Press Release for Immediate Release Museums Come

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MUSEUMS COME ALIVE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND THEIR FAMILIES AT INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY 2008 • Launch of free entry for senior citizens aged 60 years and above every Monday at all NHB museums.

Have a ball of a time at Singapore’s 46 museums as the National Heritage Board (NHB) together with the Museum Roundtable (MR) celebrate International Museum Day 2008 (IMD’08).

With the theme ‘Museums ALIVE!’, IMD’08 showcases how museums in Singapore are lively and exciting cultural destinations appealing to people from all walks of life. IMD’08 is held in conjunction with the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

Happening 31 May to 2 June 2008, IMD’08 features close to 40 exciting events and activities at 19 museums around the island. In support of active ageing this year, special bus tours, workshops and events have been organised just for senior citizens and visitors.

From contemporary jewellery making lessons to outdoor picnics, calligraphy classes to free visits at selected museums, seniors and their families can spend an enjoyable time at Singapore’s many fascinating museums. Most importantly, the fun doesn’t just stop here as senior citizens aged 60 and above can now enjoy free admission to all NHB museums every Monday!

Mr Michael Koh, Chief Executive Officer of NHB said: “We would like to involve our silver-haired community in museum-going as an enriching lifestyle activity. With their first-hand experience in Singapore’s evolution, they can be ideal family guides when visiting with their children and grandchildren. They can share their wealth of experience and provide rich personal insights that complement our museum exhibits.”

As part of IMD’08, NHB has worked with various active ageing agencies such as the People’s Association (PA), Council for Third Age (C3A) and Singapore Action Group of Elders (SAGE) to get the silver haired involved and engaged in museums. Together with various community clubs and other grassroots organisations, NHB will organise special guided bus tours for senior citizens to several of Singapore’s museums. To date, 13 groups have already signed up for these highly popular day trips.

1 To take active ageing a step further, NHB will train interested senior citizens in the rewarding and enriching vocation of museum guiding at its various museums and interpretative centres. The National Archives of Singapore, for example, has already been training SAGE members as ‘senior’ tour guides at Memories at Old Ford Factory and Reflections at Bukit Chandu. This presents an invaluable opportunity for seniors – some of whom have lived through the war – to connect emotionally and engage with different generations.

Editors, please see attachments: • Annex A for a list of participating museums • Annex B for details of IMD’08 highlights • Annex C for details of bus tours • Annex D for a full list of IMB”08 activities

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2 About the National Heritage Board The National Heritage Board (NHB) champions the development and promotion of a vibrant cultural and heritage sector in Singapore. It makes heritage enriching, relevant and accessible to all through staging innovative programmes and forging collaborative partnerships with both private and people sector counterparts. NHB leverages on state-of-the-art technology and refreshing new approaches to make heritage more dynamic, alive and exciting for different audiences. It also manages both national and public museums, the National Archives of Singapore, and the Heritage Conservation Centre. NHB was formed on 1 August 1993 as a statutory board under the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA).

About the Museum Roundtable The Museum Roundtable (MR) was formed in 1996 to bring museums and heritage galleries closer to the public. Chaired by the National Heritage Board, it seeks to develop a stronger museum-going culture amongst Singaporeans and tourists. Key activities include organising of major museum-going festivals, joint marketing of activities, sharing of knowledge, and improving professional standards. Currently, the MR has more than 40 members covering a wide range of themes and topics – from art, culture, history, World War II, science, urban planning, healthcare, to security and defence.

For more information, please contact:

Lynn Xu Assistant Manager Corporate Communications DID: (65) 6332 3623 Email: [email protected]

David Miller Assistant Director Corporate Communications DID: (65) 6332 3962 Email: [email protected]

3 Annex A

Participating Museums for IMD’08

1. Asian Civilisations Museum 2. Fort Siloso 3. HealthZone 4. Malay Heritage Centre 5. Memories at Old Ford Factory 6. Mint Museum of Toys 7. Museum of Shanghai Toys 8. National Museum of Singapore 9. NEWater Visitor Centre 10. NUS Museum 11. Peranakan Museum 12. Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research 13. red dot design museum 14. Reflections at Bukit Chandu 15. Republic of Singapore Air Force Museum 16. Singapore Art Museum 17. Singapore City Gallery 18. S'pore Discovery Centre 19. Singapore Philatelic Museum

4 Annex B

Highlights from IMD’08

IMD’08 Open House Day 31 May 2008

As part of the National Heritage Board’s International Museum Day 2008 celebrations, visitors enjoy free entry to all NHB museums and participating Museum Roundtable museums on 31 May 2008!

ACM Weekend Việt Fest! 31 May - 1 June 2008, 11.00am - 6.00pm

Experience the many shades of Vietnam in this cultural extravaganza! ACM Weekend Việt Fest! presents entertaining performances, tasty treats, exciting games and demonstrations by local and Vietnamese artists. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to come face-to-face with Vietnamese artist-in- residence, Le Quoc Viet, whose specialties include calligraphy and traditional print making. Last but not least, watch out for a special Vietnamese lion dance performance on stilts.

Contemporary Jewellery 31 May 2008

Held in conjunction with IMD’08 and The Blacksmiths’ Alchemy exhibition at the NUS Museum, Contemporary Jewellery challenges one and all to transform junk into jewels with creativity and imagination. Find out how recycled metal, glass, plastic and other everyday objects can be used to make stunning 3D jewellery, or learn to manipulate acrylic to form basic rings and pendants.

Diabetes: Discovery of Truths 31 May 2008, 10.00am - 12.00pm

In a bid to celebrate active ageing and healthy living, the Health Promotion Board presents Diabetes: Discovery of Truths, an activity-packed event unveiling the truths behind one of Singapore’s deadliest diseases. Attend a talk on diabetes, participate in an exercise session specially tailored for senior citizens, or get your blood pressure checked and BMI measured free of charge! Last but not least, gather family and friends and embark on a self- exploratory tour of HealthZone. Senior citizens aged 60 and above receive a door gift worth $10!

International Museum Day 2008 at the Malay Heritage Centre 31 May & 1 June 2008, 10.00am - 6.00pm

Learn about fascinating Malay traditions and lifestyle practices which have stood the test of time. Be wowed by the regal splendour of the Malay Heritage Centre, situated in a former king's palace – Istana Kampung Gelam.

5 Enjoy a whole array of activities including re-enactments of Munshi Abdullah describing the Big Kampong Glam Fire of 1847, a special Heritage Trail for senior citizens, a tantalising Malay Food Bazaar and Dongdang Sayang Encore – the enchanting music of the Peranakans.

Vietnam Experience 31 May 2008

Discover Vietnamese culture through a collection of interesting stamps, miniature dolls, water puppets and traditional Vietnamese outfits like the Ao Dai at SPM. Foodies can savour a special Vietnamese cooking demonstration brought to you by SPM in conjunction with HealthZone of not one but two healthy and tasty Vietnamese recipes – Vietnamese cold roll and Vietnamese chicken salad!

6 Annex C

Time of S/N Grassroots Organisation Date Venue Arrival 1 Victory Family Centre 31 May 2008 Singapore Art Museum 3.00pm 2 Paya Lebar Kovan Community 1 June 2008 Asian Civilisations 9.30am Centre Museum 3 Punggol Community Centre 1 June 2008 Singapore Philatelic 9.30am Museum 4 Teck Ghee – Chong Boon Zone 1 June 2008 Singapore Philatelic 9.30am ‘G’ Residents’ Committee Museum 5 Sembawang Community Centre 1 June 2008 Asian Civilisations 10.00am Museum Malay Heritage Centre 10.00am National Museum of 10.00am Singapore 6 Yew Tee Zone 9 Residents’ 1 June 2008 National Museum of 10.00am Committee Singapore

7 Annex D

Events and Activities for IMD’08

All NHB MUSEUMS AND SELECTED MUSEUM ROUNDTABLE MUSEUMS

IMD’08 Open House Day 31 May 2008

As part of the National Heritage Board’s International Museum Day 2008 celebrations, visitors enjoy free entry to all NHB museums and participating Museum Roundtable museums on 31 May 2008!

ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM 1 Empress Place Singapore 179555 Tel: 6332 7798 / 6332 2982

ACM Weekend Việt Fest! 31 May - 1 June 2008, 11.00am - 6.00pm Free

Experience the many shades of Vietnam in this cultural extravaganza! Held in conjunction with the exhibition Việt Nam! From Myth to Modernity, ACM Weekend Việt Fest! presents entertaining performances, tasty treats, exciting games and demonstrations by local and Vietnamese artists. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to come face-to-face with Vietnamese artist-in- residence, Le Quoc Viet, whose specialties include calligraphy and traditional print making. Last but not least, watch out for a special Vietnamese lion dance performance on stilts.

FORT SILOSO Sentosa, Siloso Point

Fort Siloso Tours 31 May 2008, 10.00am - 6.00pm Fort Siloso, Siloso Point Fee: $8 (Adult), $5 (Child)

Singapore's only preserved coastal fort serves as a window to our colonial past and a poignant reminder of the war years. Situated within the island of Sentosa, Fort Siloso features the largest collection of World War II memorabilia with life-sized replicas and interactive exhibits.

Learn more about the nation’s history through more than 245 photographs, documents and film clips on display. Or if you are looking for more action, explore the mystery behind the old tunnels, and examine actual 17th century guns and cannons. Be sure to also check out two new docudramas about the war years, three new routes, and brand-new exhibits guaranteed to make history come alive!

In conjunction with International Museum Day, visitors will receive a free memento* upon joining the Fort Siloso Tours between 31 May and 2 June 2008. Free Guided Tours, available on a first-come-first-served basis, are also available every Saturday and Sunday from 11.00am to 4.00pm.

* Present cut-out coupon from IMD’08 festival brochure or advertisement to redeem.

HEALTHZONE Health Promotion Board, Level 2 3 Second Hospital Avenue Singapore 168937 Tel: 1800 435 3616

Diabetes: Discovery of Truths 31 May 2008, 10.00am - 12.00pm Fee: $4

For bookings and enquires, please call 1800 435 3616.

MALAY HERITAGE CENTRE 85 Sultan Gate Singapore 198501 Tel: 6391 0450

International Museum Day 2008 at the Malay Heritage Centre 31 May & 1 June 2008, 10.00am - 6.00pm Discounted Admission Fee: $2 (Adult), $1.50 (Child below seven years), $1.50 (Senior above 60 years) Discounted Cultural Shows Fee: $8 (Adult), $5 (Child below seven years), $5 (Senior above 60 years)

Museums Alive – Re-enactment in the Museum 31 May & 1 June 2008, 1.30pm & 5.00pm

See re-enactments of Munshi Abdullah describing the Big Kampong Glam

9 Fire or watch P Ramlee acting in Bujang Lapok. Museums Alive – Re- enactment in the Museum presents an interactive session where visitors will be allowed to ask questions and have their photos taken with the actor and actresses.

Special Heritage Trail for Senior Citizens 31 May & 1 June 2008, 10.00am onwards

As part of International Museum Day 2008, the Malay Heritage Centre will organise a Special Heritage Trail at Bussurah Mall for senior citizens to participate in. Senior citizens who have items relating to Kampong Glam and Sultan Mosque are encouraged to bring them along and share their memories and experiences.

For bookings and enquires, please call Anith Athirah at 6391 0450 or email [email protected] before 29 May 2008. Limited spaces available.

Malay Food Bazaar 31 May & 1 June 2008, 10.00am - 6.00pm

Feast on traditional Malay delicacies at this special Malay Food Bazaar organised by the Malay Heritage Centre.

Traditional Games Appreciations 31 May & 1 June 2008, 10.00am - 6.00pm

Visitors will have the opportunity to revisit history and play traditional games that were once popular amongst the older generation. These include Five Stones, Chongkak and many more.

Dongdang Sayang Encore 31 May & 1 June 2008, 11.00am - 1.00pm & 4.00pm - 6.00pm

Join us in Dongdang Sayang Encore and enjoy the enchanting music of the Peranakans.

MINT MUSEUM OF TOYS 26 Seah Street Singapore 188382 Tel: 6339 0660

Free Admission for Senior Citizens 31 May 2008, 9.30am - 6.30pm

Take a walk down memory lane at the Mint Museum of Toys (MINT). Showcasing 50,000 vintage toys and childhood memorabilia from the mid- 19th century to the mid-20th century, MINT presents an unforgettable adventure for toy lovers of all ages!

Featuring a world-class collection of toys from more than 25 countries

10 including China, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States, MINT’s extensive array of rare and one-of-a-kind toys certainly appeals to the child in all of us. What’s more, senior citizens visit for free on 31 May 2008 and accompanying family members receive a whopping 50% discount on admission!

MUSEUM OF SHANGHAI TOYS 83 Rowell Road Singapore 208015 Tel: 6294 7747

Free Admission for Senior Citizens 31 May 2008, 11.00am - 7.00pm & 1 June, 11.00am - 6.00pm

Recover fond memories of toys from your childhood at the Museum of Shanghai Toys (MoST)! This International Museum Day, senior citizens enjoy free entry to this quaint museum exhibiting an extensive collection of toys originating from Shanghai, China, between the 1910s and 1970s. The first museum in the world to exhibit vintage oriental toys, MoST promises an exciting and educational adventure for both the young and young-at heart!

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE 93 Stamford Road Singapore 178897 Tel: 6332 3659 / 6332 0111

Free goodie bags for the first 500 visitors!

History Alive! 31 May 2008, 2.00pm & 4.00pm Canning Visitor Services Counter, Level 2 Fee: $10

Introduce the young ones to the Singapore of yesteryears in this interactive guided tour specially designed for children aged five to nine. Watch history come alive before your very eyes as characters of the past tour the National Museum’s History Galley narrating stories of Singapore’s rich history. Do register your child early as limited spaces are available!

For bookings, please visit www.nationalmuseum.sg.

My Story 31 May 2008, 9.30am - 12.30pm The Lab, Level 2 Fee: $50 (includes all workshop materials and refreshments)

Introduce your child to a slice of Singapore’s history through a one-of-a-kind story-writing workshop jointly organised by HandsonLearning and the National Museum of Singapore! Facilitated by an experienced developmental specialist, My Story includes a tour of the popular Food Gallery at the National

11 Museum. The young ones will be introduced to the food and snacks Singaporeans ate in the 1960s. Thereafter, they will pen stories inspired by what they have experienced, which will be recited at the end of the workshop. Suitable for children aged seven to nine.

For bookings, please visit www.nationalmuseum.sg.

National Museum Volunteer Recruitment Drive 2008 – We Want You! 31 May 2008, 10.00am - 4.00pm Rotunda, Level 1

Sign up and be an integral part of us! Enjoy first-hand the personal experiences of museum volunteers and learn what it takes to be a volunteer at the museum.

Children’s Craft 31 May 2008, 10.00am - 5.00pm Platform, Level 1 Free

In conjunction with the National Museum of Singapore’s first ever Children’s Season, numerous handicraft sessions have been organised especially for children to encourage fun through learning. These include paper doll making and mask making craft sessions, as well as colouring sessions.

Under The Banyan Tree: Open Air Cinema Come Drink With Me (大醉侠) (Mandarin with English subtitles) 31 May 2008, 8.00pm Stamford Garden (outdoor screening) Free

Widely considered as one of the best Hong Kong movies ever made, Come Drink With Me raised the benchmark for the martial arts scene when it was released in 1966. The film stars the then nineteen-year-old Cheng Pei Pei as the valiant Golden Swallow on a mission to save her brother, a government official, from a band of ruthless kidnappers. Catch this classic action movie presented on a new, fully re-mastered 35mm film print.

NEWATER VISITOR CENTRE 20 Koh Sek Lim Road Singapore 486593 Tel: 6541 0511

Picnic by the Reservoir 31 May 2008, 9.00am - 10.00am Bedok Reservoir Free

Gather family and friends and head down to Bedok Reservoir for a leisurely Saturday morning picnic. Refresh yourself with an invigorating stroll around

12 the reservoir and bask in its scenic and peaceful surroundings. Lay out your picnic mat and feast on refreshments provided by NEWater Visitor Centre.

For bookings and enquiries, please call 6541 0511 or email [email protected] between 21 May and 26 May 2008.

Guided NEWater Tour 31 May 2008, 10.30am & 1 June, 10.45am & 2.15pm NEWater Visitor Centre Free

Witness the operation of advanced membrane and UV technologies in this 75- minute guided tour, coupled with fun-filled activities and multi-media presentations. What’s more, take home a free souvenir at the end of the tour!

Shuttle buses to Bedok Reservoir and NEWater Visitor Centre are available from Bedok MRT at 8.45am on 31 May and 1 June 2008.

NUS MUSEUM NUS Centre for the Arts University Cultural Centre 50 Kent Ridge Crescent Singapore 119279 Tel: 6516 6496

Contemporary Jewellery

Held in conjunction with International Museum Day 2008 and The Blacksmiths’ Alchemy exhibition at the NUS Museum, Contemporary Jewellery challenges one and all to transform junk into jewels with creativity and imagination.

Sculptural Jewellery Using Recycled Materials Talk by Julie Ross 31 May 2008, 2.00pm - 2.45pm Free

Find out how recycled metal, glass, plastic and other everyday objects can be used to make stunning 3D jewellery in this special talk by Julie Ross. A programme director at Raffles Design Institute, Julie Ross specialises in materials such as glass and her commissioned works can be found internationally.

Contemporary Jewellery – Acrylic Workshop with Sandra Fie 31 May 2008, 3.00pm - 6.00pm (maximum 20 participants) Fee: $8

Keen to design and make your own jewellery? Join Sandra Fie who will introduce ways to manipulate acrylic to form basic rings and pendants. Sandra has over 10 years of experience in the jewellery industry. Prior to teaching at the Raffles Design Institute, she worked at Larry Jewellery in the

13 fields of design, production, quality control and display.

For bookings, please email [email protected].

RAFFLES MUSEUM OF BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH 45 Science Drive 2 Block S6, Level 3 National University of Singapore Singapore 117600 Tel: 6874 5082

MIA Trail 31 May 2008, 5.15pm - 10.30pm & 6.15pm - 11.30pm Harbourfront Centre Bus Bay Free

Discover the secrets of Singapore's biodiversity at the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research before embarking on a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Kent Ridge Park. Learn more about the defence of the ridge during World War II at Reflections at Bukit Chandu.

Limited spaces available. For bookings and enquiries, please visit http://imd2008.rafflesmuseum.net or email [email protected].

RED DOT DESIGN MUSEUM 28 Maxwell Road red dot Traffic Singapore 069120 Tel: 6534 7194

Free Admission for Senior Citizens 1 June 2008, 11.00am - 8.00pm & 2 June, 11.00am - 6.00pm

red dot design museum presents an inspiring permanent collection of contemporary designs from all over the world, and a special exhibition of product ideas and concepts that could possibly become the next market phenomenon! Every exhibit is a winner of the prestigious red dot design awards, a quality seal for design excellence.

REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE AIR FORCE MUSEUM 400 Airport Road Paya Lebar Airbase Singapore 534234 Tel: 6461 8504

Republic of Singapore Air Force Museum Celebrates IMD’08 31 May 2008, 8.30am - 5.00pm Free

Master the art of folding paper aeroplanes and participate in an aero-gami

14 demonstration! Don’t miss the chance to launch a rubber-powered aircraft or embark on a guided tour around the museum. Visitors will also receive a free gift!

SINGAPORE ART MUSEUM 71 Bras Basah Road Singapore 189555 Tel: 6332 3222

Engage > Art Tour 31 May 2008, 1.00pm - 2.00pm (in Mandarin) SAM Lobby Free

Uncover the fascinating stories behind the masterpieces in the Singapore Art Museum’s blockbuster exhibition – Xu Beihong in Nanyang – through this special curatour led by Tan Khim Ser, President of the Life Art Society.

Engage > Get Into Art Calligraphy Therapy 31 May 2008, 1.00pm - 5.00pm SAM Glass Hall Free

Get acquainted with the art of calligraphy. Whether you are a seasoned calligrapher or a novice out to have some fun, join us in this hands-on workshop presented by Life Art Society which introduces you to the fundamentals of this graceful art form.

Ink and Brush 31 May 2008, 1.00pm - 5.00pm SAM Glass Hall Free

Fascinated by the realism of Xu Beihong’s paintings? Tour the galleries of Xu Beihong in Nanyang and create your very own Xu Beihong-inspired masterpiece! Ink and Brush is a workshop presented by Life Art Society.

Finger Art 31 May 2008, 2.00pm - 5.00pm Outside SAM Glass Hall Free

All you need are your fingers and a large dose of creativity to create your very own work of art. Coloured paper and ink stamps will be provided.

Engage > Imagine Han’s Art @ SAM 31 May 2008, 10.30am - 3.30pm artLAB

15 Fee: $10 - $50 (charges vary with selection of woodcraft)

Indulge in the colourful world of contemporary art décor with this fun and exciting woodcraft painting workshop organised by Han's Art. Bring home funky décor pieces created using recycled woodcraft!

For enquiries, please call 6552 3505.

SINGAPORE CITY GALLERY The URA Centre 45 Maxwell Road, Levels 2 & 3 Singapore 069118 Tel: 6321 8321

Singapore Storey Guided Tour 30 May, 31 May & 2 June 2008, 9.00am - 5.00pm Free

Join us for a bird’s eye view of the city centre and a tour of the Singapore City Gallery. Discover “storeys” of dreams, planning, execution and lessons for the future with every building that makes up the Singapore cityscape.

S’PORE DISCOVERY CENTRE 510 Upper Jurong Road Singapore 638365 Tel: 6792 6188

S’pore Discovery Centre Celebrates IMD’08 1 June & 2 June 2008, 9.00am - 6.00pm Fee: $10 (inclusive of admission, a goodie bag worth $10 and a special guided tour)

Singapore’s state-of-the-art “edutainment” attraction is a celebration of the Singapore experience. S’pore Discovery Centre presents a brand new experience for the entire family with its wide range of fun-filled multi-media interactive presentations and games. Guests are invited to experience the Singapore Story with insights into Singapore’s challenges, dreams and aspirations.

Shuttle buses to S’pore Discovery Centre are available from the National Museum of Singapore at 10.00am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm on 1 June and 2 June 2008.

SINGAPORE PHILATELIC MUSEUM 23-B Coleman Street Singapore 179807 Tel: 6337 3888

Vietnam Experience Journey through the Land of Lotus

16 31 May 2008, 2.00pm - 2.30pm Free

Start off your Vietnam Experience with a curator-led tour of the Journey through the Land of Lotus exhibition. Discover Vietnamese culture through a collection of interesting stamps, miniature dolls, water puppets and traditional Vietnamese outfits like the Ao Dai.

Vietnamese Cooking Demonstration 31 May 2008, 2.30pm - 3.30pm Free

Singapore Philatelic Museum and HealthZone jointly present a special Vietnamese cooking demonstration with yummy food sampling. Learn two healthy yet tasty Vietnamese recipes – Vietnamese cold roll and Vietnamese chicken salad. A dietician will also be at hand to share useful tips on health, nutrition and cooking.

For bookings and enquiries, please call Mishelle at 6337 3888 or email [email protected].

Magic Stamps 31 May 2008, 12pm - 1pm Free

Get up-close and personal with our magician who will amaze you with special magical tricks performed with stamps!

Playtime 31 May 2008, 11am - 4pm Free

Relive the old times with games from the past! Play traditional games like dice, pinball and tikam-tikam which have entertained generations of children.

Spice Adventure 31 May 2008, 9.30am - 11.00am Fee: $10 (Adult), $5 (Child)

Did you know that spices played an important part in Singapore's history? Discover many types of interesting plants at Fort Canning Park and savour snacks seasoned with herbs and spices. Gather your family and join us on this fun and educational trail guaranteed to tantalise the senses!

For bookings and enquiries, please call Mishelle at 6337 3888 or email [email protected].