SINGAPORE: Enriching Singapore's arts scene and showcasing Singaporean talent on an international platform are what Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Lui Tuck Yew believes UOB Painting of the Year winner Zhao Renhui will achieve when he sets out on a one-month residency at Japan's Fukuoka Asian Art Museum.

Zhao's photographs beat more than 1,000 entries in this year's competition to bag the top prize of S$30,000 cash and a trophy in the open category.

With his newly-earned accolade, Zhao promises to produce more original works and looks forward to exchange ideas with fellow artists in Japan.

Together with his photographs, all other award-winning and highly-commended entries will be up for a month-long exhibition at the Esplanade beginning Sunday.

Zhao, winner, UOB Painting of the Year Competition, said: "This distinction of winning the award gives me great encouragement and also the time in the future to spend in doing my own work." - CNA/vm