The artist was happy to paint two galloping horses in the year of the Horse. The strength and endurance of the horse is recognised by the distance it can take, whereas one will know the true colours and character of the people over a period of time. Chung Chen Sun is widely remembered for his significant contributions to modern art education in Malaysia, most notably as the founder of the Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA). An accomplished painter and dedicated educator, he is recognised within the academic community as the "Father of Modern Art Education in Malaysia" and the "Father of Modern Ink Painting in Malaysia". Educated at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Chung Chen Sun embodies the Nanyang artistic lineage through his appreciation of local subject matter and culture. The lives of the local people are one of themes in his oeuvre, articulated with a blend of Eastern artistic traditions and modern art approaches. Renowned for his depictions of the human figure, he employed bold, expressive lines and blocks of colour to convey emotion, vigour, and the experiences of his subjects. Chung Chen Sun founded the Malaysian Institute of Art in 1967 and later established the International Contemporary Ink Painting Association in 1982. He dedicated himself fully to the modernisation of Chinese ink painting, while promoting the growth of Malaysian Chinese culture, shaping future artists through dedicated arts education, and fostering international artistic exchange. His works have been exhibited internationally in more than 20 countries. In recognition of his artistic and educational legacy, Chung is regarded as one of the world's 100 important Chinese artists and is listed among the top 50 artists by the China National Academy of Fine Arts.