Live On Festival Awards 2025 (Design)

Ms Sally Kong (Deputy Director, National Organ Transplant Unit, Ministry of Health)

LOF - Design & Essay Competition Judging Panel

It has been such a privilege to witness the creativity and thoughtfulness of the participants expressed poignantly in their artworks. This year, I was especially taken in by the depth of interpretation. Many students delved deeply and to explore what Gratitude truly means.

The artworks demonstrated a maturity in thought and expression. Many approached the theme with an introspective lens, delving into the essence of Gratitude and the linkage with organ donation, how it is translated into action, how it connects people and how its impact can gently ripple through our communities. The artists’ understanding of the emotions surrounding organ donation and the courage to express them through art, was inspiring.

This is my eighth year as a judge for the Festival, and each year brings a new wave of awe. The quality, the depth and the emotional resonance of this year’s entries were particularly impressive. Several outstanding pieces spoke straight to my heart.

I wish to congratulate all the winners for their exceptional pieces. Your works are beautiful and powerful.

Ms Sabrina Long (Dean, Faculty of Art and Design/Principal, School of Young Talents Nanyang, Academy of Fine Arts)

LOF - Design Competition Judging Panel

Congrats to the talented individuals at this year's Live On Festival – Design Competition!

Your creations truly came to life, demonstrating exceptional interpretations of the two themes - powerful narratives and compositions, creative use of colours and expression. It was incredibly inspiring to witness how deeply you embraced the call to action: "By starting with me, each one of us can make a difference." This was beautifully articulated in your heartfelt depictions of gratitude and the touching way you incorporated stars of love to honour organ donors. Your courage to explore new ideas and your unwavering commitment to creativity are truly remarkable, igniting a more vibrant and expressive community. I felt privileged to witness the remarkable entries across both categories. You have proven definitively that creativity knows no bounds, and that your imaginations can unlock countless dimensions through diverse articulations.

To our young artists: remember, art is a potent form of communication. Through your unique creations, you can convey emotions, ideas, and stories that words alone often cannot capture. This competition served as an excellent platform for bold experimentation and deeply meaningful expression.

Let's continue to champion and uplift one another on our artistic journeys. A huge congratulations to every participant and, of course, to our deserving winners!

Mr Mervin Tan (Co-Founder and Creative Director, PLUS Collaboratives)

LOF - Design Competition Judging Panel

I am extremely honoured to be part of the judging panel for Live On Festival for the 2^nd time around. Once again, there were many fantastic works submitted and they were truly impressive on how they tackled the themes with much creativity and compassion.

The topic of organ donation was never going to be easy to portray but seeing how it was defined and intertwined with personal interpretations goes to show that creativity knows no bounds.

Heartened and inspired by the works, I’m sure our local creative scene in Singapore will thrive in the good hands of our young creatives.

Congratulations to all winners.

Ms Wang Kexin (Founder & Director, HiArt)

LOF - Design Competition Judging Panel

It was a pleasure to review the artworks submitted for this year’s design competition. Many students demonstrated not only a deep understanding of the themes, but also remarkable creativity and sincerity in their interpretations. Through vibrant visuals and thoughtful symbolism, they expressed heartfelt appreciation for organ donors and the enduring impact of their selfless gift.

Several pieces stood out for their powerful storytelling - whether through delicate brushstrokes that conveyed a sense of remembrance and hope, or bold compositions that celebrated life renewed. The students’ ability to channel gratitude into visual narratives was truly inspiring.

To all participants: your work has meaning. You have honoured lives and sparked reflection through your art. Thank you for using your voice and talent to celebrate the spirit of giving and connection.

Ms Wendy Chua (Co-Founder, Forest & Whale)

LOF - Design Competition Judging Panel

The beautiful illustrations, both with traditional medium and digital skills, are evocative and emotive with wonderful meanings and symbolism woven into the visual motifs. So, it was not easy to judge as there were so many worthy works to be recognised. The ones that stood out for me were the narratives that depart from the mainstream messages to tell deeper stories of isolation, fear and loss that one has to journey with long after the moment of life and death. Whether it is the grief that comes after a loved one departed or the journey of recovery, the selected works pay tribute to the diverse emotional landscape that one traverses in these difficult moments while reminding us that the only way out is in.