The Cultural Medallion was instituted in March 1979 as an initiative of our late President, then Minister of Culture, Mr Ong Teng Cheong. The Cultural Medallion is Singapore's pinnacle arts award. It recognises individuals who have made distinctive contributions to shaping Singapore's arts and cultural landscape with their vision, artistic excellence and commitment to engaging the wider community through their respective artistic disciplines. It is conferred by the President, Republic of Singapore and administered by the National Arts Council.