This shirt from Professor Tommy Koh is tailored by Master Tailor Edward Kwan of Wai Cheong Tailors (est. 1933), who designed it with two chest pockets and ‘parang’ motifs at the hem. The batik fabric with blue flora motifs against wavy lines was a gift from Mr Lim Thuan Kuan and wife Mrs Patricia Lim, who were both his law students. He wore this to numerous formal occasions including one at the Istana for a book launch in 2011. This shirt is part of a larger group of ties and shirts from him.A veteran diplomat, negotiator and law professor, Professor Tommy Koh has represented Singapore on prominent international and local events. He was the chairperson of National Heritage Board (2002–11) and National Arts Council (1991–96) and continues to be a strong patron of the local arts and cultural sector. Notably, he played pivotal roles in chairing the Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, 1980–1982) and the UN Conference on Environment and Development (1990–1992). Because of the Environment-related appointment, he received many ties with animal prints, that he wore often since to convey messages of goodwill or advocacy. The shirts in this donation that he wore to diplomatic functions especially in Singapore and Southeast Asia also expressed solidarity with and appreciation of the region and their arts. As a key figure in establishing many multilateral relationships especially in the early decades of Singapore’s independence, his sartorial choices at public events served as a medium for cultural diplomacy and international representation.
