Prime minister lawrence wong inaugurates SIFAS’s new Middle Road campus, supporting Indian classical arts education and cultural preservation.
Singapore Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong officially inaugurated the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS)’s new campus at 31 October 2026, highlighting the institution’s role in preserving Indian classical arts and nurturing generations of artists. The new premises will provide opportunities for wider public engagement, artistic development and cultural exchange.
Founded in 1949 with just six students learning in a private home, SIFAS has grown into an established cultural institution that has nurtured generations of students, Gurus and artistes. For more than seven decades, the Society has contributed to Singapore’s multicultural arts landscape through the teaching, practice and promotion of Indian classical arts.
The inauguration ceremony began with the arrival of Prime Minister Wong, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a welcome address by SIFAS President Mr KV Rao. The programme also included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the official opening of the new campus.
Another key highlight was the inauguration of the SIFAS-Bothra Theatre, made possible through the support of Ravi Chand Bothra and Kumud Kumari Bothra. Prime Minister Wong subsequently delivered an address before receiving a commemorative gift. Guests also attended a special cultural presentation, followed by a reception and tours of the new premises.
In his remarks, PM Wong congratulated SIFAS on its new home and reflected on its journey since its establishment in 1949, when its first classes consisted of just six students meeting in a private home.
“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 also acknowledged the contributions of SIFAS leaders, teachers, volunteers and supporters in developing Singapore’s arts community. He noted that the institution’s influence extended beyond its students by nurturing artists, teachers and audiences who continued to contribute to the cultural landscape.
PM Wong highlighted the importance of passing cultural traditions to younger generations while allowing them to adapt and develop. He said institutions such as SIFAS played an important role in teaching not only artistic techniques but also the discipline, history and philosophy behind 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.”
PM Wong also encouraged SIFAS to introduce Indian classical arts to wider audiences, noting that their cultural value could be appreciated by Singaporeans regardless of race or religion. He highlighted Singapore’s multicultural identity as one that allows different traditions to flourish while encouraging interaction and mutual enrichment.
The new campus, situated near arts schools, museums and performance spaces, offers opportunities for partnerships with neighbouring institutions. Mr Wong encouraged SIFAS to make use of its location, particularly its open-air amphitheatre, to introduce Indian classical performances to people who may be experiencing the art forms for the first time.
Concluding his address, he 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.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporter
