A fashion show by a disabled artist at the opening ceremony of the festival. (Photo: Do Van/VNA)

The festival features more than 700 artworks by 210 artists from Singapore and across the Asia-Pacific region. Rizal Edwin, Secretary-General of the National Council for Special Economic Zones of Social Service, welcomed Vietnam’s participation.

He praised the Vietnam-Singapore long-standing friendship and a deep partnership, saying this festival is a testament to the strong and enduring ties between the two nations.
Ambassador Tran Phuoc Anh (right) introduces Vietnamese paintings to Mr. Baey Yam Keng - District Chief of the Northeast District. (Photo: Do Van/VNA)

The Vietnamese artists brought to the event paintings embracing national identity. Among them, three pieces inspired by rice paddies, terraced fields, and Vietnam’s cultural heritage were especially praised for their creativity and artistic value.

Baey Yam Keng, Mayor of Northeast District and a special guest at the festival, expressed excitement with the participation of Vietnamese artists. "One silk-collage artwork depicting rice fields and terraces truly reflects Southeast Asia’s rich cultural diversity and shows how ASEAN countries celebrate inclusion and community care together,” said Baey Yam Keng.
A painting by a Vietnamese disabled artist is displayed at the exhibition area. (Photo: Do Van/VNA)

Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Tran Phuoc Anh praised the Shaping Hearts festival as a platform for artistic expression: “In this meaningful event, we contemplate the emotions and perceptions of people with disabilities about life and the world. Through these pieces, iconic Vietnamese cultural and historical landmarks, like the Khuê Văn Các (Constellation of Literature) Pavilion, are represented beautifully, distinctively, and creatively.”

In addition to the exhibition, the Shaping Hearts 2025 festival features art performances, fashion shows, and adaptive sports activities like wheelchair basketball, blind football, and floor hockey. All proceeds from art and souvenir sales will go toward supporting artists with disabilities.