Shaping Tomorrow’s Artists, Today
In conversation with Mr Charles Wong,
CEO and Co-Founder of CHARLES & KEITH Group
For many young artists, the period just before graduation is both thrilling and uncertain, a time full of possibility, but also questions about what comes next. At this stage, the right support can make all the difference.
Recognising this, the CHARLES & KEITH Group Foundation (CKGF) partnered with the University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) to establish the CHARLES & KEITH Creative Talent Scholarship. This marks the Foundation’s first university-level scholarship, reflecting a deepened commitment to arts education.
Officially announced at the Developing a Fine Arts Career panel in February 2026, co-organised by UAS and CKGF, and supported by the Singapore Art Museum, the scholarship will be awarded over three academic years starting from AY2026/27. Each year, four exceptional final-year undergraduate students from the BA (Hons) Fine Arts programmes at LASALLE College of the Arts (LASALLE) and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) will receive S$10,000 each.
The emphasis on final-year students is deliberate. As graduation approaches, many young artists face uncertainty and limited pathways into the industry. By supporting students from LASALLE and NAFA at this point, CKGF aims to provide both timely resources and meaningful exposure for professional practice.
What sets this scholarship apart is its industry component. Recipients will have the opportunity to experience what it is like to undertake a commissioned art project with the CHARLES & KEITH Group, from client collaboration to the actualisation on an agreed brief, set in a real-world context.
“Understanding the importance of nurturing the next generation of creative talent, we partnered with UAS to establish our first university-level scholarship,” said Mr Charles Wong. “Beyond financial support, the scholarship provides recipients the opportunity to undertake a commissioned art project with CHARLES & KEITH Group, creating pathways for local students to develop their professional art careers.
“UAS is the country’s first arts university, and we share common aspirations to advance Singapore’s creative ecosystem. Through this partnership, we hope to open opportunities for young creatives to pursue their artistic journeys and contribute to Singapore’s creative identity on the global stage.”
For recipients, the experience can be transformative. A student who has spent years refining their craft is given the chance to create a commissioned work for a home-grown brand with global presence. Along the way, they learn how to navigate expectations, timelines, and collaboration—experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
At its core, the CHARLES & KEITH Creative Talent Scholarship reflects the Foundation’s belief in nurturing creativity and strengthening Singapore’s arts ecosystem. It seeks to empower emerging talent both confidence and opportunities to take their next steps.
More broadly, the initiative shows how thoughtful philanthropy can make a meaningful difference. By connecting education with industry and backing artists at a pivotal stage, it offers a clear example of how donors can go beyond funding, opening doors, building confidence, and creating real pathways into the professional world.
Discover more about the CHARLES & KEITH Creative Talent Scholarship and its application details.