Tribute to Dr Wee Cho Yaw
This 12m long painting by alumnus Yip Yew Chong depicts key moments from the late Dr Wee Cho Yaw's life
Yip Yew Chong
Tribute to Dr Wee Cho Yaw
Acrylic on Wood
1206 x 150cm
Commissioned by NTU Singapore
Location: Wee Cho Yaw Plaza, Level 1 - Click to see on NTU maps
A tribute to the late Dr Wee Cho Yaw, who officiated the naming of Nanyang Business School in 1995, this painting depicts key moments from his early life, his business vision and his deep belief in giving back to society.
His roots and vision
The landscape opens with Dr Wee Cho Yaw mother's hometown, Quemoy, at the top, while below is a depiction of his father's place of origin, Kuching. Each island tenderly portrays the young Dr Wee with his parents, highlighting his deep emphasis on familial ties. The two places connect and transition into the early days of Singapore.
Here, the artist captures Dr Wee's childhood home in Tanjong Rhu and his alma mater, Chung Cheng High School. The young and ambitious Dr Wee held great ambitions (胸怀大志). He dreamt boldly and turned his vision into reality.
His business philosophy
The composition weaves together the achievements of Dr Wee Cho Yaw with Singapore's broader narrative of progress and modernisation. The principle of treating others with sincerity and keeping promises (赤诚相待 言而有信) reflects Dr Wee’s ethos in business, partnerships and community building, where trust serves as the currency of lasting success.
Rising prominently along the Singapore River are UOB Plaza 1 and 2 which expanded from the original UOB Building, alongside other significant developments that bear witness to his broader vision: the innovative Park Royal Pickering with its pioneering green architecture, Pan Pacific Orchard, and Singapore Land Tower. Five local banks acquired by UOB are also incorporated into the scene.
Giving back to society
This section illustrates how Dr Wee Cho Yaw’s advocacy of giving back (取于社会、用于社会) and his commitment to national development are intertwined, creating a legacy that extends beyond the financial system and into the very fabric of Singapore.
The various business associations and self-help groups he led are depicted alongside the small- and medium-sized enterprises supported by UOB. In the distance rise modern Singapore and the Great Wall of China.
His hope for NTU Singapore
This section celebrates Dr Wee Cho Yaw’s dedication to education and his support of NTU Singapore. The saying, "It takes ten years to grow a tree, but a hundred years to cultivate a person" (十年树木，百年树人), captures the belief of Dr Wee that education is society's most enduring investment.
The illustration features the University’s renowned landmarks, including Yunnan Garden, the replica of Nanyang University Arch and Chinese Heritage Centre. Beyond institutional development Dr. Wee's influence resonates most profoundly in the countless lives he touched through scholarships and bursaries created under his leadership.
Artist: Yip Yew Chong
Yip Yew Chong is known for his narrative-style paintings that celebrate Singapore's local heritage and everyday life. He is an alumnus of the Nanyang Business School.
Behind the scenes:
Read Yip Yew Chong's comments about his artwork on IG
See time lapse of Yip Yew Chong painting the artwork at Wee Cho Yaw Plaza on IG
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