Ho Tzu Nyen becomes first Singaporean to win Fukuoka Grand Prize

Ho Tzu Nyen, an artist from Singapore, has received the prestigious Fukuoka Grand Prize, which recognizes significant contributions to Asian arts and studies. This marks the first time a Singaporean has been honored with the ¥5 million (£23,400) award in its 36th iteration. Ho's artistic installations delve into the histories, myths, and specters of Southeast Asian cultures, increasingly incorporating digital animation. His current endeavor, The Critical Dictionary of Southeast Asia, chronicles the region's historical stories. He also curated the 2019 Asian Art Biennial in Taiwan and is set to organize the Gwangju Biennale, commencing in September. Additionally, Filipina writer Caroline Sy Hau received the Fukuoka Academic Prize, while Thai dancer Pichet Klunchun was awarded the Arts and Culture Prize. Hau is known for her works, including Necessary Fictions and Demigods and Monsters, and Klunchun offers a new interpretation of Thailand's classical khon dance-drama.