VWFA Singapore is proud to present Wawasan 2020: The Malaysian Dream, a thematic show that brings together a cross generational selection of contemporary Malaysian artists. Inspired by VWFA Singapore’s 2011 Singapore Survey show Imagine Malaysia where Singaporean artists presented their views on their closest neighbour. Wawasan 2020 now tasks Malaysian artists to examine their own future through the lens of the past, present and beyond, taking Malaysia’s plans for modernity as outlined in Wawasan 2020 (Vision 2020) by Malaysia’s most iconic former Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad as a starting point. Wawasan 2020 was introduced by Mahathir in 1991 during the tabling of the Sixth Malaysia Plan in 1991. The premise being that by 2020 Malaysia would be a self sufficient industrialised nation that encompasses economic prosperity, social well being, world class education and political stability.
 
However, Wawasan 2020 has all but disappeared from popular political rhetoric with current Prime Minister Najib Razak stating in 2009 that there was no need for a timeline for Malaysia’s modernity nor the need to revise Wawasan 2020 or define how to achieve it. Timely in focus, with global economic down turns and the impact of Bersih 2.0 still apparent as well as the upcoming General Elections (most likely to be called in 2012 or 2013 at the latest), the exhibition seeks to uncover how do artists feel about where Malaysia is going given the current socio-political landscape of the country. What are the concerns, anxieties, optimisms, and hopes for the future of Malaysia Boleh?