See Too Hoi Siang

Chinese Theatre Circle

Leading Artiste

SEE TOO HOI SIANG
YOUNG ICON FOR CHINESE OPERA

CITATION

WINNER OF "THE OUTSTANDING YOUNG PERSON IN THE WORLD AWARD" FOR CULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT IN 2001

Miss See Too Hoi Siang
Singapore
Category: Cultural Achievement

See Too Hoi Siang began her training in the art of Chinese opera at the age of 14. See Too Hoi Siang began her training in the art of Chinese opera at the age of 14. A diligent worker, she has now mastered all aspects of Cantonese opera after twenty-three years of continuous and assiduous training. She is perhaps the only homegrown artist capable of performing both civilian and military-type roles with equal competence. In 1998, she gave up an executive career to become a lead opera actress, taking up the challenge of upholding the beauty of this seemingly dying art. she was willing to turn professional despite the meager income it promised.

To date, Siang has delivered almost 2000 performances both at home and overseas. Her passion for her art has spurred her into giving Chinese Opera demonstrations to over 500,000 students throughout Singapore. This is quite a challenge since the past two generations of Singaporeans are more in tune with Western performing arts. Only the older generations understand and appreciate this centuries-old art form called Chinese Opera. In order to ensure that these and future generations of Singaporeans do not lose this part of their history, she continues to tirelessly visit high schools and junior colleges to demonstrate it's beauty. In doing this, she imparts the traditional Chinese values such as filial piety, loyalty and the avoidance of evil of all forms. Siang shares stories of ancient legends that have kept audiences mesmerized for many centuries. Her passion today is to instill into our youth the idea that the path to personal success can be wrought from the passion to succeed through all odds.

Siang also helps promote Chinese Opera at the Opera Teahouse to visitors of Singapore. She has taken Chinese Opera to 14 countries in all continents, performing at all the major art festivals around the globe. She has not only uplifted the status of Chinese Opera, but has firmly placed Singapore on the cultural map of the world by building strong cultural relations between these countries and Singapore. Her performances have won her many standing ovations and impeccable reviews.

The first Chinese Opera artist in Singapore to perform "Madam White Snake" in English, Siang raised US$300,000 for the Dover Park Hospice.

In all respects, Siang's passion has brought awe to numerous communities both in Singapore and abroad. Her performances have also given hope to the many charities she serves. Siang's tireless passion for her work has made her an icon in Chinese Opera.