Whether it be admiring the beauty of nature, a bird, or flowers, Tew Nai Tong’s compositions evoke a reflective dialogue with the natural world. Moments like these, where one is fully present and attuned to their surroundings are precious. Though the composition is small and refined, it reflects a perfect balance of natural elements such as tree branches and figures. Companionship is appreciated, quality time well spent! Nai Tong returned to Malaysia and had his first solo at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1964, the year he won 2nd Prize in the Chartered Bank mural design competition. He furthered his studies at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts (1967-1968). The 1980s saw him winning several awards including the Shell Best Award (watercolour, 1981), Esso Best Award (1982) and Dunlop Best Award (watercolour, 1983). He taught at various art academies namely the Malaysian Institute of Art (1969-1980), Central Academy of Art (1982-1985) and the Saito Academy of Art (1986-1988) before he decided to go full time in 1992. In 2007, he had a major survey exhibition at the National Art Gallery Malaysia, called Odyssey. In 2009, he won the Asia Art Award in Seoul, South Korea.