Image credit: Dream Academy and 36frames

The Stage Emma Yong Left Behind

For more than two decades, Emma Yong lit up Singapore’s stages with intelligence, humour, and heart. Whether commanding the spotlight in Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress or delighting audiences with the razor-sharp wit of the Dim Sum Dollies, she was more than a celebrated performer — she was a beloved presence in Singapore’s arts community.

But behind the curtain was a reality many artists quietly face: the uncertainty that comes with pursuing a creative life. In 2011, during her final production of Into the Woods, Emma was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Even as she stepped into the spotlight, she was confronting a reality many artists face: without the stability of full-time employment, a serious illness can place an entire livelihood at risk. From that experience came a heartfelt wish: that future generations of artists would not have to navigate such challenges alone.

To honour that wish, Emma’s friends and fellow artists established the Emma Yong Fund managed by the Community Foundation of Singapore. Today, this legacy of care continues through the Emma Yong Bursary at the University of the Arts Singapore.

The bursary helps the next generation of creatives pursue their craft with confidence — giving them the space to train, experiment and grow without financial barriers limiting their artistic potential. It supports students from lower-income backgrounds in acting and performance programmes at LASALLE College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.

Each award of S$5,000 helps ease the pressure of school fees, allowing students to focus on developing their practice, finding their own unique voices and taking creative risks. With every student encouraged to step forward, Emma Yong’s legacy continues to shape the future of Singapore’s arts community.

Discover more about the Emma Yong Bursary and its application details.