After three decades of service in the SCDF, MAJ (Ret) Teo Chun Hian retired in July 2020 and has since devoted his time to his family, health, and personal development. After rediscovering his passion for drawing and painting, he has filled up many sketchbooks with his artwork, including several fire stations. Rescue995 recently caught up with MAJ (Ret) Teo at his home, where he took us on a tour of his gallery.
MAJ (Ret) Teo in his study, where he brings his artistic creations to life. PHOTO: SCDF / Thomas Lim
"Since retirement, I have devoted my time to exercising, painting, and spending quality time with my family and friends. I am also a tea lover, with a keen interest in teapots and tea leaves," he shared.
As we walked around his house, we were greeted by his beautifully framed masterpieces. Through deft strokes of his brush, landscapes and old buildings come alive and tell their own unique stories.
Painting of landscapes and old buildings. PHOTO: SCDF / Thomas Lim
“When I come across certain landscapes and buildings that I like, I would take photos of them from various angles and start painting," MAJ (Ret) Teo explained. Painting of landscapes and old buildings is his favourite choice of artwork.
One painting caught our eye — a vivid image of trees painted with an old credit card.
This painting was created with an old credit card. PHOTO: SCDF / Thomas Lim
"Recently, I have developed an interest in painting kampong scenery," he said, showing us the nostalgic charm of Singapore's older buildings and landscapes in his works.
We then moved on to his study, where most of his artworks were conceived. He revealed his latest work—a drawing of the old Alexandra Fire Station (formerly known as Station 3). The current Alexandra Fire Station and 1st SCDF Division stands over the site today. MAJ (Ret) Teo has dedicated this creation to the memory of Captain (CPT) Tay Xue Qin Kenneth, who had lost his life while fighting a fire on a ship on 16 May 2024. CPT Kenneth had served as a Public Education Officer at 1st SCDF Division from 2020 to 2023.
Painting of the old Alexandra Fire Station. PHOTO: MAJ (Ret) Teo's Instagram
MAJ (Ret) Teo recalled with a touch of nostalgia, "Alexandra Fire Station was the first fire station that I was posted to, where I became a Rota Officer (equivalent of Rota Commander today). Subsequently, I served at Central Fire Station for six months before posting to Clementi Fire Station." His other notable postings included stints as the Officer Commanding (equivalent of Commander Fire Station today) of Ang Mo Kio Fire Station and a Senior Auditor with the Service Excellence Department.
As Officer Commanding of Ang Mo Kio Fire Station in 1996. PHOTO: MAJ (Ret) Teo Chun Hian
The study is lovingly adorned with his paintings of various SCDF fire stations. PHOTO: SCDF / Thomas Lim
Hanging prominently on the wall of MAJ (Ret) Teo’s study were more paintings of fire stations. While he does take reference from old fire station photos from the National Archives of Singapore, he also infuses his own artistic flair to create unique impressions of these buildings.
When asked about his artistic process, MAJ (Ret) Teo said his favourite painting style is Pen and Wash, which combines pen lines with watercolour washes. “After a few sketches with a pencil, my inspiration and intuition would take over, and I would complete the drawing within an hour or so. There is no need to fret over the minor details; just let your imagination and creativity run free!”
A landscape painting of Boat Quay. PHOTO: SCDF / Thomas Lim
To MAJ (Ret) Teo, his works are not just artistic expressions, but are also fond reminders of his years with cherished old colleagues in the SCDF. He keeps in touch with them and always looks forward to the occasional gatherings.
As we admired the paintings of the old fire stations, we also gained a deep appreciation of the connections between past and present. These artworks have captured not only the timeless architecture of the fire stations, but also the dedication and passion of those who had, and continue to carry out the SCDF’s lifesaving mission.
