SINGAPORE — The most anticipated gallery opening just got a welcome boost, courtesy of hedge fund manager Danny Yong. In an unprecedented move in Singapore, the 43-year-old’s donation of S$5 million to National Gallery Singapore also made local history as the largest individual contribution.

And, according to Yong, it is a timely investment. “Art is an area that has been overlooked in the past in terms of how it can improve the quality of our lives, said Yong who joins a list of more than 20 other individual donors who have contributed generously to the gallery. “I am glad that National Gallery Singapore is taking on the responsibility to strengthen our art consciousness. I hope that more people will find it meaningful to gain deeper insights into our region’s art histories via the iconic artworks displayed at the Gallery.”

That is exactly what the gallery will be spending it on. In a statement released yesterday, National Gallery Singapore added that the donation will go towards art acquisitions for the national collection.

“We are deeply grateful for Mr Danny Yong’s patronage. His belief in improving the quality of life via art resonates with how we intend to make art accessible,” said Kola Luu, director, Business and Corporate Strategic Development Group, National Gallery Singapore. “The extent of his generosity also signals a significant shift in how more corporations and individuals are doing their part to grow a museum-going culture in Singapore by encouraging a new generation of art lovers.”

In recognition of this generous donation, Forest Fire, a painting by Indonesian artist Raden Saleh Sjarif Boestaman, has been adopted in honour of the Yong Hon Kong Foundation, which Yong had established in memory of his late father.

This is the largest painting by the artist; a monumental masterpiece featuring an elaborate and dramatic composition of wild animals chased by flames to the edge of a precipice. The size and depth of the piece are testament to Saleh’s ambitions as a painter. Although the subject matter is Javanese, Saleh had already been in Europe for 20 years earning significant critical success and elite patronage by the time he painted Forest Fire. The artwork was presented as a gift to his patron King William III of the Netherlands in 1850, one year before the artist was awarded the title of King’s Painter. DON MENDOZA

The artwork will be displayed at the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery for public viewing when the museum opens on Nov 24.

Admissions to the Singapore and Southeast Asia permanent galleries will be free during the Opening Celebrations from Nov 24 to Dec 6. Following this period, the permanent galleries will continue to be free for Singaporeans and permanent residents.