Since its founding in 1938, NAFA has welcomed a distinguished roster of internationally acclaimed artists, including Singapore’s pioneer figures Cheong Soo Pieng, Chen Chong Swee, Chen Wen Hsi, and Georgette Chen, whose work profoundly shaped the second generation of artists in Singapore. This tradition continues through Cultural Medallion recipients such as maestro Lim Yau, a current faculty member, and dance pioneer Lim Fei Shen, a former faculty member, who have inspired generations of creative minds.

In addition, our accomplished alumni include 16 Cultural Medallion recipients and 15 Young Artist Award recipients, prestigious honours conferred by the National Arts Council. Together with our current and former faculty, this brings the total number of Cultural Medallion recipients connected to NAFA to 18.

Within the academy, we celebrate excellence through the Best Graduate Awards and the Distinguished Alumni Award (previously known as the Distinguished Alumni Medal).