As Malaysia’s Independence Day approaches, a poignant art book titled ‘Let Our Children Dream’ seeks to transport Malaysians back to the cherished memories of their childhood in the idyllic ‘kampung’ or village setting. The book features 60 exquisite paintings by artist and former Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) Deputy Director General, Yeow Teck Chai. These evocative artworks will be exhibited at Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC) from September 6, an event inaugurated by the esteemed Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz.
Yeow’s paintings capture the enchantment of yesteryears when children’s days were marked by playful escapades – swimming in the river, climbing fruit-laden trees, and pedalling bicycles through lush landscapes. Alongside Yeow’s pieces, artist Ong Soon Keat will also showcase 10 original oil paintings, enriching the narrative of simple joys and innocent exploration.
All proceeds from the sale of ‘Let Our Children Dream’ and the original artworks will be devoted to charitable causes, specifically the Society of the Several Mentally Handicapped (SSMH) and the Free Food Society. Yeow Teck Chai, now 72 years old, finds it imperative to support these organizations as a means of nurturing the dreams of underprivileged children. Reflecting on his own modest upbringing, Yeow shared, “Coming from a family of 10, I wondered: Would I be able to leave my small kampung in Kuantan? Will I be able to become the artist or architect that I’ve always dreamed of becoming?”
Although his professional career initially led him away from his artistic aspirations, Yeow’s creative talents found expression in his work at Mida, where he ingeniously crafted marketing campaigns to attract foreign investments. Upon his retirement in 2006, Yeow decided to channel his artistic prowess into charitable endeavours. His previous project, ‘Birds of Malaysia,’ raised significant funds for charitable causes and established him as a renowned artist.
‘Let Our Children Dream’ is a visual journey into the world of carefree childhoods, where the paintings depict the joy and mischief of children within the backdrop of the rustic kampung surroundings. The book’s editor and Yeow’s daughter, Charlotte Yeow, provided context to the artworks, underscoring the essence of childhood dreams – from the whimsical to the deeply profound.
The art book’s final chapter captures poignant scenes, focusing on children from less privileged backgrounds, thereby urging readers to contemplate the challenges faced by these youngsters and encouraging support for the associated charities. Yeow Teck Chai’s former colleagues at Mida initiated these organizations – SSMH and Free Food Society – both aimed at aiding underprivileged children and addressing societal inequalities.
In Yeow’s words, “I feel that children’s dreams and their education are the basis of the future of any country,” underscoring the transformative power of nurturing dreams in a multiracial and multi-ethnic environment. ‘Let Our Children Dream’ invites all to revisit the cherished past and foster a brighter future. The exhibition will run from September 6 to 10 at BSC, complete with guided tours led by Charlotte Yeow, providing a platform for children to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of art and nostalgia.