Presently a MA. History (by Research) student at National University of Singapore (NUS), Guan-Fan values interdisciplinary exploration, with particular interests in diasporas, religions, art history, and material culture. Among other goals, Guan-Fan envisions himself as a scholar-educator and an advocate for deeper appreciation of the arts and heritage, with keen interests in contributing to museum work, community engagement, and historical scholarship.

Guan-Fan believes strongly in holistic development and value opportunities that benefit communities and stretch his potentials: Apart from offering research assistance to scholars, he enjoys volunteering his time and energy in the spheres of the arts, religions, and Chinese communities, which has propelled him to win The Ngee Ann Kongsi Distinguished Scholar Award, awarded to only 5 recipients in his year, nationwide. His passions began early in his childhood, through hobbies with his grandmother—playing card games (especially 釣紅魚) and watching Teochew opera—and trips with his family—Chinese temples, museum exhibitions, and cultural festivals.

Owing to these formative experiences and strong support, Guan-Fan has been learning and practicing art since 2008, having received six years of formal arts education as part of Art Elective Program (AEP), at his alma mater—Hwa Chong Institution. Guan-Fan took up the challenge as the only student in his school to read both Art and History subjects at GCE “A” Levels, scoring a Distinction for H3 Art and A’s for H2 Art and H2 History. Subsequently, he received offers with scholarships to competitive undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts courses at Central Saint Martins (London), Pratt Institute (New York City), School of the Art Institute (Chicago), Goldsmiths College (London), and several others.

Instead of pursuing a fine arts education, however, Guan-Fan is now drawing on his art-making experience and knowledge to inform his art historical research while providing college admissions portfolio advice. His Honor’s Thesis on Venerable Chuk Mor’s artistic creation and artwork circulations was selected as the best thesis in NUS History and Art History cohorts, winning the Wong Lin Ken Memorial Medal & Prize and the Temenggong Prize. Coupled with a strong portfolio, Guan-Fan eventually received the NUSS Medal for Outstanding Achievement, presented to only one graduand per faculty.

Carrying the flame for art practice alive, Guan-Fan remains an active arts practitioner, having most recently produced mixed media gifts of appreciation for visiting professors from University of Pennsylvania (Prof. Justin McDaniel), Harvard University (Prof. James Robson), and NYU Shanghai (Prof. Tansen Sen). For leisure, he likes to hone his Chinese seal-engraving skills while engaging in other hobbies.

Guan-Fan’s current academic advisors include Prof. Jack Meng-Tat Chia (NUS History; thesis advisor), Prof. Irving Chan Johnson (NUS Southeast Asian Studies), and Dr. Priya Maholay-Jaradi (NUS History; Art History).

---