When Art Enters the Academy: A Milestone for The Garden Rhapsodies

Published: October 20, 2025

In a meaningful intersection of art and academia, The Garden Rhapsodies — the acclaimed book by artist and author Huifong Ng — has achieved a significant milestone: its first academic citation. The work is referenced in the paper “MODELLING SAFETY BEHAVIOUR PREDICTORS AMONG ENGINEERING STUDENTS IN BRUNEI ENTERING THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY” by Alex Song and Professor Reddy Prasad D. M., presented at the 10th Brunei International Conference on Engineering and Technology (BICET 2025). The research, part of the Chemical and Energy Engineering Programme Area at Universiti Teknologi Brunei, explores behavioural safety models within the energy sector. In their discussion, the researchers highlight the role of cultural works in preserving heritage:

“Local authors and artists have continued to preserve the cultural treasures through text and imagery, accessible to children and adults alike [43], [44].”

Citation:[44] H. Ng, The Garden Rhapsodies. Lingzi Media, 2020.

While brief, this reference carries notable significance. It represents the recognition of an artistic work in a technical and scientific context — an acknowledgment of how creative expression can resonate beyond the arts and into fields such as engineering, safety research, and industry studies. 

First published in 2020, The Garden Rhapsodies is a lyrical exploration of soul-searching, painting, recollection and storytelling through nature-inspired world. It was a significant milestone on its own as the book was written and painted during COVID, and are available in English and Mandarin versions. 

Its inclusion in academic research underscores the power of literature and art to transcend disciplines, contributing to wider conversations about culture, society, and shared human experience.

“This milestone reflects how art can bridge knowledge systems, inspiring dialogue across unexpected fields,” Ng shares. “It’s humbling to see an artist’s work acknowledged in a research context that speaks to the broader human story.” 

The citation serves as a reminder that cultural narratives are not confined to galleries or libraries. They can inform, enrich, and influence conversations across industries — connecting creativity with knowledge in meaningful ways.

The Garden Rhapsodies continues to inspire dialogue, nurture curiosity, and build bridges between disciplines, reaffirming the enduring value of art in shaping collective understanding.