As the recipient of the National Arts Council’s Arts Professional Development Grant in 2009, Ming Yi was trained in Nanyin Pipa, Sanxian and vocals under the guidance of master Cai Wei Biao. Ming Yi has been involved in several international performances, ASEAN Cultural Heritage Festival (Vietnam), MAU: J-ASEAN Dance Collaboration, Moving Horizons: Huayi Festival by Esplanade, Singapore En France Festival (France), International Youth Nanyin Symposium I and II, Musicians of the Imperial Court, Third Maritime Silk Road International Arts Festival (China) and Soul Journey which has toured eight cities around the world. 

As the Education and Outreach Manager, Ming Yi develops Nanyin syllabus for the youths and now manages the company’s young apprentice artists.     

Established in 1941, Siong Leng owes its success to its late chairman, Mr. Teng Mah Seng. Under his guidance, Siong Leng became an arts company that preserves and promotes Nanyin. Mr. Teng received the Cultural Medallion in 1987 in recognition of his passionate contributions to Nanyin. As Siong Leng’s chairman, he continuously worked to reform and revive Nanyin, revitalising Nanyin by writing new lyrics and music that were livelier and more relatable. With his dedication and perseverance, Nanyin was given a new life.

In 1983, Siong Leng participated in the 37th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and won third place in the folk solo category with Mr. Teng’s work Reminiscence, as well as fourth place in the folk ensemble category with the traditional Nanyin piece Trotting Horses. In 2010, Siong Leng took part in the same competition and won the first prize in the folk solo category with Mr. Teng’s work Facets of Life.

Siong Leng organised the inaugural Southeast Asia Nanyin Conference in 1977, the International Nanyin Concert & Symposium in 2000, the International Youth Nanyin Concert and Symposium in 2015, as well as the International Youth Nanyin Festival in 2018. To foster and maintain close relations with other Nanyin musicians worldwide and to stay updated on the development of Nanyin, the company actively participates in international Nanyin symposiums across Asia, contributing to the efforts of promoting and developing this ancient art form. Siong Leng has also toured and performed in major cities and countries in Europe, Asia, and the United States of America.

In 2017, Siong Leng was the recipient of the inaugural ‘Singapore Chinese Cultural Contribution Award’, awarded by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. In 2021, Siong Leng was awarded ‘The Stewards of Intangible Cultural Heritage Award’ by the National Heritage Board. Siong Leng is also a recipient of the National Arts Council Major Grant (2022 – 2025).