Journey That Shaped Me: A Lifetime of Gratitude

The Foundation of Discipline in My Artistic Journey: Taekwondo

My journey in martial arts began during my secondary school years when I started learning Taekwondo. I was fortunate to have Master Robert Lai as my instructor. At that time, he was a 3rd Dan black belt, and his discipline, dedication, and high standards made a lasting impression on me. Today, he holds the distinguished rank of 10th Dan black belt and resides in Australia.

Through his guidance, I learned much more than physical techniques. Taekwondo taught me discipline, perseverance, respect, and humility—values that have remained with me throughout my life. I remain deeply grateful to Master Robert Lai for laying the foundation of my martial arts journey and for the important lessons he gave me during my formative years.

Cultivating Focus and Leadership: Badminton

My interest in badminton began when I was in Primary 6. However, it was only after entering university that I truly learned to play the game properly. My university mate, Dato Lim Teng Liew, introduced me to the university A team training under a qualified coach Mr. Harry. This opportunity transformed my understanding of badminton and allowed me to develop proper fundamentals and techniques.

Another important influence came when I had the privilege of watching my former secondary school classmate, Mr. Lim Kian Chong, who was trained under the Malaysian national badminton training squad, compete in the All England University Badminton Tournament. Observing his level of play and techniques greatly broadened my understanding of the game and inspired me to further refine my own skills.

The experience and knowledge I gained through these opportunities eventually enabled me to become the captain of the Ministry of National Development badminton team after I arrived in Singapore. I remain thankful to both of them and to everyone who contributed to my growth as a badminton player. They taught me the importance of learning from those who are more experienced and striving constantly for improvement.

The Deeper Essence: Traditional Chinese Martial Arts

From a young age, I was fascinated by the martial arts skills of my late father, Mr. Lee Seng Seo. Although I admired his skills, I did not have the opportunity to begin my own traditional Chinese martial arts journey until after my university graduation.

When I finally embarked on this path, I was fortunate to receive guidance from my late Shifu, Master. Kan Oh Hai, and my late martial arts brother, Master. Lee Kim Bok. Through their patient instruction and generous sharing of knowledge, I gradually came to understand the deeper essence of traditional Chinese martial arts. Together, they helped me realize that martial arts are not merely about techniques or physical ability. At its heart, traditional Chinese martial arts is a lifelong practice of discipline, humility, self-cultivation, and harmony between body and mind.

The lessons from my father, my Shifu, and my martial arts brother have continued to influence the way I approach traditional Chinese martial arts. I remain deeply grateful for the wisdom, spirit, and values they have passed on to me.

The Creative Lens: A Journey in Photography

I discovered photography when I entered university, and it soon became one of the most important creative journeys of my life. During this period, I was fortunate to encounter and receive guidance from several distinguished photographers whose knowledge, vision, and generosity profoundly influenced my understanding of visual art.

Among them were:

The late Mr. Ray Brightman, FRPS, AFIAP, Hon PAGB
The late Mr. Alan Jackson, FRPS
The late Mr. Richard Farrand, FRPS, FIIP, FBIPP

Each was a highly respected figure within the international photographic community, serving on the Royal Photographic Society Qualifications Panel, while Richard Farrand also served on the British Institute of Professional Photographers Qualifications Panel.

In 1990, I was honoured to be invited by Mr. George Dawber, FBIPP, FMPA, to attend the Master Photographers Association (MPA) United Kingdom National Convention in Southport, England. During the convention, I also had the privilege of meeting Fiona Alison, FRPS, who was renowned for her outstanding children’s photography. It was also during this monumental convention that I met up with and learned from the world-famous American Master Photographer, the late Monte Zucker, whose legendary insights into lighting and classical portraiture deeply impacted my perspective.

During the same trip and after the convention, I was privileged to meet other accomplished photographers who greatly inspired my development:

Mr. Alan Shawcross (Royal Photographer), FRPS, in his studio in London, whose exceptional achievement in professional photography represented the highest standards of the profession.
Mr. Michael Freedman, FRPS, in York, whose dedication and artistic excellence left a deep impression on me.
Mr. George Dawber, FBIPP and FMPA, in his studio in Stockport, whose professional mastery reflected the depth and discipline required of a portrait photographer.

To Those Who Supported My Photography Journey

Beyond my mentors, I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all the clients who supported me during my years operating Portrait Master Studio from 1991 to 2007. Every person who entrusted me with creating their portraits gave me the opportunity to practise my craft, refine my skills, and continue growing as a photographer.

Their trust allowed me to pursue photography professionally and gave meaning to my work. Through photographing people from different walks of life, I learned to appreciate individuality, emotion, and the stories behind every face. These experiences enriched my understanding of humanity and became an important part of my artistic development. I will always remember their support and encouragement with gratitude. They were not merely clients; they were an important part of my journey, and I will always cherish the trust and support they placed in me.

The Soul of Ink: Traditional Chinese Painting

In the early 1990s, I had the privilege of meeting the late Dr. Chen Wen Hsi, one of Singapore's pioneering artists. Before his passing, he awakened in me a deep fascination for the beauty and spirit of traditional Chinese painting. That encounter planted a seed that would continue to grow throughout the years.

Later, I met and befriended the late Mr. Chen Shizhong, then Vice President of the Shanghai Chinese Painting Academy. Through his guidance, I gained a deeper understanding of the philosophy, aesthetics, and cultural foundation behind traditional Chinese painting. During a visit to Shanghai in 1996, I was also honoured to meet the late renowned Chinese ink painter Mr. Cheng Shifa. Around the same period, I also had the opportunity to meet the late Mr. Liu Kang, one of Singapore’s foremost pioneer artists, as well as the late Mr. Pan Shou, the renowned Singaporean calligrapher, poet, educator, and pioneer artist. Together with Mr. Chen Shizhong, they deepened my appreciation that Chinese painting is far more than a technique—it is a profound artistic tradition rooted in culture, philosophy, and the cultivation of the human spirit.

I was equally fortunate to befriend Mr. Siew Hock Meng, a recipient of Singapore's Cultural Medallion, who introduced me to contemporary Chinese painting. His guidance broadened my artistic vision and encouraged me to explore new possibilities of expression while remaining connected to the enduring spirit of Chinese art.

Looking back, these encounters became defining milestones in my artistic journey. They not only shaped my understanding of Chinese art but also inspired the path that eventually led me to devote myself fully to painting.

A Lifetime of Gratitude

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that every important chapter of my life was enriched by people who generously shared their knowledge, encouragement, and wisdom with me. From martial arts to badminton, photography, and painting, each experience contributed something unique to my growth. My mentors gave me knowledge, my friends gave me opportunities, my supporters gave me trust, and my fellow artists gave me new perspectives.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has walked alongside me throughout my journey. Their kindness and generosity have shaped not only what I have achieved, but also who I have become.

If there is one lesson my life has taught me, it is that knowledge and inspiration grow when they are shared. My journey across science, technology, photography, martial arts, and painting has shown me that seemingly different worlds can enrich one another. Through this continuous dialogue between disciplines, I have discovered my own artistic language. I hope that, in my own way, my work can continue this tradition by inspiring others just as I have been inspired by those who came before me.