Mr. Goh Cheng Liang, one of the Wees’ good friends, gifted this embroidered portrait to Dr. Wee in 2003. Mr. Goh, Dr. Wee, and Mrs. Wee traveled the world together over the course of their long friendship. Wee also co-wrote A Sketch of Goh Cheng Liang, Mr. Goh’s autobiography commemorating his accomplishments as one of Singapore’s most successful businessmen.
Embroiderers in Suzhou took three years to produce this portrait. The resulting work exhibits remarkable craftsmanship, seen in the shine of the thread and the accuracy of Dr. Wee’s likeness. Just as Dr. Wee paid careful attention to those around him, the eyes of his likeness seem to follow viewers as they move around their surroundings