29th April 2015

Conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
on Mr. Iskandar Jalil

  
  On the occasion of the spring conferment of Japanese Decorations on Foreign Nationals for the year 2015, the Japanese government will confer the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette on Mr. Iskandar Jalil on 29th April.

This Order is presented to Mr. Iskandar Jalil in recognition of his significant contributions toward the cultural exchange and mutual understanding through the pottery between Japan and Singapore.

In 1972, under the Colombo Plan Scholarship, Mr Iskandar commenced his study of pottery in Japan (Tajimi City Pottery Design and Technical Center of Gifu Prefecture). Since then, he developed his own style and created many works using his original Iskandar Blue where he leads the field of Singapore pottery. With many achievements and awards including the Cultural Medallion for Visual Arts in 1988, he is admired as one of Singapore’s greatest artist. He has also created large works such as wall murals located at the landmarks of Singapore such as Tanjong Pagar MRT and Changi Airport Terminal 2. Many Singaporian are aware of his style in his art pieces which clearly represents Japanese ceramics aesthetics and culture. His art pieces are also admired by many political leaders including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, attested by the displays at the Istana, and his works have been presented to many dignitaries in Singapore and abroad.

As a mentor to Singapore’s potters of next generation, not only does Mr Iskandar emphasise on the art technique of Japanese pottery but also Japanese Monozukuri Spirts which are behind the art pieces. In order to share these technique and spirit, he has been bringing his students to Japan for the past 20 years, where nearly 200 students have benefited and immersed in Japanese culture including pottery. Through his vast network of Pottery, Mr Iskandar has achieved great heights in promoting mutual understanding through the exchanges between Japan and Singapore in the field of Pottery.

The Order of the Rising Sun is awarded to individuals who have made long-term contributions to promoting the relations with Japan. Mr Shanmugam Jayakumar, Former Deputy Prime Minister, was the latest recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun in April 2012. This is the first time that an Artist is receiving the award from Singapore.

In the near future, the Ceremony to confer the Order on Mr. Iskandar Jalil will be held.

(Reference)
2015 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals

Potter Iskandar Jalil


Birthday: 15th January 1940 (75 years old)

Mr Iskandar has graduated from the Teacher’s Training College in 1962. He has taught Science and Math in Primary and Secondary Schools as well as Art at Vocational Schools.

He visited Japan in 1972 as a Colombo Plan Scholar and learned Pottery. After returning to Singapore, he has taught the pottery at Vocational Institute and Temasek Polytecnic.

In 1977, he was awarded the Special Award for National Day Art Exhibition followed by the Cultural Medallion Award for Visual Arts in 1988. In 1999, he was awarded Pingat APAD by the Association of Artists of Various resources and in 2002, the Berita Harian Achiever of the Year Award. He was further awarded the National Day Award, The Public Service Star in 2012. Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation Award was awarded to Mr Iskandar Jalil in 2014 for his distinguished contribution to introducing Japanese culture, and promoting the friendship between Japan and Singapore.

He was also a Fellow at the National University of Singapore Art Centre from 1993-1997 and was an Advisor to the National Art Council from April 1992- March 2006.

At Japan Creative Centre (JCC) which is the cultural annex of Embassy of Japan in Singapore, Mr Iskandar Jalil and his disciples has organised an exhibition entitled “Iskandar Jalil~A lifelong passion for his craft and his teaching~ “ from 19th January -8th February 2013 as a kickoff event for the 40th Anniversary of Japan ASEAN Friendship and Cooperation. In 2015, Temasek Potters has organised an exhibition entitled “Balance in Imperfection” from 18th March -4th April 2015 where Mr Iskandar Jalil joined in as a special guest.

Mr Iskandar Jalil is planning to have his solo exhibition at JCC from the end of August to middle of September this year.