On 10 November 2023, School of the Arts, Singapore (SOTA) commemorated its annual fundraising show Impact 2023, the second edition of a performance series that raises funds for the SOTA Endowment Fund (SEF). Held at SOTA’s Drama Theatre, the show honoured the life and music of the late Zubir Said – the composer of Singapore's national anthem.

For key members of the Impact organising team, it was a culmination of a journey that began in January. Each step of this journey was carefully crafted with the focus of learning at its core.

Students attended an insightful talk with Julian Wong who wrote and performed “Don’t Call Him Mr. Mari Kita” to learn about Pak Zubir Said, his music and the production.

What can we learn from Pak Zubir Said and how could this translate into works of art for the stage and beyond? How do we draw inspiration from the story and works of a cultural icon that has made a lasting impact on Singapore’s artistic landscape and find connections within this shared heritage?

Over the next few months, teachers, students and alumni involved in the production would explore these questions, draw inspiration and interpret these answers, together.

Performers consisting of students and alumni in the final scene of Impact 2023.
Photo by Loh Yih Xuan

Students, alumni, and teachers at rehearsals for Impact 2023

It was inspiring to see alumni who returned to contribute to the production mentoring juniors and also uplifting to see students and alumni who participated in Impact 2022 returning to participate for the second time.

Expanding the reach

For Impact 2023, the school opened its doors to Primary 4 and 5 pupils to watch the performance. It was an opportunity for the pupils to reflect upon and gain a deeper understanding of the artist behind the anthem sung every morning in school, to learn more about the journey of an artist, and to be inspired by the wonderful works of our very own students and alumni.

This included an exclusive post-show engagement session where they could meet the Artistic Director, Mr Sean Tobin and performers, to ask them any burning questions they had about the production.

Primary school pupils, SOTA students and alumni and Artistic Director, Sean Tobin at the post-show engagement session for Impact 2023.

Also a first for Impact was the exhibition of Poems & Portraits held outside the SOTA Drama Theatre. Na Byung Ha contributed 3 portraits of Pak Zubir that were successfully auctioned and alone raised a total of $3300 for the SOTA Endowment Fund (SEF).




Creating for Impact

Impact 2023 was made possible with the generous and unwavering support from our donors. Our key donors Mr Oei Hong Leong (Diamond Donor), SBS Transit (Gold Donor) and Ashurst LLP (Silver Donor), and many others who stepped forward to contribute. Thank you for joining us at Impact 2023 and for sharing our belief in arts education.

Distinguished guests received a token of appreciation featuring poems written by Year 3 SOTA Literary Arts students for Impact 2023.





Top left to right:
First photo - Ms Alice Oei (right) receiving a token of appreciation on behalf of Mr Oei Hong Leong from Guest-of-Honour for Impact 2023, Ms Tan Gee Keow. Second photo - Mr Jeffrey Sim, Group Chief Executive Officer of SBS Transit.

Bottom left to right: First photo - Ms Angie Ng, Partner, Ashurst LLP. Second photo - Dr Lee Boon Yang, Patron for the SOTA Endowment Fund receiving a token of appreciation from Year 4 Literary Arts student, Rachel Tan.

“My participation in Impact last year involved me as a performer. This year, I worked in the writing team and watched my writing being showcased instead. For a long time, I wondered how I could use my artistic skills to aid others. Impact to me is that and more. Thank you so much for your contributions and your willingness to aid us in making an impact. Without you, this show would have never been possible.” Tan Minzhen Meagan Rae (Year 4, Literary Arts)

SOTA Teachers, students and alumni from Impact 2023

Impact is more than a fundraising show. With each year of Impact, the purpose of the production becomes clearer.

“At SOTA, we often ask ourselves why we create and for who do we create? We create to tell a story of our shared heritage. We create to add on to that heritage. We create to build a source of sustainable funds for students for the future. In short, we create for Impact.” Mrs Mary Seah, Principal

As we move forward with the Impact fundraising series, we hope that more organisations and individuals will join us in our cause to honour Singaporean cultural leaders and sustain accessibility to an arts education for young aspiring artists by supporting our fundraising efforts.

See you at Impact 2024! Together, we can make an Impact.

Find out more about Impact HERE.