The Culture Story is a dynamic private art space in Singapore that reimagines the art salon for the 21st century. More than a gallery, it is a hub for collectors, connoisseurs, and enthusiasts to explore contemporary art through thought-provoking conversations, deep engagement, and new perspectives.
Founders
Chong Huai Seng
Chong Huai Seng is the co-founder of The Culture Story. An art collector for over 40 years, he sees art as both a bridge to new connections and a lens into diverse cultures. His collection spans modern and contemporary works, street art, and NFTs, with a sharp focus on emerging and mid-career artists—reflecting his keen eye for innovation.
His approach to collecting is shaped by his early career in stockbroking and investment management, where he honed his ability to identify untapped potential – whether in artists or entrepreneurs. Since 2003, he has been a private investor, funding start-ups in Singapore and China, focusing on the creative and digital economies. He is an early-stage investor of platforms such as The Artling, an art and design consultancy and online gallery, and Ox Street, a sneaker and streetwear marketplace acquired by Carousell in 2021.
Chong’s deep engagement with contemporary Chinese ink began in the early 2000s during frequent visits to China. In 2003, he founded The China Art Foundation to support ink artists, and in 2004, he helped organise Xin Xie Yi (新写意) at the National Art Museum of China, Beijing. Curated by Liu Xiaochun, the exhibition featured 25 artists, attracted over 50,000 visitors, and helped elevate figures like Wucius Wong, Li Jin, and Peng Wei. He remains a strong advocate for contemporary Chinese ink while continuing to expand his collection across various mediums.
Previously, Chong was Managing Director at Vickers Da Costa Securities (1984–1988) and John Govett Asia (1988–1993) before transitioning into media. He served as Vice-Chairman and major shareholder of Panpac Media and founded Smart Investor, one of Singapore’s first finance magazines.
Ning Chong
Ning Chong is the co-founder of The Culture Story, where she champions art collecting, supports local artists, and advocates for art education through curated exhibitions and engaging events. With over 15 years of experience in the art world across London and Singapore, she is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between collectors, artists, and the wider cultural landscape.
In 2022, Ning co-founded Family Office for Art (FOFA), offering specialised art advisory services in collection management, estate planning, and legacy building. She provides strategic counsel on project management, exhibition planning, research, publishing, and philanthropy, working closely with high-net-worth individuals, families, corporations, and cultural institutions.
Previously, she served at the Singapore Tourism Board and spent five years at the National Arts Council (NAC) in the Visual Arts department, where she played a key role in shaping Singapore’s cultural landscape. She spearheaded the Singapore Art Week campaigns and managed the Singapore Pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2011 and 2015.
A passionate advocate for the arts, Ning is a sought-after speaker on topics such as art collecting, market trends, and building legacies through art. She is a patron of the Singapore Art Museum, a board member at Objectifs (a non-profit centre for filmmaking and photography), a committee member at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, and an advisor to SHAW Studios, managed by the Hong Kong Shaw Foundation.
Ning holds a BSc in Economics and Economic History from the London School of Economics and an MA in Modern and Contemporary Art from Christie’s Education in London.