The watercolour paintings of Hua Chai Yong were known for their spontaneity imbued with a fresh perspective. Most of his watercolour paintings were painted plein air. In 1963, he developed a new method of painting known as “flat brush technique”. The bustling energy of the streets is deeply felt in Morning Market At Chinatown, a precious record of the surroundings before its development. Hua Chai Yong graduated from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in 1964. He was a recipient of the Highly Commended Award in 1983, 1986 and 1992 at the UOB Painting of the Year Competition. He won the Special Award at the National Day Art Exhibition in 1979 presented by the Ministry of Culture. He participated in exhibitions held in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.