News
Elderly S'porean man, 83, who makes twig art in Pek Kio passes away
Rest in peace, Uncle Thien.
July 03, 2026, 01:09 AM
Photo of Pek Kio's twig artist, Uncle Thien, via Mothership, Purp Tran / Facebook.
Uncle Thien, the elderly man known for making intricate portraits out of twigs in Pek Kio, has passed away.
He was 83 years old.
For years, Uncle Thien was seen making art on the concrete pavement in Pek Kio every day.
Pek Kio's Uncle Thien had been unwell
In a Jul. 2 tribute post, Tanjong Pagar GRC Member of Parliament Alvin Tan wrote on Instagram about the passing of Uncle Thien.
"Many of us will be familiar with Uncle Thien, Pek Kio's famous 'stick artist' who used to create wonderful works of art on concrete," Tan wrote.
"Uncle Thien was happiest doing that," he continued.
Tan shared that the 83-year-old had been unwell recently and passed away on Jul. 1.
"We will miss him," Tan wrote at the end of his tribute.
Tan first posted about Uncle Thien in 2020.
News of Uncle Thien's passing was also posted to the Facebook group "Heritage SG Memories", where photos of the elderly's twig art were often shared.
Details of Uncle Thien's wake were shared by his nephew on Facebook, with many commenters expressing their condolences on the post.
His cortege will depart for Mandai Crematorium on Jul. 4.
