Teng Mah Seng | 丁马成

Teng Mah Seng, a cultural medallion recipient, was born in China, Fujian Jinjiang eastern sea village in 1916. At the age of 18, Teng left his hometown and came to Singapore. In Singapore, Teng picked up jobs as a transport worker, and secretary, and afterward, he had his own limited company. He is a loyal, trustworthy and helpful friend where his friends and customers would fully support him. Managing the rubber plantation was a success after several setbacks.

In 1977, Teng initiated to host a Southeast Asia Nanyin Conference, inviting Nanyin groups from all around Asia to perform in Singapore. This Nanyin Conference not only stimulates Nanyin but also stimulated the land of its origins. Since 1981, Quanzhou and Xiamen will also organize Nanyin Conference on the last day of the Chinese New Year.

Teng felt that Nanyin should have changes to be relatable to modern society. Thus, he composed several hundred new-style Nanyin lyrics based on a range of contemporary subjects. Since the 1980s, he devoted his life to cultivating the next successor of Siong Leng. He recruited members from the public, hiring famous Nanyin teachers to train the promising youth.

In 1983, Siong Leng reached its peak due to the contribution Teng made to Nanyin. And also, led a group to participate in the Llangollen Musical Eisteddfod in Wales. Madam Ong Guat Huah sang one of his works, “Reminiscence”, and was awarded third place in the Folk Song Solo. As for the ensemble performance, the group won fourth place with the piece, “Trotting Horse”. These two awards were significant as it was the first time Nanyin received recognition on the world stage.

Teng may be no longer leading Siong Leng, but his unyielding spirit and contributions were the driving force for us to continue his legacy. If one mentions Nanyin in Singapore or about Siong Leng, the name Teng Mah Seng would naturally come to mind.