SINGAPORE – Six talented individuals between the ages of nine to 20 auditioned against 26 of shortlisted candidates on 21 March 2020, and were chosen to receive the Mapletree-TENG Academy Scholarship.

The Mapletree-TENG Academy Scholarship is an ongoing partnership between Mapletree Investments (“Mapletree”) and The TENG Company (“TENG”). Currently in its third year running, the scholarship provides financial support for the musical education of young talents aged 21 and below who are passionate about Chinese music, but do not have the financial capability to pursue their musical passion. 

“My desire is to improve myself and seize the opportunity to perform on an even larger stage, meet people with a similar passion and spread joy to others through Chinese music. With the help of Chinese music, I hope to become a better version of myself,” said Cheng Yu Xuan (16, Swiss Cottage Secondary School).

Delivered by TENG’s educational arm, The TENG Academy, the scholarship presents the recipients a holistic programme through robust one-to-one training classes, mentorships and performance opportunities. Each scholarship has a tenure of two years and is valued at S$10,000. With this year’s overwhelming number of applications received, Mapletree has committed a total of S$60,000 to six recipients, an increase from S$40,000 committed to the inaugural batch of four recipients.

Mapletree’s Chairman, Mr Edmund Cheng, added, “By increasing the number of scholarships this year, we hope that more aspiring young musicians can continue to pursue their passion in Chinese music. It reinforces Mapletree’s commitment to supporting the arts and education, which are key pillars of our CSR prorgramme. We look forward to future performances of our scholars and celebrating their success together.”
 
The increased financial support by Mapletree is both crucial and timely for Singapore’s art and culture scene, which is significantly affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, the scholarship will continue to play an integral role in providing support to these young talents when access to the arts is severely restricted.

Strict measures have also been taken to ensure the safety of all scholars while providing a suitable environment for scholars to continue their musical education. Ongoing efforts include transitioning music theory and instrument classes to online digital platforms, conducting individual assessment via teleconferencing, and postponing all non-essential activities.

Co-founder and Executive Director of TENG, Mr Yang Ji Wei said, “In difficult times, music is essential in creating a sense of community and belonging between one another. At a time where the access to the arts is limited, it is ever more vital for us to step in and support our youths through the scholarship, providing a safe and nurturing environment for our scholars. As TENG hopes to inspire people with our uniquely Singaporean Chinese musical heritage, we, in turn, hope that our scholars will also be inspired to give back to society. And all this, would not have been possible without Mapletree’s unwavering support”. 

In addition to Yu Xuan, this year’s scholarship recipients also includes Ee Anzhi (9, Poi Ching School), Hong Xin Ying Athena (11, Tao Nan School), Seetoh Yoke Cheong (14, Maris Stella High School), Tan Jiale (15, Woodgrove Secondary School), and Kee Teng Hwee (20, ITE College West).

For more information about the scholarship, please visit The TENG Academy.

Photos
Please download the high-res photos here.
Photo Credits: The TENG Company

Mapletree-TENG Academy Scholar Cheng Yu Xuan, 16, Swiss Cottage Secondary School

Mapletree-TENG Academy Scholar, Leow Hua Xi, receiving online music lessons from her mentor, Bertram Wee