A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY

From age five, CheeWei played the piano,

and went on to become an award-winning Singapore-born composer whose work spans feature films, documentaries and international broadcast television. Based between Melbourne, Australia and Singapore, he is known for emotionally resonant scores that blend classical foundations with contemporary cinematic storytelling.

He started composing in his early teens. During his compulsory military service in Singapore, he served in the Singapore Armed Forces Music & Drama Company as a sound technician, keyboardist and arranger, performing across military, community and state events, including presidential functions.

In 1998, CheeWei founded De Claffer Music Productions. He began by producing school musicals as Creative and Music Director, overseeing every aspect of the productions. He also composed music for short films and corporate videos.

He progressively expanded into long-form documentaries, television series and feature films for international audiences. This transition marked a new phase in his career, allowing him to reach wider audiences and explore diverse storytelling formats.

His music has featured in numerous acclaimed productions, including Sons (Best Film and Special Achievement Awards, Singapore International Film Festival) and Emperor of the Seas: The Voyages of Zheng He (Runner-up, Best Original Score, Asian Television Awards).

CheeWei has composed the scores for several Emmy Award–nominated documentaries, including PBS NOVA titles such as Decoding the Weather Machine and Black Hole Apocalypse. His work has also been featured by National Geographic Channel, HBO, Discovery Channel, Channel NewsAsia and other major broadcasters.

In 2005, he was commissioned as Music Director and Composer for the Singapore Pavilion at World Expo Aichi, Japan.

He was also commissioned as Music Director and Composer for the immersive exhibition “Now Is Not the Time”, inspired by the life and legacy of Lee Kuan Yew, the founding Prime Minister of Singapore. These projects reflect his broader interest in music as a vehicle for cultural storytelling and experiential design.

CheeWei’s work has been recognised with multiple honours from the Composers and Authors Society of Singapore (COMPASS), including Young Composer of the Year, Top Soundtrack, the Wings of Excellence Award for international achievement, and Top Instrumental Contemporary for NOVA: Black Hole Apocalypse.

A passionate advocate for animal welfare and conservation, he believes deeply in music’s ability to connect audiences not only to stories, but to the world around them. He continues to keep in touch with Dr Richard Greene, whose mentorship has profoundly shaped his artistic journey.