Lights, Camera, Action at Arts Awards 2011
A crew of dancers during the awards ceremony.
MEETING STORY by Melvin Tan
Certificates from Centre For the Arts (CFA) will highlight the involvement level of students from next year onwards- providing an edge for National University of Singapore (NUS) students in their future job applications. This announcement was made by Christine Khor, CFA Director, during the annual Tan Ean Kian Arts Awards at the University Cultural Centre (UCC) last week.
There were no further details available regarding the new initiative. “The new changes will definitely encourage all committee members to work harder as it will be reflected in their certificates,” said Cheryl Teo, Student of the Year award nominee. “This is like the CAP system. You’ll either get first class, second class or third class,” she added.
However not everyone felt the same way. “Most of us do not work for these certificates but for our love for the arts. Even without the certificates, I am very sure that everyone will still do their best,” said Chin Chii Tarng, Alumni of the Year award nominee. “Most of the winners tonight are already established artists in their own field and would probably already have a string of awards under their belt,” added Rachel Chew, third-year NUS student.
Apart from the new initiative, Khor also encouraged the nominees to continue pursuing their passion for the arts after graduation. She mentioned Leonard Choo, recipient of CFA Student award 2010, who continued to study costume design in Boston University. “This year, the nominees have not lowered the bar,” she added. “Beyond their craft, they have also taken the responsibility to lead their peers. They not only created a family (within their clubs) but also an artistic haven in NUS.”
The theme of the night was Old Hollywood. Nominees and guests were all dressed up as Hollywood stars. They were greeted by an occasional interview by “paparazzi” while walking down the red carpet towards the UCC theatre. The star-studded event served to honour the best of the 23 CFA arts groups who have contributed significantly to the NUS Arts scene.
The ceremony also commemorated the late Paul Abisheganaden who passed away in August. Affectionately known as Mr A, he was one of the founding members of CFA. When he was alive, Abisheganaden never failed to attend major cultural events despite being on wheelchair. His daughter, Jacintha Abisheganaden, famous singer and actress, attended the Arts awards in his name.
The biggest winner of the night was Shiv Tandan, NUS Stage, who won the Student of the Year award. In his acceptance speech, he mentioned that the Arts Awards was a good way to end off the hectic work year of CFA groups. Luan Hao Ran, another winner, added, “This year was a special year for us as many CFA groups stood together and fought for our glory.”
Certificates from Centre For the Arts (CFA) will highlight the involvement level of students from next year onwards- providing an edge for National University of Singapore (NUS) students in their future job applications. This announcement was made by Christine Khor, CFA Director, during the annual Tan Ean Kian Arts Awards at the University Cultural Centre (UCC) last week.
There were no further details available regarding the new initiative. “The new changes will definitely encourage all committee members to work harder as it will be reflected in their certificates,” said Cheryl Teo, Student of the Year award nominee. “This is like the CAP system. You’ll either get first class, second class or third class,” she added.
However not everyone felt the same way. “Most of us do not work for these certificates but for our love for the arts. Even without the certificates, I am very sure that everyone will still do their best,” said Chin Chii Tarng, Alumni of the Year award nominee. “Most of the winners tonight are already established artists in their own field and would probably already have a string of awards under their belt,” added Rachel Chew, third-year NUS student.
Apart from the new initiative, Khor also encouraged the nominees to continue pursuing their passion for the arts after graduation. She mentioned Leonard Choo, recipient of CFA Student award 2010, who continued to study costume design in Boston University. “This year, the nominees have not lowered the bar,” she added. “Beyond their craft, they have also taken the responsibility to lead their peers. They not only created a family (within their clubs) but also an artistic haven in NUS.”
The theme of the night was Old Hollywood. Nominees and guests were all dressed up as Hollywood stars. They were greeted by an occasional interview by “paparazzi” while walking down the red carpet towards the UCC theatre. The star-studded event served to honour the best of the 23 CFA arts groups who have contributed significantly to the NUS Arts scene.
The ceremony also commemorated the late Paul Abisheganaden who passed away in August. Affectionately known as Mr A, he was one of the founding members of CFA. When he was alive, Abisheganaden never failed to attend major cultural events despite being on wheelchair. His daughter, Jacintha Abisheganaden, famous singer and actress, attended the Arts awards in his name.
The biggest winner of the night was Shiv Tandan, NUS Stage, who won the Student of the Year award. In his acceptance speech, he mentioned that the Arts Awards was a good way to end off the hectic work year of CFA groups. Luan Hao Ran, another winner, added, “This year was a special year for us as many CFA groups stood together and fought for our glory.”