Dr Ho Kah Leong is a distinguished figure in Singapore’s artistic landscape, with a career marked by significant achievements in education, politics and the arts. Educated at Chung Cheng High School and Nanyang
University, Dr Ho began his professional journey in education before transitioning into politics. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1966, a role he held with dedication until 1996. His parliamentary career
saw him rise through the ranks to become Parliamentary Secretary in 1981 and Senior Parliamentary Secretary in 1984.
Despite the demands of his political career, Dr Ho’s passion for the arts remained unwavering. His artistic journey began in secondary school and continued throughout his life, even as he navigated his political
responsibilities. In 1997, after serving as an MP for three decades, Dr Ho was appointed Principal of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), a role he held until 2003. During his tenure, he made significant
contributions, including raising funds required to build NAFA’s permanent campuses along Bencoolen Street.
Dr Ho’s artistic pursuits are diverse, including oil paintings created en plein air, Chinese calligraphy, and woodcut prints. Known for his bold, distinctive strokes, Dr Ho’s oil paintings and calligraphy
reflect his deep engagement with the arts. His woodcut prints, a form he has revitalised from its popularity from the 1950s to 1970s, have received positive acclaim in numerous group exhibitions. During his political
career, Dr Ho frequently officiated at exhibitions and contributed to charitable auctions. He has also held several art exhibitions for charity, frequently donating his works to support various causes.
Dr Ho’s solo exhibitions highlight his artistic evolution, beginning with Nostalgic Scenes at the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1990. This was followed by
Beauty Lion City at the NAFA Gallery in 1991 and Scenes Splendour at the same venue in 1993. In 1997, Dr Ho presented
Passion for Art: Solo Exhibition of Ho Kah Leong’s Location Painting at SooBin Gallery, further solidifying his reputation in the art community. His work continued to gain prominence with
Idyllic Nanyang at SooBin Gallery in 2000, and Idyllic Tropics at Central Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2001. The year 2002 saw Beauty of Nature at the NAFA Gallery, and in 2006, he
exhibited Parks in Garden City at ARTium, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts. The following years included Last Kampung of Singapore: Lorong Buangkok at Tembusu Art Gallery in 2007,
and Poetic Ubin at Black Earth Art Museum in 2008. Dr Ho’s work continued to capture attention with Splendour of Lakes and Hills in 2009, and Rhythm of the Sea in 2011, both held at
Tembusu Art Gallery. In 2013, he showcased Lion City Rediscovered at both Tembusu Art Gallery and ION Art Gallery. Continuing his impactful presence in the art world, his more recent exhibitions include
Exotic Landscapes at Tembusu Art Gallery and The Art Space @ Suntec in 2015, and Trilogy Art of Ho Kah Leong at The Art Space by Natalie Wong in 2024.
Dr Ho has received numerous accolades for his contributions, including the NTUC Friend of Labour Medal in 1981 and the Peru Cultural Medal in 2000. In August 2001, he was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor of
Philosophy in Arts) from Wisconsin International University, United States.
An exceptional and inspiring individual, Dr Ho Kah Leong’s diverse achievements and contributions stand as a testament to his profound commitment to public service and the arts, leaving a lasting legacy that
continues to inspire future generations.