Born in 1951, Teng Nee Cheong studied in Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (1966-1968) where he was taught by Georgette Chen and Ng Yat Chuan. It was here that he developed his lifelong interest in life drawing. In 1978, Teng was presented with the Ministry of Culture Special Award and in 1991, the Tan Tsze Chor Art Award. Teng had his first solo exhibition at the National Museum Art Gallery in 1980 and since then, he has exhibited widely, including in France, Brunei and Japan. Proficient in several mediums, including oil, pastel and charcoal, Teng is well regarded for his still life paintings, especially of flowers.