May 4, 2026

The “Taixu in Singapore: A 100-Year Commemoration” exhibition, curated by Associate Professor Jack Meng-Tat Chia (NUS History), commemorates the centenary of the renowned Chinese Buddhist monk Taixu’s first visit to Singapore in 1926. Taixu (1890–1947) was one of the most influential figures in twentieth-century Buddhism, known for his efforts to modernise Buddhist thought and institutions in response to a rapidly changing world.

This exhibition brings renewed attention to Taixu’s enduring influence on the development of Buddhism in Singapore and the wider region. It highlights Singapore’s role as a dynamic site of Buddhist exchange and institutional formation in the twentieth century, offering fresh perspectives on modern Chinese Buddhism and its transregional networks across Asia. By bringing together rare books, commemorative volumes, and collected works from the NUS Libraries’ collections, it allows these connections to be seen in a vivid and tangible way.

The exhibition is open to the public at the Wan Boo Sow Chinese Library (Level 6, North Wing) until 31 July 2026. We warmly invite you to visit the exhibition and explore this special commemoration. More information on the exhibition is available here.