Born in 1931, Guangdong, China, Chua is known as one of Singapore’s most acclaimed artistic forerunner in realism. Chua fled to Singapore in 1937 during the Sino-Japanese War and became a student of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in 1947 to pursue a formal arts education. 

​

Since a young age, Chua have always harboured interest in art. His father who was also an artist supported his career. Chua practiced drawing and painting both on paper and canvas, using oil, chinese ink, and watercolour. Even during his days of being a student, Chua’s artistic gift was recognised and he started teaching himself, starting from part time to a full-time staff upon graduating. 

Chua is regarded as a master of social realism. Some of Chua’s paintings such as “Epic Poem of Malaya”(1955), and “National Language Class” (1959) reflects the nationalistic concerns the nation had during 1950-1960s. Chua had also painted significant historical moments, such as former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s return from  London after the Merdeka Talks. 

​

Chua has been awarded the Cultural Medallion in 2015. He also held many exhibitions in various countries, such as Australia, Belgium, Germany, and other countries in Southeast Asia.