Yap Chan Chen was born in Bandung, West Java, on 6 January 1946. He was the youngest of 11 children.

His interest in drawing started since his early childhood, and since then he always dream of becoming a famous painter.

His effort to fulfill his dream began when he took drawing lesson from Madam Chang Yu Ti and Ten Yien Wen in Bandung. Both of them taught him the basic techniques of painting.

In 1967 he moved to Jakarta and again he took art lesson from a famous artist at that time, Siauw Ciang. Through him, he obtained the skill and technique of Chinese Painting. Then he also learned from Nurdin BS, who was as well known as oil painting artist.

Yap Chan Chen was so amazed by Chinese painting and oil media, he then combined these 2 techniques to create his own style of painting, Chinese painting in oil media.

He often participates in art exposition, in Jakarta, Bandung & few other cities.

Since August 17, 2008 he moved with all his family to LA, but he continues his career as a painter.