Established since 1998

Running an art gallery specializing in asian art and antiques might not exactly be a common thing to do for someone since their 20s, but Ms Phoon of Wai's Art gallery, it is exactly what she has done. 

Having said that, Ms Phoon was not exactly new to the world of the business, having been in it since she was 19, running a boutique specializing in ladies fashion at Novena. four years later, she sold the first business to a friend, and then moved on to running a spa in Bugis. All businesses operating locally in Singapore. 

So when the time came to take over her father, Mr Phoon Poh Wai's business in year 2011, it seemed almost like a natural progression. 

Although she cited the experience as being helpful, she also has relevant skills in learning about fashion illustration and art management while on the job or in school. 

When taking over her father's art gallery, which was established in 1998, she largely stuck to the business traditions and only made a few changes. The first thing she did was to give the gallery an online presence by creating a website for it, such that items sold at the shop could be seen on it.

Also, to make the name slightly trendier in modern times, while still maintaining the link to her father, she changed the name from Wai's Art Center Pte Ltd to the snappier Wai Art Gallery.

However, with time, she began to build up mutual trust with customers, proving to them that she had learnt well from her father the in and out of art gallery and knew what she was talking about. Another factor for her success would be how the art gallery has respected its customers, with many of them being referrals from other satisfied clients or repeat customers.

On the point of respecting customers, Ms Phoon believes that the gallery has stuck to its principles and sells to the connoisseurs. Elaborating on this, Ms Phoon stated that art buyers has understand the piece of work they are buying, as well as its history and what they want it for, before it's being sold to them.

In business though, not everything was smooth sailing. Some of the older customers, who had largely dealt with Mr Phoon in the past, did not really trust her thinking that because of her age, she did not really know her stuff.

This helps them avoid selling it to those looking for a profit by flipping it on later, or those who just want to make a statement by acquiring an atwork or antique. As for future planes, Ms Phoon is looking to sell more to clients in China and Hong Kong, with the market there being bigger. Another thing they are looking at doing is to tie up with companies in Beijing or Shanghai, to retail items in the gallery via in-house auctions. this would help them cut out auctioneer commissions. And as all items offered are owned by them, there would be no items on consignment, which could lead to sales falling through. one factor that has also helped would be dealing in Chinese art even before the booming recent years, such that they are renowned for it.

Ms Phoon has also mentioned that her father has over the years, made astute purchases of artworks by known artists such as Xu Beihong, Affandi, Hendra Gunawan, Chen Wenxi and Qi Baishi before they were highly sought after.

This has helped them become known in their field. It's not much of a surprise that she considers her father to be a key person both in her business and her life.

As she explains that her father has worked on both sides of the ledger, as an award winning artist who taught her about appreciating art, and selling his work to support the family, as well as being someone who understood the business aspects of art. The passion has also rubbed off on her, with Ms Phoon happily to talk about art outside of work with friends, and eventually convince them to purchase a piece or two.

Our gallery is back in operations in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Do enquire with us for private viewings of art collections. Thank you.