Sim Chiap Hin (Sifu Sim) 沈捷兴

Summary

Mr. Sim Chiap Hin was born in Kuching, Sarawak (Land of the Hornbills) in 1949. A renowned and versatile artist, he paints with oil, acrylic, water colour and mixed-media as well as specialises in Chinese painting and calligraphy. Having dedicated much of his time for the last four decades exploring and nurturing his love for art, Mr Sim has successfully developed a unique oriental style of painting that combines the best of techniques and ideas from both the East and the West. Mr. Sim’s works depict a wide range of images which reveal the mysteries and beauty of Sarawak. He has painstakingly captured our state’s rich heritage-the life and culture of our natives, historical landmarks, serene village scene, flora and fauna, and unique longhouses set against a backdrop of pristine rainforests for posterity as well as for pleasure made possible by the artistic strokes of his brushes. His works are currently on display at various locations in the capital city, including the Damai Beach Resort Hotel (formerly Holiday Inn), a leading hotel. In addition, his master pieces are well-received and are being collected by State Library, Hotels, Government Offices, art lovers, private collectors and tourists from around the globe. Besides showcasing his works in four solo shows since 1972, Mr. Sim has been invited to hold exhibitions locally and internationally. His masterpieces have taken him to New York, China, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Brunei. This is indeed a great achievement for a home-grown artist. Besides, he frequently gets invited to give demonstrations and art talks in schools and colleges as well as demonstrate ink painting and calligraphy during exhibitions and festive seasons. Apart from being an artist, Mr. Sim is a strong promoter of art and is often invited to judge various art competitions. He is the founder and life member of both the Sarawak Artists Society and Kuching Chung Hua Arts Association. Besides, his involvement as a life member of the International Chinese Society of Arts and Photography (New York), The Calligraphy Society of Malaysia, National Arts Gallery, as well as being a member of the Malaysian Ling-Nan Art Association. His various art portfolio positions speak volume of his dynamism and love for art. Such is the passion that Mr. Sim continues to tutor interested students and art-lovers on painting using a variety of media acrylic, oil, copper tooling, Chinese painting and calligraphy.

Sim was interviewed in a video-recorded session by RTM in Kuching, Sarawak, in 2011. Later, he was interviewed by RTM KL in another video recorded documentary in 2019. He was also interviewed by BPH (British Publishing House Ltd) and his biography was published in the 5th edition of “Successful People in Malaysia” under the Britishpedia Encyclopaedia, 2023.