• Celebrities embodying Singaporean culture share laughter, stories and heart-warming moments
• Reflections: “Is Singapore finally learning to laugh at itself?” and "Are Singaporeans ready to hear the sound of their voices?"
• Colloquium enhances public understanding and appreciation of culture and society

This year’s Lien Fung’s Colloquium held on 2 April 2016 at the Singapore Management University’s (SMU) Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium featured two of Singapore’s finest celebrities who have entertained with local humour for decades.

At the event organised by SMU’s Wee Kim Wee Centre, the multi-talented Mr Gurmit Singh and Mr Siva Choy came under the spotlight once again, doing what they do best – engaging the audience and tickling them with laughter – even while bringing home serious messages.

The celebrities, known more affectionately and popularly as Gurmit and Siva, brought frequent roaring laughter and applause from the 250-strong audience during the two-hour Colloquium. The guests included SMU Chairman Mr Ho Kwon Ping and family.

[Photo: SMU Chairman Mr Ho Kwon Ping (second from right) and family showing support to the event that was established by his mother, the late Mrs Ho Lien Fung, and organised under the reins of SMU’s Wee Kim Wee Centre. With him were his wife Ms Claire Chiang (centre), daughter Ms Ho Ren Yung (second from left) and son-in law Mr Adrien Stephane Desbaillets (left), as well as the celebrity guests Mr Gurmit Singh (third from left), Mr Siva Choy (third from right), and SMU Wee Kim Wee Centre’s Director Associate Professor Kirpal Singh.]

The two popular and well-loved personalities have made distinguished contribution to the arts and entertainment scene. Many of the roles they played ‘personify’ the everyday lives and culture of Singaporeans. Their lively expressions and diverse entertainment flair have enriched the characters and identities, helping the masses to reflect on numerous aspects of society.

The iconic Phua Chu Kang played by Gurmit is one of Singapore’s most representative and well-known TV sitcom characters permeating local culture. The character donning yellow boots and spouting the local ‘Singlish’ language has become his trademark persona.

Siva’s most popularised work was “Why U So Like Dat?”, a comedy album comprising Singlish songs and coffeeshop skits, which he wrote, directed and performed in. The album was Singapore's first English-language comedy album and 50,000 copies of the CD have been sold to date.

Their stories came alive through both speeches and spontaneous ‘performances’, which saw them jumping in and out of ‘roles’ effortlessly. Both guests shared about their lives, values and experiences, and not just their journey in arts and entertainment.

[Photo: The celebrity guests answered questions candidly at the question-and-answer session.]

While their works sometimes defied cultural norms, they captured and embodied the Singaporean culture in irreplaceable ways, and challenge us to think and reflect constantly. In a nation-state derided for being serious and self-censoring, both personalities ‘challenged’ the audience to think: “Is Singapore finally learning to laugh at itself?” and "Are Singaporeans ready to hear the sound of their voices?"

The Lien Fung’s Colloquium at SMU was established by Mrs Ho Lien Fung in April 2003. The Colloquium aims to enhance public understanding and appreciation of culture and society through lectures, talks and other events, with particular focus on everyday life, while not being dominated by academic or philosophical titles. It was Mrs Ho’s hope that the Colloquium will inspire and satisfy students as well as the community’s quest for broader knowledge.

[Photos: There were many candid, light-hearted and warm moments at the event.]

[Featured Photo: Mr Gurmit Singh (middle) and Mr Siva Choy (right) shared many stories during the Colloquium. Associate Professor Kirpal Singh, Director of SMU’s Wee Kim Wee Centre (left) moderated the session.]