Born in 1947 in Shantou, China, Lim Kay Hiong developed a deep passion for art at a young age. His artistic journey began to flourish after he migrated to Singapore with his family in 1953, at the age of six. This move would deeply influence his career and cultural identity.
Immersed in a vibrant environment blending traditional Chinese culture with modern influences, Lim developed a unique artistic voice that bridged East and West. He began his formal training with traditional Chinese ink painting, a discipline requiring both technical skill and a deep appreciation of subtlety and balance. He studied under two highly respected pioneers of Singapore's art scene, Fan Chang Tien and See Hiang To, both of whom played crucial roles in the development of Singapore's cultural landscape. Their mentorship grounded Lim in the classical techniques of Chinese brushwork, calligraphy and composition, which later became hallmarks of his artistic style.
Seeking to expand his artistic horizons, Lim enrolled at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), where he studied Western painting techniques and art theory. He graduated in 1966 with a Diploma in Fine Art. This education introduced him to a broader spectrum of artistic approaches, allowing him to incorporate diverse methods and perspectives into his practice. The fusion of Eastern and Western art traditions became a defining feature of Lim’s work, contributing to its timeless appeal.
Lim's paintings are recognised for their distinctive style and evocative subject matter. His works often reflect themes rooted in oriental culture, depicting landscapes, flora and traditional scenes with a delicate balance of brushwork and colour. The subtle interplay of light and shadow, combined with his mastery of ink and watercolour techniques, captures the aesthetic richness of his heritage.
Lim’s contributions to the arts have gained recognition beyond Singapore. In 2005, he received a merit award at the First International Chinese Poetry, Calligraphy, Painting and Seal-carving Grand Exhibition held in Beijing, a prestigious event that brought together leading artists from around the world. This accolade affirmed his position as a key figure in the preservation and evolution of traditional Chinese art.
Lim’s commitment to artistic growth extended internationally in his later years. In July and August 2024, he spent two months at one of the NAFA studios in Cité Internationale des Arts, Paris, where he exchanged ideas and collaborated with fellow artists from around the world. This enriching experience broadened his artistic vision and reinforced his status as a globally engaged artist. Later that October, Lim travelled to Xiamen, China, to participate in the ASEAN-China Art Exchange, where he proudly represented Singapore’s art scene and brought greater recognition to Singaporean artists on the international stage.
Beyond his personal artistic pursuits, Lim was deeply involved in Singapore's art community. He held leadership roles in several prominent art societies including The Hua Han Art Society, The Society of Chinese Artists and the Federation of Art Societies (Singapore). He had also served as a board member of NAFA, where he helped guide the institution's development and supported emerging artists. He was well-liked by his students, who admired him not only for his artistry but also for his mentorship and generosity.
Sadly, Lim passed away in January 2025, leaving behind a legacy cherished by the Singapore art community and beyond. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, NAFA honours him posthumously with a Distinguished Alumni Award. His passing is widely regarded as a profound loss to Singapore’s art scene, where his influence as an artist and mentor continues to inspire future generations.