This batik fabric with motifs of golden birds and flora was a gift from Jusuf Wanandi, Senior Fellow and co-founder of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Professor Tommy Koh had it tailored by Master Tailor Edward Kwan of Wai Cheong Tailors (est. 1933). He wore this to numerous formal occasions including one at the Gedung Merdeka, Bandung, where he received the inaugural Mochtar Kusumaatmadja Award (2017) that honours his significant contributions in international law. 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.
