Insects: Microsculptures Magnified – Featuring TEE Lab’s Research at the ArtScience Museum

The Tropical Ecology & Entomology Lab (TEE Lab) from the Asian School of the Environment, College of Science, Nanyang Technological University, had the privilege of showcasing our research at the ArtScience Museum's exhibition Insects: Microsculptures Magnified. 

TEE Lab outing at Insects: Microsculptures Magnified. Photo 2026 Marx Yim.

This exhibition features stunning portraits of insect specimens from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History captured by photographer Levon Biss, alongside displays highlighting the remarkable diversity of insects and ongoing insect research in Singapore. It presented an exciting opportunity for the TEE Lab to showcase our work on dung beetles. 

Checking out the exhibition. Photo 2026 Marx Yim.

Visitors had the chance to view our dung beetle specimens, learn about our field methods, watch behind-the-scenes footage of specimen preparation, and discover how we use DNA techniques to establish interactions between dung beetles and vertebrates. By building reference collections, establishing a robust species checklist, and contributing to long-term monitoring efforts, the TEE Lab aims to support future conservation planning and strengthen Singapore’s role in regional biodiversity research. 

Display of TEE Lab's ongoing research on dung beetles.

During the exhibition opening, our research fellow, Dr Chiew Li Yuen, delivered an engaging presentation about our work. We had the opportunity to mingle with collaborators from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM), who contributed a diverse array of insect specimens from their collection. 

Exhibition opening and presentation by Li Yuen. Photos 2026 Chelsea Chye & Wendy Zhang.

We also had a wonderful time visiting the exhibition together as a lab. We were especially impressed by the design and layout, and it was exciting to see our research showcased in person. 

Viewing the displays and curated specimens from the LKCNHM. Photos 2026 Marx Yim.

Checking out our display in person. Photos 2026 Marx Yim.

Participating in this exhibition marks an exciting milestone for the TEE Lab. We look forward to continuing our work in uncovering the rich insect diversity of Southeast Asia and sharing it with both the scientific community and the wider public. 

If you’re visiting the exhibition, drop by our section and meet the magnificent dung beetles that help keep our ecosystems thriving!

The Insects: Microsculptures Magnified exhibition is running at the ArtScience Museum from 17 January to 10 May 2026. See https://www.marinabaysands.com/museum/exhibitions/insects.html for more information.

Written by Li Yuen and Xin Rui.