SINGAPORE – Mapletree Investments (“Mapletree” or “the Group”) will present six awardees of the Mapletree Young Composers Initiative 2025 from the University of the Arts Singapore (“UAS”) — an alliance of LASALLE College of the Arts (“LASALLE”) and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (“NAFA”) — at a public concert on 30 May 2026, Saturday from 7.30pm to 9.00pm at the Lee Foundation Theatre, NAFA. The performance forms part of the Group’s initiatives and earlier announcement to commemorate Singapore’s 60th year of independence (“SG60”). Admission is free, with registration available via Eventbrite. (For more information, please refer to Annex A.)
Twenty submissions were received from LASALLE and NAFA students in August 2025. Following a rigorous judging process conducted by Mr Felix Phang, Founder and Managing Director of Pasat Merdu, Mr Americ Goh, Programme Leader (Continuing Education and Training), NAFA Faculty of Performing Arts and a Mapletree representative, six compositions were selected and each awarded a cash prize of S$2,500. Winning student composers received guidance through mentorship by Ms Belinda Foo, Lecturer, School of Contemporary Music, LASALLE and Dr Zechariah Goh, Head of Composition, School of Music, NAFA in preparation for this inaugural performance.
Centred on the theme “Essence of Singapore”, audiences can look forward to a vibrant line-up of pieces reflecting Singapore’s national identity, heritage and community. The showcase will include an award ceremony to recognise the winning composition from each arts institution.
Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman, Mapletree, said, “The Mapletree Young Composers Initiative 2025 reflects our belief in championing meaningful platforms that empower individuals in their creative growth. We are proud to support these young talents to develop their craft with confidence and make their mark in Singapore’s vibrant arts community.”
Mr Jose Isidro “Lito” Camacho, Chairman, University of the Arts Singapore, said, “This initiative reflects the transformative power of arts education in Singapore, where young composers are given not only the platform, but also the mentorship to bring their ideas to life. We are proud of our students from LASALLE and NAFA, whose works capture the spirit of Singapore through fresh and compelling musical expression. Collaborations such as this with Mapletree play an important role in nurturing the next generation of creative talent, while contributing to the development of our cultural ecosystem.”
Another arts initiative launched as part of Mapletree’s SG60 commemorative efforts, the Mapletree Young Filmmakers Initiative, will return for a second run in 2026, building on the encouraging outcomes of its inaugural edition. More information will be released at a later date.
Portrait, one of the top three short films produced under the Mapletree Young Filmmakers Initiative 2025 anddirectedby Daniel Tan Wen Long, has clinched the Grand Jury Prize at BAKUNAWA FEST 12 in the Philippines. The short film has also garnered further international recognition, including as a semi-finalist at the Tianjin International Academic Film Festival 2025 in China and as an Official Selection in the 2026 Fiction strand at the LJMU MA Short Film Festival in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
All top three short films from the Mapletree Young Filmmakers Initiative 2025 – Hotpot Mayhem, Kecantikan and Portrait – can be viewed on the Mapletree Arts in the City YouTube channel.
Mapletree Young Filmmakers Initiative and Mapletree Young Composers Initiative are some of Mapletree’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts under the Arts and Education pillars, underscoring the Group’s commitment to empowering individuals and enriching communities through the arts.
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ANNEX A
Mapletree Young Composers Initiative Performance & Award Ceremony
Date: 30 May 2026, Saturday
Time: 7.30pm – 9.00pm
Location: Lee Foundation Theatre, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Campus 3,
151 Bencoolen Street Singapore 189655
Ticket: Free registration via Eventbrite
Programme Line-Up:
| Composition | Description |
| Nestled in our Green City by Keith Lew BA (Hons) Music Year 2, LASALLE | The world moves so quickly around us, and I consider us extremely fortunate to have such easy access to so many beautiful nature spots and parks in Singapore. It is personally one of my favourite characteristics of this small island. I’ve had so many fond memories that have taken place in a park. I hope that with this piece, I’m able to convey the gratitude I have towards our parks and the peace and joy that they bring me. |
| Roots in the Skyline by Tan Wei Bin BA (Hons) Music Year 2, LASALLE | “Roots in the Skyline” reflects Singapore’s multicultural soundscape by pairing traditional timbres with a modern melodic motif, supported by rhythmic patterns drawn from different cultural traditions. It carries the idea that as we move forward and modernise, our roots continue to shape the skyline we build. |
| The Legend of The Lion City by Lok Chew Ru BA (Hons) Music Year 2, LASALLE | “The Legend of the Lion City” is about the story of Singapore, growing from a small island to a world-renowned city. The piece is a tribute to the pioneers of Singapore and everyone who worked hard to achieve the vision of constructing Singapore into a global city. The piece exhibits Singaporeans’ unity, strength and resilience via four musical sections which correspond to the various periods in Singapore. |
| Bedok Reservoir by Seem Jia Ang Bachelor of Music Year 4, NAFA, School of Music | As a small nation with limited land, Singapore must balance development with the preservation of nature. This piece reflects on that tension and encourages listeners to consider the trade‑offs made in pursuing economic growth. |
| Echoes of a Koel by Ow Yong Wai Yen Diploma in Music Year 3, NAFA, School of Music | “Echoes of a Koel” draws inspiration from the Asian Koel’s iconic call, a sound deeply embedded in Singapore’s daily landscape. Featuring the musical portrait of a familiar presence that weaves a sharp two‑note call throughout the piece, it invites listeners to rediscover the rhythms of daily life and appreciate the quiet poetry that has become part of Singapore’s identity. |
| Up Up Up Up by Luo Enning Master of Composition Year 1, NAFA, School of Music | This piece captures Singapore’s evolution from a diverse immigrant society into a unified nation marked by continual growth and progress. It celebrates the emergence of a collective voice among citizens, and serves as an inspiration to keep moving forward and shining. |
Note: Students’ year of study is indicated as at the awarding year of the Mapletree Young Composers Initiative 2025.
