APSN Tanglin School
Holistic Education: A Legacy Preserved
Ng Eng Teng (1934–2001)
Title: Holistic Education
Cast relief, c. late 20th century
This multi-panel relief is one of two works commissioned for Henry Park Primary School and Keng Seng Primary School in 1979. While differing in scale and design, both commissions embody the foundational principles of holistic education. In Singapore, this approach gained articulation and structured implementation from the late 2000s to early 2010s, with greater emphasis on character development, values formation, and non-academic competencies. It was rooted in the national “Thinking Schools, Learning Nation” (TSLN) vision launched in 1997.
Tanglin School inherited this artwork in 2000 when it assumed the former Keng Seng Primary School premises at 143 Alexandra Road.
Widely regarded as the “Grandfather of Singapore Sculpture,” Ng Eng Teng was a pioneering modern sculptor whose practice laid important foundations for contemporary sculpture in Singapore. Trained in ceramics in the United Kingdom and later celebrated for his expressive figurative works, Ng was awarded the Cultural Medallion in 1981. His works are held in major national collections, including the National Gallery Singapore and the NUS Museum. He is remembered for his deep humanism and enduring commitment to making art accessible to the public.
This expansive relief captures the nurturing of the whole person. Through scenes of children and adults engaged in reading, play, craft, collaboration, and care, the composition forms a tapestry of everyday life that reflects the balanced development of mind, body, creativity, and character. Ng’s rounded forms, gentle modelling, and flowing narrative imbue ordinary moments with warmth and dignity. The work stands as a celebration of learning, growth, and community, affirming the artist’s lifelong dedication to portraying the richness of human experience.
As part of Tanglin School’s move to its new campus, this treasured artwork was carefully conserved and relocated, ensuring that its legacy continues to inspire future generations. Click here to watch the restoration and relocation journey of Holistic Education to its new home.
Phone
6475 1511
Fax
6472 0408
Email
ts@apsn.org.sg
Principal
Mr Phua Huat Chuan
Address
8 Ang Mo Kio Street 54, #01-02
Singapore 569185
APSN Tanglin School
Holistic Education: A Legacy Preserved
Ng Eng Teng (1934–2001)
Title: Holistic Education
Cast relief, c. late 20th century
This multi-panel relief is one of two works commissioned for Henry Park Primary School and Keng Seng Primary School in 1979. While differing in scale and design, both commissions embody the foundational principles of holistic education. In Singapore, this approach gained articulation and structured implementation from the late 2000s to early 2010s, with greater emphasis on character development, values formation, and non-academic competencies. It was rooted in the national “Thinking Schools, Learning Nation” (TSLN) vision launched in 1997.
Tanglin School inherited this artwork in 2000 when it assumed the former Keng Seng Primary School premises at 143 Alexandra Road.
Widely regarded as the “Grandfather of Singapore Sculpture,” Ng Eng Teng was a pioneering modern sculptor whose practice laid important foundations for contemporary sculpture in Singapore. Trained in ceramics in the United Kingdom and later celebrated for his expressive figurative works, Ng was awarded the Cultural Medallion in 1981. His works are held in major national collections, including the National Gallery Singapore and the NUS Museum. He is remembered for his deep humanism and enduring commitment to making art accessible to the public.
This expansive relief captures the nurturing of the whole person. Through scenes of children and adults engaged in reading, play, craft, collaboration, and care, the composition forms a tapestry of everyday life that reflects the balanced development of mind, body, creativity, and character. Ng’s rounded forms, gentle modelling, and flowing narrative imbue ordinary moments with warmth and dignity. The work stands as a celebration of learning, growth, and community, affirming the artist’s lifelong dedication to portraying the richness of human experience.
As part of Tanglin School’s move to its new campus, this treasured artwork was carefully conserved and relocated, ensuring that its legacy continues to inspire future generations. Click here to watch the restoration and relocation journey of Holistic Education to its new home.
| Phone | 6475 1511 |
|---|---|
| Fax | 6472 0408 |
| ts@apsn.org.sg | |
| Principal | Mr Phua Huat Chuan |
| Address | 8 Ang Mo Kio Street 54, #01-02 Singapore 569185 |