Why did you become an artist?
I became interested in painting at a young age, more as a hobby than as a future career choice. As I grew older the people around me began to encourage me to paint more and more. I developed a liking for art and immersed myself in it. I have never learnt art in a systematic way. My brother decided to not pursue a career in the arts but encouraged me to do so.

Then how did you learn?
I have learned from my uncle and my brother when I was younger. I briefly attended art school in the early 90s and there met many contemporaries.

What kind of style are you interested in?
I like work from the realism tip. I like to portray the life and work of common people, especially those at the bottom. They face many challenges that the elites often fail to realise so through my work I hope to express this. As an artist I also have to paint commercially at times, unfortunately.

Is there any artist in particular that you respect?
I like Moe Wai Aung, I have learned a lot from him.

Is art competitive for you?
Not really. I try my best and that is all that matters. I do not want to compete with anybody, I have my own concepts.

Are you aware of people and/or museums collecting your paintings?
There are collections of my paintings in the Singapore National Museum, Jerudong Park Medical Center in Brunei, Simon and Helena art services (private company) in Singapore and a lady from the Nepalese royal family also has some of my work at her home.

What international experience do you have?
I spent several years in business in Malaysia and Singapore so I am familiar with these countries. I held my first exhibition, a group one, in Singapore in 1996. Since then I have exhibited overseas every year in countries including Australia and Brunei.

How have your paintings been received overseas?
I have had many customers in Singapore so I guess they like my work. Last year I held a solo show in Bali, Indonesia. I have not been a successful artist from a commercial point of view but I don’t mind. I always make new friends and gain more and more artistic experience and influence form the wonderful people in the world. That is most important.