Wardrobe of Memories: 16-Year-Old Joey Chua Wins S$3,000 Top Award at 2025 13–19 Art Prize
Singapore, 10 October 2025 – The 13–19 Art Prize crowned its 2025 winners this evening at Millenia Walk with 16-year-old Joey Chua Wen Xin from Nanyang Girls’ High School taking home the top award of
S$3,000 for her evocative artwork My Grandfather, Sister And The Wardrobe.
Inspired by C.S. Lewis’s wardrobe motif, Joey’s work reimagines Singapore’s everyday textures such as hawker stalls, hanging bananas, Gardenia bread and feather dusters as portals into memory and meaning.
“When I created My Grandfather, Sister And The Wardrobe, I wanted to capture the everyday spaces that define Singapore for me,” said Joey. “Behind the rush of the city, these little details hold our memories and stories. Winning this award makes me believe that even small ordinary moments can be powerful when shared through art.”
Celebrating Youthful Creativity in the SG60 Edition
This year’s SG60 edition of the 13–19 Art Prize saw a record 349 submissions from young artists aged 13–19 across Singapore, the highest number since the Prize was launched in 2021. The Open Category received 210 works from 200 participants while the Digital Category drew 139 works from 120 participants. Out of these, 30 finalists were shortlisted with 11 winners announced: 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze and 8 Merit awards.
Mr. Chong Huai Seng, Chairman of the Advisory Committee and Founder of The Culture Story, noted: “Joey’s work stood out for its ability to transform the familiar into something magical. By weaving household objects and food culture into a narrative that recalls both memory and imagination, her piece speaks to Singapore’s heritage and our collective sense of belonging. It is exactly the kind of bold yet heartfelt expression we hope to encourage
through the 13-19 Art Prize.”
Other Winning Works
Sandrea Law, Silver Award- CoffeeShop, capturing the warmth of community life.
Alexandra Gabrielle Gallego, Bronze Award- Golden hour over food, portraying a grandmother in Japan preserving Singaporean roots through traditional cooking.
Heather Chan, Merit Award- The City That Remembers, a vibrant tribute to Singapore’s heritage through Peranakan shophouses and intergenerational imagery.
These winning works and more will be featured in a public exhibition at Millenia Walk (Level 1, in front of Tesla) from 10 October to 30 October 2025.
Art Without Limits
2025 also marked the launch of Art Without Limits, a new competition category dedicated to persons with intellectual disability served by MINDS (Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore). Open to artists of all ages within MINDS’ programmes and services, the contest provides participants with a platform to express their creativity, share their stories and showcase their talents through art. In the spirit of SG60, contestants were invited to express what they love about Singapore, from its people and places to its food, festivals and traditions.
Auction for a Cause
All winning artworks will be featured in a silent online auction from 10 to 30 October 2025 via TRCL Auction 2025, with minimum bids ranging between $800 and $1,800. Proceeds from the 13–19 Arts Exhibition will go towards the Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) which has empowered more than 25,000 underserved children and youth in
Singapore to pursue their artistic dreams since 2005. Proceeds from the Art Without Limits category will support MINDS’ programmes and services.
At CGS International, we believe that art should be without limits. That is why we encouraged the introduction of the Art Without Limits category this year, alongside with our $30,000 donation to the 13–19 Art Prize. In the spirit of SG60, we are proud to champion a platform where persons with intellectual disability served by MINDS can share their creativity and stories. Every artist deserves the chance to be seen, celebrated and included in Singapore’s cultural journey.”- Malcolm Koo, Singapore CEO, CGS International.
Guest-of-Honour and Partners
The awards ceremony was graced by Mr. Baey Yam Keng, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Transport, who joined the winners, families and supporters in celebrating youth creativity as part of Singapore’s SG60 festivities.
The 2025 13–19 Art Prize was made possible with donations from CGS International Securities Singapore Pte Ltd ($30,000) The Culture Story ($10,000) and Millenia Walk ($3,000), alongside with the contributions from the Advisory Committee: Mr. Chong Huai Seng (Chairman), Mr. Helmi Yusof (Vice-Chair), Ms. Audrey Yeo, Ms. Audrey Zhang,Mr. Tan Kheng Lai, Mr. Nicholas Song, Ms. Rosalynn Tay and Mr. Tan See Kia.
Looking Ahead
As Singapore marks its 60th year of independence, the 13–19 Art Prize stands as a reminder that our nation’s future will be shaped not only by innovation and progress but also by the imagination of our young people. Through their art, these youths reveal stories of memory, identity and hope, ensuring that creativity remains a cornerstone of our shared journey ahead. “Millenia Walk is honoured to host this year’s exhibition and be part of the SG60 celebrations,” said Melanie Yeap, Vice President, Retail of Pontiac Land Group – Millenia Walk. “Providing a space for these young artists to showcase their talent allows us to celebrate both creativity and community while supporting the Business Times Budding Artists Fund in making the arts accessible to all.”
For media enquiries contact
Daphne Loo, Head of campaigns and communications
Contact 8945 9388 email daphne_loo@trcl.sg
