Away from the canvas, Eng Tay finds beauty in life’s quiet pleasures and worldly wonders. When asked what might surprise people about him outside of art, Tay gently defers the spotlight: “Oh, I don’t really know. Why don’t we ask Ai Lin and Vivienne?” Yeow Ai Lin, who serves as the fundraising chair and executive board member of the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO), reveals, “I was surprised to learn he’s a durian lover.” Vivienne Lee Iskander, who serves as a member of the WAO’s fundraising committee, adds, “He’s a wine connoisseur and an artist who’s drawn to beauty. He even recently bought a new place in Italy.”
Fame and recognition in the art world are nothing new to Tay. But seated beside two members from WAO, it’s clear the Kedah-born artist is deeply invested not just in creation, but in compassion. On 27 September 2025, this purpose will take its place at a collaborative charity gala organised by Robb Report Malaysia, WAO, and the artist himself. The evening will feature 118 of Tay’s limited-edition etchings, with the goal of raising RM200,000 in support of WAO’s critical mission. “I’m not doing this for publicity,” Tay says. “I’ve been fortunate in life, and I think it’s important to give back, especially to women and children who are going through hardship. I’ve created so much over the years, so donating these etchings is a small way for me to support WAO’s mission. The goal is to raise as much as we can and help as many people as possible.”
Complementing Tay’s generous donation is his longtime collaborator and friend James Lee, owner of WL Framing And Art, who is contributing 118 of his own custom framings. “I’ve always liked art,” Lee says, “but I can’t fall deeply in love with it—it’s still a business.” His pragmatic but ardent approach to art eventually led him to the artist back in 2007. “At first, it was just a buying and selection relationship. But, over the years, we became more familiar and closer.” Lee recalls being impressed by Tay’s discerning eye and selectiveness. “He doesn’t easily let just anyone display his work,” Lee says. “So, I was happy when he agreed to work with us. It meant a lot.” That initial collaboration has since evolved into a lasting professional rapport built on mutual respect.
More than just a fundraiser, the gala reflects the spirit of WAO. Both Yeow and Vivienne bring a wealth of experience, passion, and purpose to the table. “When an artist like Tay uses his platform to raise awareness of domestic violence, it sends a powerful message,” Yeow says. “We want people to know that their support helps keep our doors open and continues providing vital, life-changing services to women and children in crisis.”
Vivienne adds, “Of course, when we expend a certain amount of time and energy, seeing tangible or monetary returns would be gratifying. However, if this night could inspire others to find creative ways to support their own favourite charities, that would be truly the icing on the cake.”
Leap of faith
To many, Tay is synonymous with tender portraits of daily life and human connection, expressed across his signature etchings, paintings, and sculptures. But his story began long before the galleries, one that started in the late 1960s, when he left a small town near Alor Setar and boarded a plane to New York with barely anything but a heart full of hope and courage. “I wasn’t a studious person,” he admits. “So I started asking myself—what else could I do? I didn’t want to stay stuck in a small town or end up working for my father, who managed a plantation. I had this restlessness in me. I just wanted to see more of the world.”
Coming from a traditional household, Tay still can’t believe he had the courage to make that move to New York. But he remained firm in his decision, asking only for a one-way ticket from his father and insisting he didn’t want any financial support. At the time, the exchange rate was about one ringgit to three US dollars, and Tay’s relatives gathered what they could to support him—small donations of US$20 here and there. In the end, he had about US$300 dollars in his pocket. He landed in the Big Apple with no concrete plan, and just a spot at an art school and temporary accommodation for one night. Fortunately, the city offered just enough to get by. Tay soon found a small apartment for US$28 a month. “Back then, especially as a student, it wasn’t hard to find something affordable,” he recalls. “Things were tough, but I found a way to make it work.”
Having started with very little, Tay’s journey makes his current life all the more humbling—especially now, when he can take comfort in small joys like his growing collection of timepieces. “I’ve always loved watches, even when I couldn’t afford them,” he shares. Today, he continues to indulge in his love for horology, with a special fondness for Panerai. One of the most prized pieces in his collection is a vintage Panerai he acquired at an auction for approximately US$250,000. He also regularly attends the annual P-Day gatherings, a global event organised by the Paneristi community. “It’s great fun,” he says. “You meet fellow collectors, make new friends, and reconnect with old ones. It’s a celebration of shared passion.”
“Not every piece of art needs a story, actually,” Tay reflects. “But, generally, the themes in my art come from my own experiences. I’ve travelled to many countries and seen so many little moments. It’s ironic because I don’t really enjoy the big cities. I much prefer the countryside, sitting with a cup of coffee while watching people come and go. And, sometimes, I think if I hadn’t made that move, I might still be here. I’m happy I made that risky leap because now I get to do what I love and see the world.”
Photography by Anna-Rina
