The SSA Youth Musical (SYM) Closing Ceremony held on April 2 at the SSA Headquarter’s Ikeda Culture Auditorium was attended by some 800 guests, SYM participants, family members and invited groups. The event also saw the presentation of the SSA Culture Award (Gold Medal) to four distinguished and treasured friends of SSA, namely, Mr Choo Thiam Siew, President of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Mr Nah Juay Hng, Group Director (Networks) of the People’s Association, Mr Perng Peck Seng, Chairman of the Culture Committee of the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Association, and Mr David Tay Poey Cher, President of The Photographic Society of Singapore.
Mr Choo Thiam Siew shared the following in his acceptance speech. “First, I would like to thank Singapore Soka Association. All four of us on whom this award is bestowed feel that we are most undeserving. All four of us are active in the arts field, have great interest in the arts and are involved in the arts and culture.
It is an honour to be bestowed this award. Having watched the musical, what left me the deepest impression was the power of unity. It is not easy to put up a musical like this. This is not a professional group and the venue is also not designed for professional performances, yet you are able to overcome the challenges posed by the venue. Every actor’s earnest attitude left me with a lasting impression. First, many of the actors had tears glistening in their eyes, affected as they were by their own emotions. Second, some of the details were handled superbly, such as the fan dance and flag movements, which were executed in perfect rhythm.
The most important aspect of a performance is the process. As mentioned by the YWD Chief, everyone performing on stage or supporting backstage had learnt a lot. This is the biggest gain reaped from the show.
To me and my three other friends, this show has made a huge impact on us. These are not polite niceties. We have caught many professional and amateur performances but what we have witnessed here are the power of unity and sacrifices of SGS’s Youth Division. This is SGS’s greatest asset and also the biggest benefit of this performance.”
SSA Culture Award (Silver Medal) was also presented to the 177 members from the SYM’s cast and supporting groups who have made significant contribution to its success. Prior to the award ceremony and appreciation speeches, the Chinese cast put up a moving finale performance of the SYM for the audience.
