Read more about the exclusive editorial interview Jan/Feb 2025 in Chinese.
The exclusive editorial interview is translated into English below:
- Title: Low Lee Yong: Restarting Life with Art
- By: Song Wei, Huang Fengling, Photography by: Cai Qingfu
From a rural boy, doctor, entrepreneur, to an artist, Dr. Low Lee Yong did not start with a dazzling beginning, but he won at turning points in life.
Standing before us, Dr. Low Lee Yong maintains a well-managed physique, showing a disciplined life attitude. When he speaks, his thinking is quick, his references rich and diverse, and his knowledge profound. Through black-rimmed glasses, you can see the gleam in his eyes. Even after reading Dr. Low’s two inspirational autobiographies, the reporter from “Fortune Times Magazine” still wanted to ask him in person how he achieved such a stunning life turnaround. Dr. Low said, “With perseverance, struggle, and faith, I can overcome any difficulty.”
Holding on to this belief, whether as a poor medical student, on the brink of bankruptcy as an entrepreneur, or facing life-and-death brain aneurysm surgery, he overcame all challenges one by one. After selling his healthcare technology group business in 2019, and unexpectedly facing a global pandemic, Dr. Low began to reflect on the meaning of life: regardless of wealth, everyone will eventually leave this world. Recalling his childhood passion for painting, Dr. Low decided to give himself a chance to restart—this time, he chose to pursue his childhood dream with all his heart and became an artist. Through art, he not only restarted the second half of his life but also inspired those seeking change and meaning in their life journey.
Low Lee Yong: Life Rekindled through Art
- Beijing Daxing International Airport’s Private Jet Terminal Welcomes Dr. Lowly’s Solo Exhibition
On November 12, 2024, Beijing Daxing International Airport’s private jet terminal welcomed the solo exhibition of the artist “Dr. Lowly.” The one-month exhibition attracted art lovers, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals from home and abroad, including super-rich, investors, and renowned corporate executives.
Dr. Lowly is the first artist to hold a solo exhibition at Beijing International Airport. So, who is Dr. Lowly? He is Dr. Low Lee Yong, an artist from Singapore. Dr. Low’s works are colorful, with free and uninhibited splatters filled with vivid colors, creating a visual and spiritual feast that touches the inner world of each viewer, igniting thought and imagination.
Dr. Lowly’s name combines his surname “Low” and the initials of his first name “LY,” making it simple to remember but deeply personal. He explained that his full name had been associated with his business achievements for decades, and he wanted to distinguish his new artistic self from his past business success; this name also reminds him of his humble beginnings.
Dr. Low’s life story is full of twists and changes. Born into a poor rural family in Singapore, he bravely chased his dreams, eventually becoming a doctor and founding the MHC Healthcare Technology Group. After 25 years in business, he chose to “retire” in 2019 to pursue his childhood love for painting, creating the “Squeeze and Splatter” art technique. Each transformation in his life was extraordinary, making him feel that life had come full circle, reconnecting him with his childhood passion for art, and opening up new challenges and opportunities.
Persevering through Falls and Rising Again
Whether as a technology entrepreneur or an artist, Dr. Low Lee Yong self-taught himself through each identity transition.
In 1994, Dr. Low founded the MHC Asia Group, a third-party administrative company providing efficient medical claim processing services to assist enterprises, large insurance operators, and medical service providers in streamlining claim procedures, helping companies save on employee medical costs.
Initially, his entrepreneurial idea was simple—using technology to simplify medical service processes and building a network of clinics through the internet. As an early entrepreneur who foresaw the internet’s potential, he didn’t expect to create MHC, a renowned healthcare technology firm. At that time, email was just becoming popular, people were just starting to use the internet, and the global bestseller “The World is Flat” was still a decade away from publication.
Many people considered Low Lee Yong’s actions risky because he had no prior business experience or technological background. However, he believed that perseverance in pursuing his dreams always held the possibility of success. This belief stemmed from his early experiences being mocked and overlooked by others as a rural boy, but he never gave up. He believed that becoming a doctor could change his fate, so he resolved to study medicine and ultimately achieved his dream. After practicing medicine for 15 years, Dr. Low Lee Yong bravely ventured into the new field of healthcare technology.
However, entrepreneurship was not smooth sailing. Lacking business experience and dealing with internal company conflicts, MHC’s finances were constantly struggling. Adding to the frustration, he even owed doctors 300,000 Singapore dollars in debt. A difficult decision lay before him: either avoid the situation and declare bankruptcy or face it and resolve the issue. “Running away would mean betraying friends, so I decided to confront the problem.” With a renewed mindset, Dr. Low Lee Yong personally visited each creditor, persuading them to convert the debt into equity, providing a lifeline for the company.
The toughest moment was during the 1998 Asian Financial Crisis when Dr. Low Lee Yong contracted a life-threatening infection. To make matters worse, the CEO he had appointed betrayed him, and the company’s funds were nearly exhausted due to mismanagement by the team. He had to retake the CEO position to save MHC from bankruptcy.
While some view challenges as stumbling blocks, Dr. Low Lee Yong saw them as stepping stones to climb higher. This inner drive was fueled by his dreams and passion.
In the process of entrepreneurship, Dr. Low Lee Yong gained valuable experience, established friendships with stakeholders, developed technical skills, business acumen, and financial expertise, and spent 25 years successfully building a thriving healthcare technology company. Through technology and digital health applications, MHC could manage extensive employee benefit plans, enabling employees from insurance companies and corporate clients to receive cashless medical services at approximately 2,000 primary and specialist clinics across the island.
In 2019, the global investment company EQT acquired MHC, valuing its industry foundation and status, especially its medical network that surpassed traditional healthcare benefit manager roles, setting growth potential for the future. Despite many thinking Dr. Low Lee Yong would enjoy his life with a significant sum of money after selling MHC, he chose to embrace the next major turning point in his life instead of settling into a quiet life.
Creating the “Squeeze and Splatter” Technique without an Art Background
Transitioning from the business world to the art realm, Dr. Low Lee Yong was a “latecomer.” Despite not receiving formal art education, he believed this gave him more freedom to explore creative art without constraints.
With decades of business experience, strong resources, and connections, and after selling MHC in 2019, he faced various choices. Initially, he considered continuing in business. However, Vincent Van Gogh’s quote influenced his life decision: “Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.”
Taking unconventional paths had always been his style, and exploring the unknown excited him. In 1994, he transitioned from a doctor to an entrepreneur. By 2019, he made another significant shift from the field of healthcare technology to abstract art. As the pandemic spread globally in 2020, long-term home confinement led him to read art history and delve into the world of art galleries. This process not only broadened his artistic perspective but also further ignited his passion and creativity for painting, solidifying his dedication to the art path.
Eager to try, he started with traditional painting using brushes and palette knives but found the results unsatisfactory. In a corner of his studio, many small canvases remain—these were his initial “doodles.” Seeing the traces of his progress, he grew more confident.
Soon, he began experimenting with unconventional tools like balloons, plastic sheets, and even toilet brushes for painting. Through continuous practice, unexpected artistic effects emerged. The exploration process of the squeeze and splatter painting techniques was unforgettable for Dr. Low. Excitedly, he shared that each attempt brought breakthrough progress. “It’s a way for paint to fall on the canvas with energy and unpredictability through direct, instinctive gestures. This method allows paint to ‘speak’ spontaneously, capturing dynamic, impromptu, and primal emotions that traditional brushes cannot express.”
Just as he simplified medical claim processing with technology and revolutionized healthcare, Dr. Low’s innovative approach also broke traditional boundaries, pioneering unforeseen artistic development. In the squeeze and splatter technique, he felt both an outward release and rediscovery of self, making it a medium for his life journey.
“This technique allows me to express joy, energy, and freedom on levels that traditional methods can’t reach. Each piece becomes an extraordinary testament to beauty.” Just like he led MHC to become an industry pioneer in healthcare technology, he continues to explore and break through in the art field.
He firmly believes that his self-created squeeze and splatter technique has immense artistic potential as it resonates powerfully with global audiences. This burning passion for art fuels his ongoing creativity. With this innovative technique, he not only received the Luxembourg Art Prize in December 2024, awarded by the Luxembourg Museum but also was named “Artist of the Year 2025” by the The Effetto Arte Foundation /Pamermo (Italy) and will travel to Florence, Italy in January 2025 to receive the award.
Dr. Lowly believes that art is essentially an expression of creativity, and the most profound artworks are often created without boundaries, unconstrained by traditional art school conventions. This is in stark contrast to professional disciplines like law or engineering, which are bound by strict standards and regulations.
Self-taught Artists:
He mentions that many artists have gained fame without formal art education and that their works often fetch high prices at auctions. For example, Frida Kahlo created many deeply personal and symbolic works after self-learning painting during her recovery from a major traffic accident. Similarly, street artist Banksy, known for his satirical and political graffiti, operates entirely outside traditional art education.
The Essence of Artistic Value:
Dr. Lowly believes that the artistic value of a work is far more important than formal art education. He asserts that this value is mainly determined by its rarity and recognition in the art market, which helps establish an artist’s unique reputation and status in the art world and market.
Opening the Door to the World from Singapore: Dr. Lowly’s residence in Bukit Timah resembles a modern art museum with its sleek, gray-toned, box-like structure, which he personally designed and supervised. The house, equipped with tech-driven comforts like voice-controlled lighting, remote-operated fountains, outdoor lighting, and security systems, also features soft impact-resistant walls in the backyard to ensure children’s safety while playing.
Artist and Collector:
Dr. Lowly has two studios in his home—one for appreciation and collection, and the other as a workspace. He also collaborates internationally to produce lifelike wax statues with realistic expressions and lifelike skin. His collection includes wax statues of famous personalities like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Vincent Van Gogh, and Albert Einstein. There’s even a lifelike wax statue of Dr. Lowly and his wife in their original wedding attire, which humorously makes it hard to tell the real from the replica when he stands next to “himself” for photos.
Collection Highlights – Cyril Kongo:
Dr. Lowly is also a collector of Cyril Kongo’s vibrant works, known as “Mr. Color.” He appreciates Kongo’s vivid use of color that brightens any space, bringing joy and positive emotions to viewers. Dr. Lowly’s fondness for Kongo’s art is strengthened by their personal interactions and Kongo’s collaborations with renowned luxury brands.
Artistic Pursuits and Collections:
Dr. Lowly finds that the greatest satisfaction and reward of being an art collector is not the financial gain but the pure joy of living with beautiful and inspiring works. Each piece in his collection serves as a source of inspiration and conversation, offering endless opportunities for reflection and dialogue.
The Role of Singapore:
Born in Singapore, Dr. Lowly believes the city-state provides international exposure and collaboration opportunities for artists, with its multicultural backdrop offering unique creative inspirations. However, he acknowledges that limited gallery space and high rental costs are challenges to the local art scene’s development. He emphasizes the need for more opportunities for Singaporean artists to showcase their work on international platforms.
International Exhibitions and Future Plans
In December 2024, Dr. Lowly held his first physical exhibition at private jet terminals in Beijing and Hangzhou, targeting billionaires, movie stars and high-profile individuals—a bold and innovative move for a Singaporean artist. Looking ahead, he plans to expand his influence by hosting solo exhibitions at prestigious venues in Italy and other major art centers like Shanghai, London, New York, Paris, and Barcelona. Through these international exhibitions, he aims to leverage his Singaporean background to enhance his artistic impact, bridging Eastern and Western art cultures while offering a unique perspective to the global stage.
Reborn from Serious Illness, Pursuing Art with Passion and Dedication
Dr. Lowly rarely goes out now, preferring to stay at home to read or immerse himself in the world of art. His exploration of the Bible continually reveals the mysteries of life to him. “Having come through adversity, I have a deeper understanding of life’s brevity and fragility, and I’ve recommitted myself to living purposefully and gratefully,” he says.
In 2017, Dr. Lowly was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm through an MRI. Given the high risk of surgery, he and his family lived in uncertainty for two years, fearing sudden death. In 2019, he received even more alarming news—he had developed two brain aneurysms, all of which happened after he had already achieved significant success in his life.
Even though the risks of surgery were terrifying, Dr. Lowly decided to undergo brain aneurysm surgery because he trusted in God’s guidance and the expertise of the medical team. His wife wrote a long and heartfelt letter on social media, putting everything in God’s hands. Before the surgery, Dr. Lowly prepared comprehensively, arranging work plans in his absence and sharing his beliefs and faith with his closest relatives.
Reflecting on this experience, he has repeatedly said that it strengthened his understanding of perseverance, faith, and the importance of time. He considers this surgery a pivotal moment in his life: “It not only saved my life but also helped me rediscover life’s purpose and deeply understand its fragility.”
He adds, “In times of uncertainty, we can find strength through the words of God in the Bible. People must realize that life is finite, and when we die, neither wealth nor achievements can be taken with us.”
Understanding and loving life, he now approaches his art with curiosity and openness. The colors and visuals he uses are filled with a sense of life’s inspiration. He says that life experiences have taught him to embrace challenges and see them as opportunities for growth. These experiences have influenced his art, allowing him to create works that resonate authentically with himself and his audience.
Dr. Lowly emphasizes that his pursuit of art is driven by passion and dedication. He is committed to pushing the boundaries of his creativity, sharing his vision with the world, and making a lasting impact through his art. This undoubtedly reflects the values of a creator. “Over the years, I’ve come to understand that art is not just about creating beautiful works but about expressing my deepest thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This perspective gives my artistic creations a profound sense of purpose and accomplishment.”
“When we leave this world, the only things we can leave behind are not money and material possessions, but our good deeds, our values, and the impact we have on others’ lives.” — Dr. Lowly
Philanthropy and Shining Light on Another Part of the World
Transitioning from business to the art world, Dr. Low Lee Yong has published two autobiographies, his life experiences showcasing the power of perseverance, faith, and resilience.
In 2013, Dr. Lowly published his first English autobiography titled “I Dare to Dream—Making the Impossible Possible”; in 2019, he published a second English biography titled “I Dare to Dream Big—From Struggle to Significance.” In addition to these books, Dr. Lowly has established bursaries for medical students and awards the “Dare to Dream Award” to recognize those who dare to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals through effort and perseverance.
In writing these books, he aims to demonstrate that no matter how difficult the environment, with determination and effort, a person can overcome challenges and thrive. “I hope readers understand that obstacles and setbacks are part of the journey, but with courage and persistence, they can be overcome.”
Dr. Lowly also hopes to emphasize the importance of gratitude and humility through his autobiographies. “I want to inspire others, especially my children, to give back to society and to ignite their passion for helping those born into harsh environments. My ultimate goal is to do my part in helping the underprivileged and to help build a more equitable and just world.”
He not only wrote this but did so in real life. He has publicly saved lives twice, as reported by the media. “The meaning of life lies in using your presence to illuminate a small part of this world.”
In January 2016, while Dr. Lowly and his wife were on a KLM flight from Amsterdam to Singapore, a two-and-a-half-year-old boy lost consciousness mid-flight. Dr. Lowly stepped forward to provide oxygen and first aid until the boy regained consciousness. In response to this emergency, the plane made an emergency landing in Romania, dumping 65,000 liters of fuel. The boy was then sent to a local hospital for further treatment. Two months prior, he had rescued a drowning child at the swimming pool of Singapore’s Temasek Club.
Having achieved success in business, he has never forgotten the time when, due to his family’s poverty, he relied on bursaries and loans to complete his studies in medical school. He believes that success is not just about personal achievements but about giving back to society and positively impacting others’ lives. He provides bursaries (not scholarships) to medical students, ensuring that they have the resources to complete their medical education and, in the future, positively impact society as doctors. He tirelessly supports the non-profit organization Goducate, founded by Dr. Paul Choo, which helps impoverished people in Asia to become self-reliant.
Holding numerous roles as a doctor, entrepreneur, artist, writer, philanthropist, husband, father, and son, Dr. Lowly that he enjoys being a “husband” and “father” the most. “Watching my children grow and learn, sharing life with my wife, all these things enrich my life in indescribable ways. Being a husband and father adds tremendous meaning to my life’s journey.”
As the reporter leaves, night falls, and Christmas lights begin to illuminate the lanes of Bukit Timah one by one. The happiness of the owner of this beautiful house does not come from wealth and success but from his genuine faith. This faith gives him true joy and peace, which translates into his positive influence on others. For Dr. Lowly, maintaining his faith in God is a priceless treasure, from doctor to entrepreneur to artist.
Overview: Dr. Lowly’s Self-Portrait
Dr. Low Lee Yong was born in 1963 into a poor rural family in Singapore, growing up in a crowded household with over a dozen relatives. His father was a street vendor, and his mother was a housewife; he was the fourth of five children. Starting from the age of nine, he helped his father sell pots and pans. Although his parents had limited education and life was tough, this drove him to change his fate through medicine.
With limited family resources and weak English skills, no one paid much attention to him. However, he did not give up. He memorized words and sentences from English newspapers to use in exams. He took biology in secondary school to lay the foundation for his future in medicine. Eventually, he successfully graduated with a medical degree from the National University of Singapore.
Although Dr. Lowly aspired to become a surgeon, frequent severe dizzy spells from standing for long periods shattered this dream. In 1994, he founded MHC Asia Group, developing Southeast Asia’s first web-based medical claims system. His entrepreneurial journey was filled with twists, failures, betrayals, millions of dollars in debt, and even near-bankruptcy, but with perseverance and faith, he ultimately succeeded.
In 2019, on the 25th anniversary of the founding of MHC Group, Dr. Lowly’s company donated S$1 million through The Straits Times Pocket Money Fund, SMU Charitable Fund, three local medical schools, and the NGO Goducate to support underprivileged students in Asia’s education.
Transitioning from business to the art world, Dr. Lowly has also showcased unique creativity, with his paintings frequently appearing in high-end overseas venues and galleries. Dr. Lowly says that creating a self-portrait is a highly personal and introspective process. He would start with elements that best represent his essence and experiences, meticulously depicting the eyes to reflect his journey of vision and self-discovery. The background would incorporate important life elements, such as patterns related to his medical career, entrepreneurship, and artistic journey, with a strong focus on his faith in Christ. He would use warm tones to express passion and energy, and cool tones to depict introspection and serenity. Ultimately, this self-portrait would not only showcase his appearance but also his life journey, values, and dreams.