Echos of Collyer Quay

By Ng Siang Hoi, Friends of The Disabled Society

From the calm waters of the Singapore River, Collyer Quay rises with its old-world charm, a lone bumboat gliding through the water — a reminder of the days when it carried goods along the river. Behind, the towering buildings of a growing city stand tall, symbolising a period of transformation while still honouring the past. These structures, blending modernity with tradition, offer a glimpse of a time when the river was filled with industry, not leisure. The boat’s steady drift echoes the quiet rhythm of history, while the skyscrapers reflect the city’s shift into a modern metropolis. Above, the light blue sky holds the peacefulness of a moment between the tides of change.

About

For over six decades, Siang Hoi has transformed silence into visual poetry through his distinctive mixed media artworks. Since learning from a Deaf art teacher at 14, he discovered in painting, its not just a passion, but a profound way to communicate with the world. Now at 75, he continues his artistic practice with the same quiet determination that has defined his journey. Working in a unique blend of watercolour, acrylic, and ink, he breathes life into nostalgic scenes of Singapore's past — from bustling marketplaces to riverside villages.

SKU: FDS-011

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Dimensions (WxH): 33cm x 29cm