Speech by Senior Minister of State Low Yen Ling at Artbox Singapore 2026

Good afternoon, everyone.

1.         I am delighted to be here at the launch of Artbox 2026.

2.         Since 2023, Artbox Singapore has attracted over 50,000 visitors each year, with about 20% of visitors from overseas. For a very young festival, this speaks a lot of its value proposition and truly reflects the event’s appeal as a unique, creative festival and its role as a cultural bridge connecting Singapore with the region.

3.         This year, the National Youth Council (NYC) is partnering with the festival’s organiser, Invade, to launch of Artbox Youth. I am greatly heartened that Invade is supporting our SG Youth Plan and creating opportunities for young Singaporeans to pursue their aspirations with confidence.

Furthering young Singaporeans’ career aspirations

4.         The Artbox Camp theme at the festival celebrates a spirit of exploration, a sense of community, and the courage to venture into the unknown – qualities that we hope our youth will embrace as they journey toward adulthood. The Artbox Youth engagement zones at the event aim to help young Singaporeans in their transition from school to the workforce.  

5.         For example, a key programme of Artbox this year is “job tasters”, which NYC has developed with Aiko Collective, Singapore Repertory Theatre and Invade. It allows our youths explore their interests and passions, as they seek fulfilling careers. In one of the programme’s tracks, the youth are given a chance to participate in content creation, directing and acting, allowing them to understand better the kind of work they are interested in.

6.         Another festival highlight is the Career Human Library zone. NYC’s “Discover On My Way” platform lets young participants connect with industry veterans and creators, and learn from their experiences.

7.         Artbox will also feature pertinent panel discussions on current issues organised by local startup, The Financial Coconut. For instance, the session about the “Rise of AI and its impact on the creative industry” will examine the implications of AI on art and also offer insights on how AI can open up new opportunities to make creative work more accessible and engaging.

8.         Such discussions help our creative community adapt and thrive, and remain relevant to the industry. Use AI to achieve three ‘As’ – to Assist you in your work, in some way Automate the routine things that you don’t quite like to do, and perhaps even Augment the products and services that you, as a creative practitioner, will provide for your customers.

Maintaining close ties with industry

9.         Likewise, it is equally important for our youths and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) to maintain close ties with the industry through events like today’s.  

10.      One example is the partnership between Shilla Retail and students from Institute of Technical Education’s Higher Nitec in Beauty & Wellness. At their booth, the students will serve real customers and gain valuable hands-on experience. I encourage you to visit their booth to support them.

11.      In addition, students from the Republic Polytechnic (RP)’s Diploma in Business course have helped produce some of Artbox's social media videos. This is win-win, because this exposure to real-world marketing will help them build practical skills before entering the workforce.

Opportunities for entrepreneurs & local businesses

12.      Besides supporting our youths, I am greatly heartened that Artbox will offer a platform for budding entrepreneurs to test ideas, validate demand, and build a following without the high overheads of a traditional lease.

13.      Artbox’s collaboration with the South Korean brand, Wiggle Wiggle, aims to deliver exclusive, first-in-Singapore products and experiences. It also creates opportunities for our local designers and small businesses to collaborate with Wiggle Wiggle. This allows our creative talents to grow beyond Singapore, while also enhancing Singapore’s tourism appeal.

14.      I am greatly heartened to hear that Artbox will continue to forge such collaborations by expanding and inviting more international brands to participate. We can look forward to more innovative concepts from the region and beyond. This gives festival-goers access to fresh and emerging global brands and concepts.

15.      Last but not least, I am glad to note that Artbox is working again with the Singapore Red Cross and the Singapore Kindness Movement to carry on the positive momentum from last year’s blood drive in their “Creative for Good” initiative. This gives festival-goers and participants the chance to contribute meaningfully to society and make a vital difference.

16.      Before I go, let me extend my deep appreciation to the many partners and stakeholders who made this event possible.

17.      To the organisers at Invade, thank you for creating a space and platform where ideas are shared, where collaborations are formed, where creativity can grow, and where friendships are forged.

18.      And to our students and entrepreneurs: we are here to support you in your path ahead. Through NYC, our IHL-industry partnerships, and government support schemes for youths and startups, we hope to help you chart your career aspirations and business plans.

19.      Let us support Singapore as an enterprise ecosystem. I encourage you to participate fully at Artbox to gain meaningful insights, experience and gems from this unique Singapore festival.

20.      With that, it is my pleasure to declare Artbox 2026 and Artbox Youth officially open. Thank you.