Leadership in the Arts in Singapore: A conversation with two Arts NMPs, Audrey Wong (2009–2011) and Usha Chandradas (2023–2025)

In the last 15 years since the first Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP)* for the arts was appointed, what progress have the arts sectors made? What issues remain challenges, or what new concerns have risen over the years, and does the Arts NMP make a difference?

Join Singapore’s first Arts NMP Audrey Wong (2009–2011) and current Arts NMP Usha Chandradas (2023–2025) for a conversation about their respective experiences as NMPs, what it’s like speaking in parliament and how they handle the tricky balancing act of managing multiple stakeholders with sometimes opposing views.

Moderated by Sunitha Janamohanan, Lecturer in Arts Management, School of Creative Industries.

*A Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) is a Member of the Parliament of Singapore who is appointed by the President. They are not affiliated to any political party and do not represent any constituency.