So, what prompted Teh to invest in Kim's gold art at a time when few investors here saw its value and potential?

"In my experience, the stocks that gave me multibagger returns were often companies that went unnoticed by the market and yet possessed the potential to serve a need in the world, a good story, and value creation."

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While it's hard not to overly focus on the gold aspect of this stellar art form, Teh cautions that buyers must understand that they are investing in art, not in gold. 

"Many visitors who come to our gallery tend to ask how many grams of gold there are in each piece of art, and whether or not the prices and value of gold art are pegged with gold prices and so on. The value of gold art lies strongly in its fine art element, and its value can also be driven emotionally by art collectors. In that context, the price of gold art can end up being a lot more than the price of gold."

Considering the limited supply of gold art, the painstaking craftsmanship that it demands, and the fact that Kim is the only artist that the world knows of to produce gold art on a regular basis, Teh affirms that a distinction must be made between gold art investment and gold investment.    

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"Many investors who want a quick return of their investment try to find ways and channels to monetise the value of gold art," shares Teh. "I often tell people that gold art is a living consciousness. One must realise that its potential does not lie only in its monetary value, but also in its emotional value. Many people who only focus on the monetary value of gold art may not be able to extract its full potential."

Whether this gold art takes the form of a family heirloom passed on from one generation to the next or as a catalyst for spiritual awakening—as in the case of Teh—it is an investment whose true worth is revealed in the passing of time. 

"I've invested in gold art since 2016. Not only have I gained some returns financially, but I've always experienced a tremendous growth in spirituality since embarking on this journey. I could never put a price or value on these returns."

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How do you balance between your roles as an investor, an entrepreneur and most recently, a yoga instructor? 

This year, I became a qualified yoga teacher to teach yoga practices, meditation, self-realisation, and wellness. In 2018, I discovered the power of meditation and self-realisation which have shaped my life significantly. I realised that one’s true potential is infinite by nature and the purpose of one’s life is to realise this potential and to express it creatively. I’ve been meditating at least an hour or two daily since then. The practice had markedly improved my inner strength, focus and peace.

What books are you reading right now? 

I am currently reading The Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. I've also completed a few books this year, including Living with the Himalayan Master by Swami Rama and Yoga Sutras by Sage Patanjali. 

If you had to convince someone about the benefits of investing in gold art in just one sentence, what would it be?

'Not just gold, but art'. One should invest in gold art not only because of its monetary value but because it is a highly desirable asset which can be passed on to your children and generations after.

See also: Lim Wei-Ling of Wei-Ling Gallery On How Life Imitates Art