We are delighted to sit down with Mr Teo, a visionary businessman who is an architect by training. His influence extends far beyond his professional endeavours into the heart of Singapore’s arts community. With a lifelong passion for fostering creativity and culture, Mr Teo has become a key figure in enhancing Singapore’s artistic landscape through generous support, insightful collaborations, and an unwavering commitment to the arts.
In this interview, we delve into the driving forces behind his dedication, his perspectives on the future of the arts, and the profound impact of his initiatives. We’ll explore the unique challenges and rewards of supporting the arts and uncover his inspiring journey as an arts advocate and founder of The Private Museum.
Architecture: A Gateway to the Arts
His passion for the arts was ignited during his early education in architecture at the University of Melbourne. While honing his skills in design and spatial planning, he was exposed to world-renowned museums and galleries, which broadened his perspective on art. Architecture, he explains, taught him to see the world through a creative lens—one where form, function, and emotion converge. This foundational training laid the groundwork for his eventual role as a cultural advocate, inspiring him to create spaces where art could thrive.
Early Influences: A Childhood Love for the Arts
However, his journey into the arts began long before his university years. Growing up in Singapore and attending Nanyang Primary School, he developed a love for sketching and visual arts. “My art teacher would sometimes feature my drawings on a special notice board for student artworks,” he recalls, a small but pivotal encouragement that fuelled his interest. This childhood passion for art found new dimensions as he matured. While studying architecture, he explored how design could shape experiences, sparking his interest in creating spaces that celebrated artistic endeavours. His exposure to international art scenes during his time in Melbourne further enriched his understanding, setting the stage for his eventual contributions to Singapore’s cultural landscape.
A significant influence on his artistic journey has been his wife Ms Goh Soo Khim, a pioneering figure in Singapore’s ballet scene and the first Singaporean ballerina to be awarded the prestigious Cultural Medallion in 1981. “Since she was four, she’s been passionate about ballet, and this shared love of arts has shaped our lives together,” he shares. Their shared interest has led them to explore art galleries around the world and deepen their engagement with various art forms, from visual arts to music and dance. This partnership with his wife has not only enriched his personal life but has also inspired his work to support the arts as a passion.
Founding a Cultural Hub: The Private Museum
One of his most notable contributions to Singapore’s art scene is the establishment of The Private Museum (TPM). It was in 2010, while revisiting his old alma mater at Queen Street, he discovered that the historic building, once his secondary school, was available under the government’s Arts Housing Scheme—a program designed to support the arts—and his daughter Rachel Teo successfully submitted a proposal to transform the space into a vibrant cultural hub. This marked the beginning of The Private Museum, which has since relocated to its new home at Osborne House, 11 Upper Wilkie Road one year ago.
“Our primary vision for TPM is to encourage private collectors to step forward and share their remarkable art collections with the broader community. Many collectors possess extraordinary pieces but often keep them private, enjoying them in solitude. At TPM, we work tirelessly to change this narrative, and our efforts have been fruitful. For instance, we successfully brought together 15 collectors earlier in January 2024 for our largest collector show to-date, and our dedicated team curated a stunning showcase of their treasures. Through initiatives like these, we aim to celebrate art and foster a culture of sharing and appreciation.” stated Mr Teo.
Supporting Local Talent and Cultural Initiatives
“My first art piece was given by Mr Lim Tze Peng, who is now 103 years old.” he recalled. Since then, over the years, he has consistently supported Singaporean artists, across generations, collecting works by notable local figures like calligrapher Lim Tze Peng and sculptor Tan Choh Tee amongst others. His efforts also include active involvement with national cultural bodies, including the National Arts Council and the Monument Preservation Board. These roles have allowed him to advocate for greater government support and contribute to preserving Singapore’s artistic and architectural heritage.
Recognizing the challenges faced by emerging artists, he emphasizes the importance of providing resources and opportunities. “Artists often work with very limited means, needing basic materials like paper and paint. Supporting them in these early stages can make a world of difference,” he notes. This understanding has also guided his work with initiatives such as the Singapore Ballet formerly known as Singapore Dance Theatre. The Singapore Dance Theatre was co-founded by Ms Goh Soo Khim in 1988, wife of Daniel Teo.
Conservation and Heritage: A Complementary Passion
His interest in the arts is complemented by a deep love for heritage conservation. From an early age, he was fascinated by Singapore’s history, often queuing at the General Post Office to collect special first-day stamp covers. This childhood hobby eventually led him to serve as chairman of the Philatelic Museum for eight years and to contribute to the National Heritage Board. These roles align seamlessly with his dedication to the arts, reinforcing his belief in preserving cultural and historical legacies for future generations.
Evolving Perceptions of the Arts
The arts landscape in Singapore has seen significant growth during his lifetime. Institutions like the School of the Arts (SOTA), and the University of the Arts Singapore (LASALLE College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts) have played pivotal roles in nurturing young talent and changing societal perceptions of the arts. He observes that more Singaporean parents now support their children’s artistic aspirations, a shift from the traditional preference for careers in science and medicine. “This change is helping to build a sustainable arts community,” he says, reflecting on the positive impact of this cultural transformation.
Despite these advances, he acknowledges that funding remains a challenge for many artists. However, he is encouraged by initiatives such as the “Art in Transit” program, which integrates artwork into MRT stations. As a member of this committee, he takes pride in helping select artists to create installations that reflect Singapore’s diverse cultural themes. These projects not only provide exposure for local talent but also enhance the city’s public spaces.
A Vision for the Future: Art as a Unifying Force
The Private Museum, which has become a cultural fixture in Singapore, exemplifies his vision of art as a unifying force. With exhibitions changing every three months and showcasing a mix of local and international works, the museum attracts a diverse audience. Interns from UAS (NAFA and LASALLE), NTU and NUS play an integral role, gaining valuable experience while contributing to the museum’s operations. Some of these interns have also gone on to full-time roles within the Museum after their graduation.
A strong advocate for collaboration, he has encouraged private collectors to share their pieces with the public. This initiative has resulted in unique exhibitions that highlight the breadth of Singapore’s artistic community. The museum’s status as a registered charity and Institution of a Public Character (IPC) further incentivizes contributions, offering tax benefits to donors while enriching the cultural landscape.
A Lifelong Commitment to Creativity
Reflecting on his journey, he expresses gratitude for the fulfilment that art brings to his life. “Meeting artists and understanding their motivations is always inspiring,” he shares. Installation art holds a special place in his heart, as it combines creativity with spatial design—a nod to his architectural roots.
Looking ahead, he hopes the next generation will embrace art not only as a passion but also as a valuable investment. While he and his wife have differing artistic preferences—she favours traditional ink works, while he is drawn to vibrant colours—they both believe in art’s power to bridge divides and bring people together.
His story illustrates how architects can play a pivotal role in shaping the arts, leveraging their skills to create spaces that inspire, connect, and endure. Through his dedication, he has helped transform Singapore’s art scene, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire for generations to come.
About Mr Daniel Teo
Daniel Teo is a director of the Tong Eng Group of Companies and Chairman and Managing Director of the Hong How Group of Companies. The Tong Eng Group and the Hong How Group are engaged in businesses ranging from property development to investment holdings.
A noted real estate developer and investor, Mr Teo was the President of the Real Estate Development Association of Singapore for several terms, the last term being from 1998 to 2001. He was the World President of the International Real Estate Federation from 2000 to 2001. Some of his projects have won the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Architectural Heritage Award for Conservation and Adaptive Re-use in 1995, 2010 and 2013. Mr Teo is an active promoter of culture and arts in Singapore. In 1981, he was the founder member of the Singapore Cultural Foundation which has since merged into the National Arts Council. Mr Teo was awarded “Patron of Heritage” by the National Heritage Board for 2008 and 2013.
Mr Teo has prior experience as director of public listed companies in Singapore. He served as an independent director of Courts (Singapore) Limited from 1993 to 2007 and Popular Holdings Limited from 1999 to 2005. He was also an independent director of Sunway Group Berhad, a company listed on Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad from 2001 to 2010. He is currently the chairman of GRP Ltd, chairman of SIAS – Securities Investors Association Singapore, Founding Director of The Private Museum, Director of Aspire55 Sterling and Singapore Musical Box Museum. On top of being a developer, Mr Teo is actively involved in conservation and adaptive reuse projects, retirement villages and active aging facilities, performing and visual arts and has special interest in photography and philatelic. He has won numerous International Stamp awards especially his notable collections of Classic Sarawak, Mongolia and “Men Dreams to Fly” and rare stamps of the world.
