s leading centres for Indian classical music, dance and the visual arts. The Society offers a pan-Indian curriculum that spans multiple disciplines and has nurtured generations of students, gurus and professional artistes. Its work has contributed steadily to Singapore’s multicultural arts landscape through consistent teaching, practice and public promotion of these traditional forms.
The inauguration ceremony began with the arrival of Prime Minister Wong. It featured the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a welcome address by SIFAS President Mr KV Rao. A commemorative plaque was unveiled to mark the official opening of the new premises. Another highlight of the event was the inauguration of the SIFAS-Bothra Theatre, made possible through the support of Ravi Chand Bothra and Kumud Kumari Bothra.
Prime Minister Wong delivered an address before receiving a commemorative gift. Guests then attended a special cultural presentation, followed by a reception and tours of the new facilities.
In his remarks, PM Wong congratulated SIFAS on its new home and reflected on the Society’s journey since 1949. “Now, more than seven decades later, that small beginning has grown into one of Singapore’s leading institutions for Indian classical music, dance and the visual arts, with a pan-Indian curriculum spanning many different disciplines,” he said.
He acknowledged the contributions of SIFAS leaders, teachers, volunteers and supporters in building Singapore’s arts community. He noted that the institution’s influence extends beyond its own students by nurturing artists, teachers and audiences who continue to enrich the wider cultural landscape.
PM Wong highlighted the importance of transmitting cultural traditions to younger generations while giving them the confidence to adapt and develop those traditions. Institutions such as SIFAS, he said, teach not only artistic techniques but also the discipline, history and philosophy that underpin traditional art forms.
“Our challenge is not to shield our young people from new influences but it is to give them stronger roots so that they can engage confidently in this new world,” he said. Emphasising the relationship between cultural preservation and creativity, he added, “So tradition and innovation are not opposites. A living tradition must have both tradition and innovation.”
The Prime Minister also encouraged SIFAS to introduce Indian classical arts to wider audiences. He noted that the cultural value of these art forms can be appreciated by Singaporeans of all races and religions. Singapore’s multicultural identity, he observed, allows different traditions to flourish while encouraging interaction and mutual enrichment.
The new campus is located near other arts schools, museums and performance spaces. This proximity creates opportunities for partnerships with neighbouring institutions. PM Wong particularly encouraged SIFAS to make use of its open-air amphitheatre to introduce Indian classical performances to people who may be experiencing the art forms for the first time.
The new premises are expected to support wider public engagement, artistic development and cultural exchange. They provide improved facilities for teaching, practice and performance, enabling the Society to expand its educational programmes and community outreach.
Concluding his address, PM Wong encouraged the Society to remain rooted in its heritage while continuing to evolve and welcome new audiences. He congratulated the SIFAS community and wished the institution continued creativity, discovery and artistic excellence.
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The inauguration of the new campus reinforces SIFAS’s long-standing commitment to high-quality arts education. By combining traditional knowledge with modern facilities and an outward-looking approach, the Society aims to ensure that Indian classical arts remain a living and accessible part of Singapore’s cultural life for future generations.
Through consistent teaching and community engagement, SIFAS continues to play a valuable role in nurturing talent, preserving heritage and contributing to the nation’s diverse artistic ecosystem. The new campus positions the institution to strengthen these efforts and reach broader audiences in the years ahead.
