Malaysian ink painter Tay Poi San has donated eight paintings to support Iskandar Malaysia Social Hero Award (IMSHA) winner, Yayasan Kebajikan Suria Kawasan Permas Johor Bahru’s fundraising initiative, turning his passion for art into a contribution towards humanitarian and community welfare programmes.
The donation was highlighted during a press conference at Wanawani Art Gallery in Johor Bahru, where Tay shared his artistic journey and the inspiration behind his decades-long dedication to the arts.
The initiative forms part of the foundation’s One More Time: Grand Charity Gala Dinner 2026, scheduled for 28th November at 7pm at Pekin Restaurant, Daiman 18 Golf Resort, Johor Bahru. The event aims to raise RM800,000 for the foundation’s humanitarian programmes and community welfare initiatives.
The proceeds will support underprivileged communities, disaster victims, individuals and families in need, as well as collaborations with non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Born in 1953 in Asahan, a town on the border of Melaka and Johor, Tay is a prominent Malaysian ink painter and third-generation Nanyang artist. Active since the 1980s, he has developed an artistic practice that combines traditional Chinese brushwork with contemporary visual expression.
His paintings explore themes of memory, landscape and cultural symbolism, often creating dreamlike scenes that bring together elements of the past and present. Through his work, Tay continues to explore the possibilities of ink painting while preserving the traditions of the Nanyang art movement.
Over the course of his career, he has held 16 solo exhibitions and gained international recognition. In 2021, he was ranked among the world’s top 500 artists at the Global Ink Painting Exhibition in Hong Kong. He participated in the International Ink Painting Exhibition in Shenzhen, China, in 2022, while his works were featured at the London Art Biennale in 2023.
In 2025, Tay held his first solo European exhibition, Les Rivières de l’Encre: L’Héritage en Mouvement de Tay Poi San, at Vanities Gallery in Paris, France. His works have also been collected by Yayasan Warisan Seni Lukis Johor.
During the press conference, Tay reflected on the dedication, patience and perseverance required to develop his artistic practice, highlighting the care involved in every brushstroke and detail.
His donation demonstrates how art can serve a purpose beyond aesthetic appreciation by bringing people together and supporting those in need.
The press conference was attended by Yayasan Kebajikan Suria Kawasan Permas founder James Philip Ho, charity dinner organising committee assistant chairperson Koh Mui Cheng and treasurer Ong Tyng Yun.
The foundation also thanked Wanawani Art Gallery owner, Siow Nee Liu Pei Yun, for providing the venue free of charge.
The upcoming gala dinner will be held under the theme “One act of kindness. One more chance to make a difference” and in honour of Uncle James, recognising a life dedicated to service, compassion and hope.
Highlights include the official launch of One More Time, the biography of Uncle James, the souvenir programme book and networking opportunities for community leaders, partners and supporters.
The foundation is inviting corporate sponsorships, advertisements in the souvenir programme book and cash donations from individuals and companies.
Sponsorship packages range from RM2,000 for the Caring Hearts Table to RM20,000 for the Legacy Table. All packages include gala dinner access and programme participation.
For sponsorships and enquiries, contact founder James Ho at 019-772 4172 or treasurer Joyce Ong at 018-392 5012. Further information is available at https://www.yayasansuriajb.org.my/
Through the donated paintings and the upcoming gala, the foundation hopes to turn generosity into meaningful support for vulnerable communities and strengthen its humanitarian efforts.
