Everyone has a talent or an ability. What would you do with that talent?

Looi Siao Siang chose to give back to society.

Looi was born with speech and coordination impediments but he overcame his sensory challenges to paint professionally. With the guidance from his mum and his art mentor, Esther Lim, he produced beautiful artworks which have been showcased in various joint art exhibitions.

The 20-year-old previously helped raise funds for institutions such as the Straits Times (ST) School Pocket Money Fund and St Andrew’s Autism Centre. And for his solo art exhibition, he will be donating part of the sale proceeds of his paintings to The Business Times Budding Artists Fund and as well as the ST School Pocket Money Fund.

“This exhibition is more than just a showcase of my art pieces. It is above all a testimony to the potential and capabilities that challenged individuals like me possess,” Looi said.

Having been given the opportunity to develop his artistic abilities, his contribution to the Business Times fund will now create opportunities for other students who are artistically talented but lack the financial means to paint professionally.

The Little Arts Academy is an initiative by The Arts House to ensure that beneficiaries of the Business Times Budding Artists Fund have access to an education in the Arts.

Adelina Ong, Centre Director of The Little Arts Academy, said that the emphasis of the institute is on the development of art technique and skills rather than art therapy.

“We want our children to acquire real skills and to feel confident about themselves as artists, not feel like victims who need help,” she said.

Beautiful Wild Animals is Looi’s first solo art exhibition featuring 22 of his artworks on wildlife. It was held from 27 May 2011 to 6 June 2011 at The Little Arts Academy.