Here are 5 famous musicians from Singapore died before 35:
Cheong Soo Pieng (April 5, 2015 Xiamen-July 1, 1983 Singapore) was a Singaporean artist and visual artist.
He was born in Amoy (now known as Xiamen), China and started his formal art education in Xiamen in 1928. Cheong later relocated to Singapore in 1946, where he became heavily involved in the local art scene. He found great success in his career and was regarded as one of the pioneers of Nanyang-style painting.
Cheong's works often incorporated traditional Chinese and Southeast Asian themes and motifs, but he also experimented with various styles and techniques throughout his career. His notable works include "Drying Salted Fish" and "Balinese Dancers".
In addition to his artistic career, Cheong was also a respected teacher of art. He taught at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts from 1947 to 1960 and was also a founding member of the Singapore Watercolour Society. Cheong's contributions to the development of art in Singapore have earned him a place among the country's most celebrated artists.
Despite being born in China, Cheong Soo Pieng was considered a prominent figure in the development of art in Singapore. His journey in art began in 1928 when he attended the Amoy Art School in Xiamen. Cheong was trained in traditional Chinese painting techniques, which he later fused with the contemporary elements of the Nanyang style. He moved to Singapore after WWII and became a full-time artist. His works began to draw attention in the 1950s when he held his first solo exhibition at the British Council in Singapore. In 1952, he became one of the first local artists to receive an overseas scholarship to study art in Paris. Apart from Chinese and Southeast Asian themes, Cheong was inspired by the diverse cultures of Bali and New Guinea, which he reflected in his works. In 1969, he was awarded Singapore's Cultural Medallion for his contribution to the arts. His legacy has been preserved through fellow artists and the establishment of the Cheong Soo Pieng Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships to emerging artists in Singapore.
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V. R. Gopala Pillai (April 5, 2015-April 5, 1981) was a Singaporean writer.
He was a teacher before he became a full-time writer. Pillai has written several novels and short stories, some of which have been translated into English. His works often explored the lives of the Indian community in Singapore and their struggles. Pillai was also involved in the labor movement and social activism. He founded the Singapore Thamizh Manram, an association aimed at promoting Tamil language and culture in Singapore.
In addition to his literary and social contributions, V. R. Gopala Pillai was also a political figure. He was a member of the Democratic Action Party, an opposition party in Singapore, and stood as a candidate in several elections. However, he was barred from running for office due to his involvement in left-wing politics. Pillai also served as a board member of the National Library and was involved in the Singapore Writers' Association. Despite his contributions to Singaporean society, Pillai's literary works were often overlooked during his lifetime. It was only after his death that his novels and stories gained greater recognition and critical acclaim. Today, he is considered a significant figure in Singaporean literature and culture.
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Lim Koon Teck (April 5, 2015-October 29, 1984) was a Singaporean politician.
He was a founding member of the People's Action Party (PAP) and played a key role in Singapore's political and economic development during the 1950s and 1960s. Lim Koon Teck served as a Member of Parliament from 1959 to 1963 and as a Senator from 1963 to 1965. He also held various ministerial posts such as Minister of State for Social Affairs, and later became the Minister of State for Finance from 1963 to 1969. Additionally, he was the Chairman of the Economic Development Board from 1969 to 1972. Lim Koon Teck's contributions to Singapore's growth in the early years of independence earned him a reputation as a pioneer and a visionary leader.
Lim Koon Teck was born in Singapore to a family of business owners. He attended Raffles Institution and later went on to study at the London School of Economics. After returning to Singapore, Lim became involved in political activism, joining the socialist movement and eventually helping to establish the People's Action Party.
In addition to his political career, Lim was also a successful businessman. He served as a director of several companies, including the Singapore Telephone Board, and was the chairman of the Development Bank of Singapore.
Lim Koon Teck's impact on Singapore's economic growth was significant. As chairman of the Economic Development Board, he spearheaded the country's efforts to attract foreign investment and promote export-oriented industries. He also helped to establish policies that encouraged entrepreneurship and innovation, laying the foundation for Singapore's rise as a global financial center.
Throughout his career, Lim championed social justice and equality, advocating for policies that would benefit the poorest and most vulnerable members of society. His vision of a dynamic and prosperous Singapore, built on a foundation of fairness and opportunity, continues to inspire generations of leaders and citizens alike.
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Nicole Lai (February 26, 1974 Penang-September 6, 2008 Singapore) was a Singaporean singer-songwriter and singer.
She was known for her soulful voice and versatile musical style, incorporating elements of pop, jazz, and R&B into her music. Nicole began her music career in the early 2000s as a backup singer for popular artists such as Kit Chan and Stefanie Sun.
In 2005, she released her debut album, "Nicole," which garnered critical acclaim and established her as a rising star in the Singaporean music scene. She went on to release three more albums throughout her career, including "Masquerade" and "Feel the Love."
Aside from her music, Nicole was also an advocate for mental health awareness and a dedicated volunteer for various charitable causes. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2007 and passed away the following year at the age of 34, leaving behind a legacy as a talented musician and a beloved member of the Singaporean community.
Throughout her career, Nicole Lai was recognized for her exceptional talent and received numerous awards in recognition of her work. In 2006, she won the Best Local Artiste award at the Singapore Entertainment Awards, and in 2007, she was awarded the Compassion Ambassador Award for her advocacy work. Nicole's music was noted for its emotional depth and authenticity, and she was regarded as a trailblazer for her ability to infuse traditional Singaporean music with contemporary styles. In 2010, a posthumous album titled "The Best of Nicole Volume 1" was released in her memory, featuring some of her most popular songs. Nicole's contributions to music and philanthropy continue to be celebrated by her fans and the wider Singaporean community.
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Felicia Tang (October 22, 1977 Singapore-September 11, 2009) was a Singaporean pornographic film actor.
Felicia Tang was born in Singapore but grew up in Sydney, Australia, where she worked as a hairdresser and model before pursuing a career in the adult film industry. She starred in numerous adult films and also worked as a photographer and website designer.
In addition to her work in the adult industry, Tang made appearances on mainstream television shows such as "The Sopranos" and "Entourage."
Tragically, Tang's life was cut short when she was found dead in her apartment in 2009. Her death was ruled a homicide by strangulation and her ex-boyfriend was later charged with her murder. Despite her untimely death, Tang's impact on the adult film industry and her fans continues to be felt to this day.
Following Felicia Tang's untimely death, her family established the Felicia Tang Memorial Fund to raise awareness about domestic violence and provide resources for victims. They also created a documentary titled "The Empty Playground," which explores Tang's life and legacy. It premiered at the 2011 San Diego Asian Film Festival and was well-received by audiences who praised its sensitivity and candidness. Tang's tragic end has also led to discussions about the darker side of the adult film industry and the need for better safety protocols and support systems. Despite the controversies and challenges she faced during her career, Tang remains a beloved figure among adult film enthusiasts and a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.
She died in asphyxia.
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