A practising architect, Ma Pak Loong (b. 1953 in Singapore) has always appreciated details of his surroundings. Since young, he was inclined to artistic pursuits and admired art, objects, and environments with character, history, and aesthetics. While attending university, he began to keep a visual diary of places he visited and admired through sketching with the pencil medium, which he preferred for its affordability and quickness.

These sketches immortalized his fleeting impressions of Singapore’s fast-changing landscapes from 1978. They captured urban life and renowned landmarks during a time when there were no MRT tracks, the population was lower, and technology had less influence.

Besides sketching, Mr. Ma is an avid collector of Fountain Pens, writing instruments, and Chinese art like stone carvings, seals, and antiques.