Page 100 - NYAA GAHA 30th Anniversary "Service Beyond Gold"

Darren Soh

Independent Photographer

Architectural Conservation Advocate
NYAA Gold Award Holder (1998 Cohort)

Darren Soh is one of Singapore’s most acclaimed talks were later compiled into a book titled “Think
photographers, renowned for his poignant Unlimited” that featured each speaker’s presentations
documentation of the nation’s evolving urban and as well as works.
architectural landscape. With a career spanning more
than two decades, Darren has combined artistry, Darren’s advocacy has earned him numerous awards,
heritage advocacy, and mentorship to preserve including the Discernment Award at the ICON de
Singapore’s collective memory and inspire future Martell Cordon Bleu Photography Prize (2013), the
generations. Colvin Prize by the Society of Architectural Historians
of Great Britain (2023), and selection as one of Apple’s
Trained in sociology at the National University of 10 global winners of the Shot on iPhone Challenge
Singapore, Darren began his career as a photographer (2019), where he was the only Asian recipient.
with The Straits Times before embarking on
independent practice in 2001. His personal work Equally committed to education and youth
focuses on documenting the change and destruction empowerment, Darren has worked closely with
of vernacular and modernist architecture in the NYAA Council and the Urban Redevelopment
Singapore, producing a visual record of the nation’s Authority, mentoring young photographers through
rapid transformation. documentation projects in Serangoon Road (2017)
and Kampong Gelam (2019). He has also served
His critically acclaimed works include ‘While You Were as a judge and mentor in multiple photography
Sleeping’ (2004), ‘For My Son’ (2013), ‘Before It All competitions, sharing his expertise to cultivate the
Goes’ (2018), and ‘Everyday Modernism’ (2022). These next generation of storytellers.
publications and exhibitions have not only received
local and international recognition but also shaped Through his photography, Darren has elevated public
public conversations on heritage conservation and appreciation for Singapore’s built heritage while
sustainable urban development. His photography empowering youth to see the value of documenting
has been exhibited globally — from Paris and Istanbul change. His life’s work exemplifies the GAHA ethos
to Fukuoka and Kazakhstan — and is collected by the of ‘Service Beyond Gold’ using art to strengthen
National Museum of Singapore, the National Gallery community identity and inspire social responsibility.
Singapore, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

In 2024, Darren was invited by the Singapore Land
Authority to be a speaker for the SLA Brown Bag
Speaker series, where professionals in various
industries were asked to give a talk to SLA staff. These

98 30 Years of Service and Leadership