The Heart of Jun: Memoirs of Zhaojun

Siong Leng Musical Association was established in 1941 and owes its success to its late chairman, Teng Mah Seng. Under his guidance, Siong Leng has become an arts company that preserves and promotes Nanyin. Teng received the Cultural Medallion in 1987 due to his passion and love for Nanyin. As Siong Leng’s chairman, he continuously worked to reform and revive Nanyin. He revitalised Nanyin by writing new lyrics and music that were livelier and more relatable. With his hard work and perseverance, Nanyin was given a new life.  

In 1983, Siong Leng participated in the 37th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and won third place in the folk solo category with Teng’s work Reminiscence, and fourth place in the folk ensemble category with the traditional Nanyin piece Trotting Horse. In 2010, Siong Leng took part in the same competition and won the first prize in the folk solo category with Teng’s work Facets of Life.  

Siong Leng organised the inaugural Southeast Asia Nanyin Conference in 1977, the International Nanyin Concert & Symposium in 2000, the International Youth Nanyin Concert and Symposium in 2015, as well as the International Youth Nanyin Festival in 2018. To ensure that the musicians maintain close relations with other Nanyin musicians around the world and keep up with the development of Nanyin, the company actively participates in international Nanyin symposiums held in Asia, to contribute to the efforts of promoting and developing the ancient artform. Siong Leng has also toured and performed in major cities and countries in Europe, Asia, and the US.  

In 2017, Siong Leng was the recipient of the inaugural Singapore Chinese Cultural Contribution Award, awarded by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. In 2021, Siong Leng was awarded The Stewards of Intangible Cultural Heritage Award by The National Heritage Board. Siong Leng is also the recipient of the National Arts Council Major Grant (2022–2025).