NO. 36

VOL. 10

ISS. 02

TAMPINES: AWARD-WINNING TOWN

WITNESS TO WAR: REMEMBERING 1942

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE HERITAGE CONSERVATION CENTRE 01

Front Cover Watermelon playground at 02 , 2017. Read more about the heritage of Tampines on page 8.

Inside Front Cover 01. Australian Army canteen, c. 1942. Metal, wool, leather and cotton. Collection of the National Museum of . 02. Enfield No. 2 Mk. 1 revolver used by the British and Commonwealth troops, 1940. Metal. Collection of the National Museum of Singapore. 03. Australian Army wire cutter with pouch, c. 1942. Metal and cotton. Collection of the National Museum 03 of Singapore. Read more about the fall of Singapore in 1942 on page 4. FOREWORD Publisher National Heritage Board Singapore’s rapid development as a is mirrored by the story of Tampines. Once 61 Stamford Road, #03-08, Stamford Court, successful multicultural society has been a remote rural area, it has today grown Singapore 178892 oft quoted as being unique in the world, into a bustling town that has received Chief Executive Officer but our rich heritage goes far beyond the international acclaim. Our cover story Chang Hwee Nee last century. (page 8) provides the full details behind Assistant Chief Executive this impressive turnaround, as well as Alvin Tan In this issue we explore Singapore’s past information about NHB’s newly-launched (Policy & Community) all the way back to the Neolithic era. In Tampines Heritage Trail. In Search of Prehistoric Singapore (page 39), MUSE SG Team learn how, despite the lack of documented Having covered the past and present, we Editors history, there is compelling evidence that chart future directions in A Heritage Plan Sim Wan Hui Norsaleen Salleh points to civilisations existing in Singapore for Singapore (page 17). This heritage plan Ruchi Mittal and around the region some 3,000 years traces strategies to conserve and promote Production Manager ago. our places, culture and stories – the success Lawrence Low of which relies heavily on partnerships Layout From prehistoric times, we jump into within the community. Design Fusion Pte Ltd Copyediting the 19th century to explore the Tales of Rufus Tan, Hedgehog the Malay World (page 33). This feature Indeed, the work of preserving our heritage Communications examines how colonial history affected is something that all Singaporeans can be Printing the way that Malay literary texts were involved in. Be inspired by our features on Hobee Print Pte Ltd reproduced and kept. This article is the relatively unknown Parsi community Contributors Asmah Alias presented in conjunction with the in The Parsis of Singaporebook (page 29), Dr David Clinnick National Library’s latest exhibition of the the “national service” undertaken by Mr Dr John Kwok same name, which brings into Southeast Roland Goh of audio-visual solutions Elizabeth Tang Jeanne Tai Asia, for the first time, Malay manuscripts company E&E to bring the wow factor Marshall Penafort which have been kept in European to our heritage (page 24), and also how Matthew Lim Norsaleen Salleh museums over the past 200 years. Airport is playing the role of Nurliyana Abdul Halid national ambassador to 58 million visitors Priscilla Chua Moving further forward, we focus on in A First-Class Singapore Experience (page Raudha Muntadar Sharon Lim the sombre period of World War II 27). Stefanie Tham in Singapore through Witness to War: Tan Huism Remembering 1942 (page 4). Working As a reader of MUSE SG we hope that you Tan Xue Miao Vanessa Liew with overseas museums to bring in new too will see a role for yourself in Our SG artefacts, this exhibition elicits a fresh Heritage Plan, to bring our heritage to all storyline revealing a shared history with Singaporeans. our neighbours.

Arriving into present times, we look at MUSE SG TEAM how Singapore’s subsequent development WEAR YOUR HEART ON YOUR NECK A NEW LINE OF MUSEUM LABEL SCARVES

Drape, knot, wrap, twist – these are just some of the ways you can show off Singapore’s diverse heritage and culture with MUSEUM LABEL’s new range of scarves. Created in collaboration with Binary Style, a local company founded by twin sister designers Santhi and Sari Tunas, these scarves are inspired by our museums, heritage institutions and the National A Museum by the River Collection. Each scarf features vibrant colours and patterns, dotted with elements of our shared heritage such as the iconic dome of the National Museum, old-school childhood games such as kuti-kuti and five stones, and small fishing sampan that used to ply the .

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For more information or purchase inquiry, please contact Retail and Merchandising Division at: [email protected].

The Splendour of Peranakan Colours

National Museum of Singapore Once Upon a Time in Singapore

AVAILABLE AT: National Museum of Singapore A NEW LINE 93 Stamford Road Singapore 178897 OF MUSEUM LABEL Mondays to Sundays | 10 am to 6.30 pm MERCHANDISE *Limited stocks available CONTENTS

04 08 17 EXHIBITION COVER STORY FEATURE WITNESS TO WAR: TAMPINES: A HERITAGE PLAN FOR Remembering 1942 Award-Winning Town SINGAPORE

20 24 27 EDUCATION PHILANTHROPY PHILANTHROPY THE HERITAGE EXPLORERS LIGHTS, SOUND, ACTION! A FIRST-CLASS SINGAPORE PROGRAMME: EXPERIENCE Sparking Interest in Museums and Heritage from a Young Age

29 33 39 INTERVIEW EXHIBITION MUSEOLOGY THE PARSIS OF TALES OF THE MALAY IN SEARCH OF SINGAPORE: WORLD: PREHISTORIC SINGAPORE History, Culture & Cuisine Manuscripts and Early Books

43 46 48 MUSEOLOGY HISTORICAL SPOTLIGHT DIRECTORY BEHIND THE SCENES CALDECOTT THROUGH MUSEUM ROUNDTABLE AT THE HERITAGE THE YEARS CONSERVATION CENTRE WITNESS TO WAR

Photo on this page A light and sound installation in the exhibition REMEMBERING 1942 featuring a 25-pounder field gun, 1941–1945. Metal and wood. Collection of Text by Priscilla Chua the National Museum of Singapore. Curator (Exhibitions, Research & Publications), National Museum of Singapore EXHIBITION

01 In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore in 2017, the National Museum of Singapore launched an international exhibition Witness to War: Remembering 1942 in September 2017. This exhibition seeks to explore the fall of Singapore within a larger geopolitical context, and to complement the existing World War II narrative at the National Museum which focuses primarily on the Battle of Singapore and the Japanese Occupation. It also provides a platform for a micro-history version of the war to be told through the personal stories of war survivors and veterans. 02

01. A 4-metre wide map For the first time, the National Many of these artefacts, which have table provides a Museum is leading an international, never been displayed in Southeast visual reference of Asia before, reveal a shared history the battles that were blockbuster exhibition that sees fought in Southeast the museum collaborating with 10 with our neighbours in the wider Asia during World region. War II. overseas museums and institutions such as the Australian War The exhibition opens with a film 02. Japanese Army montage that introduces visitors bugle, 1940s. Memorial, the National Museum Metal and cotton. of and the Museum of to the world from the 1910s to the Collection of the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. late 1930s, before the war began. Through footages extracted from Singapore. Witness to War features more than popular films of the 20th century, 130 artefacts, including objects visitors emerge from this time from the National Collection and tunnel with a better understanding artefacts on loan from individuals of the regional and international as well as overseas museum context in which World War II partners. broke out.

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Visitors then enter the first zone of the exhibition, which showcases the defence preparations that the British had in place for Singapore as war clouds gathered over the region during the late 1930s. This zone provides a glimpse into the Chinese and Japanese communities in Singapore at that time, as well as the troops who had arrived from Australia and New Zealand to reinforce the defences of Singapore. Having understood the context behind the outbreak of hostilities, the second zone begins with a dramatic display of one of the star artefacts of this exhibition – the 25-pounder field gun, which was the standard field artillery weapon used by both the British and Australian troops against the Japanese Army in Malaya and Singapore during World War II. Surrounded by sandbags specially made for this display, the gun is set against the graphical backdrop of troops in battle. The theatrical setting is made complete with a two-and-a-half minute light and sound installation that starts off with the popular World War II song “The White Cliffs of Dover”, before the emotive sounds of battle begin.

03 Within this zone, visitors will also find a visual narrative of the

03. Xu Beihong. Japanese conquest of Southeast Portrait of Sir Shenton Asia following the bombing of Whitelegge Thomas, Governor of the Pearl Harbor in December 1941, from 1934 to 1946, as well as an explanation of the 1939. Oil on canvas. international significance of the Collection of the National Museum of fall of Singapore on 15 February, Singapore. 1942. A four-metre wide map table marks out the military campaigns

- 06 - EXHIBITION in , while other other five stories are presented in displays depict the British surrender two video booths in the third and to the Japanese Army and the final zone of the exhibition. reverberations that were felt across This last zone of the exhibition the region, all the way to Australia is a space dedicated to reflection and New Zealand. Also on display and contemplation. Here, visitors are personal items belonging to get to pen their thoughts after soldiers, which provide yet another experiencing Witness to War. They perspective to the battles that were are also invited to write to the war fought. survivors and veterans – whose It is at this halfway point of Witness stories they had just experienced to War that the visitor’s attention is – on the letter postcards provided. turned towards war survivors and These will then be handed over to veterans whose personal stories are the survivors and their families told within the intimate setting of to keep the inter-generational four story pods. Titled Destruction, dialogue going. 04 Displacement, Love & Loss, and Seventy-five years may have passed Fortitude, each pod contains an since the fall of Singapore, but we anchor story that is brought to life have not forgotten the ordeal that by a large-screen animation – three the war survivors and veterans of these anchor stories are narrated have gone through. It is hoped that by the war survivors themselves. through these different accounts of On display are 11 stories that are war – found within the artefacts rarely seen or heard, providing and stories – we will not forget this diverse accounts of the fall of watershed event in our history. Singapore, and the impact it had on the lives of these people in the weeks following the war. Different Visit Witness to War: Remembering 1942 05 treatments and illustration styles at the National Museum of Singapore offer varied experiences across the from now until 25 March, 2018. Featuring 04. ’s 05. This silk pincushion personal diary offers belonged to Corporal different pods. artefacts from 10 overseas museums a glimpse of what James Colin Clark and institutions, this exhibition presents he was like as a of the 8 Australian As part of the National Museum’s husband and a father. Division, who had efforts to reach out to more the complexities of the events that led Having had to leave it sent home from to the fall of Singapore, paying homage his family behind Singapore when students, the Student Archivist upon his evacuation the city fell to the to the extraordinary tenacity with from Singapore on Japanese, 1941. Silk. Project was also developed, 11 February, 1942, On loan from the allowing secondary and tertiary which these men and women bore their he wrote about his Australian War circumstances. For more information, worry for the dear Memorial. level students to be involved in ones he sorely the exhibition-making process. As please visit http://nationalmuseum. missed, February- sg/exhibitions/exhibition-list/ April 1942. Paper and part of the project, students went ink. On loan from Dr out to interview war survivors witness-to-war-remembering-1942. Lim Whye Geok. and came back with a total of 47 submissions, six of which were selected for the exhibition. One is included as part of the main exhibition story pod, while the

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AWARD-WINNING TOWN

Text by Stefanie Tham Manager, Education & Community Outreach Raudha Muntadar Senior Officer, Education & Community Outreach Photo on this page Tampines Round Market and surrounding neighbourhood, 1980s. Courtesy of Housing & Development Board. COVER STORY

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01. Construction of Encountering the sheer number Tampines in 1985, remembers it Tampines Town of people at Tampines today can as a desolate and empty new town: in progress, 1982. Courtesy of Housing sometimes leave one overwhelmed. “At that time there weren’t as many & Development From its multiple shopping malls flats [as there are today]. It wasn’t Board. and offices to , as crowded as it is now… When we the estate’s newest community and met our friends from other parts of lifestyle destination, Tampines the island, they would say, ‘Wah is often crowded with throngs of you live in Tampines, you ulu type people going about their daily ah.’” routines. According to a 2016 survey by the Department of Statistics, Clarice Teoh, another resident who Singapore, Tampines is home to moved into the town in the early around 250,000 residents and is 1980s, echoes similar sentiments: the third most populous residential “When we selected a flat here, we town in Singapore after and were a bit hesitant. It was a bit like West. It is evident from an ‘end of the earth’ feeling. Bedok the loads of passengers constantly was popular, and it was already spilling out from Tampines Mass built up, and most people didn’t Rapid Transit (MRT) Station that think beyond Bedok in the east.” Tampines is a town bustling with Before the MRT line extended into activity. Tampines, residents had to alight Yet, long-time residents who have at Tanah Merah to take a feeder lived in Tampines since the town was bus. There was also no proper bus built in the 1980s recall a different interchange, save for a makeshift picture of the area. Anwar Bin Haji interchange along Tampines Mawardee, who first moved into Avenue 5.

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move to such an ulu area with no amenities?” These experiences of living in Tampines Town in its nascent years seem to mirror that of village life in the district before the 1980s. Ulu, which means “remote” in Malay, was a term often used to define Tampines even before the residential town was built. Due to the fact that until the 1970s, old Tampines Road was the only thoroughfare that traversed across north-eastern Singapore towards Changi, the district was relatively isolated from other parts of the island. Tampines Road began in 1847 as a bridle path accommodating horses and pedestrians. The road spanned from the 6th milestone of Road to Changi Road near the eastern tip of Singapore. Many early kampong (village) dwellers settled along this road, and some of the villages here included Kampong Teban, Teck Hock Village, Hun Yeang Village and Kampong Tampines. Travelling into and out of the district was often a challenge for the villagers living in Tampines. Back then, bus services from town terminated at the 6th milestone 02 of Serangoon Road (known as Kovan today), and commuters 02. A village in Tampines, had to continue their journey 1970s. Courtesy Tampines resident, Wendy Oh, of Tampines GRC recalls that the streets were barely into Tampines on pirate taxis and Community Sports privately-owned buses. Clubs. lit at night: “When we moved here during the early 1980s, it was very Yvonne Siow, a former teacher at remote and really dark at night. Tampines Primary School in the You wouldn’t dare to go out at 1960s, recalls: “[The drivers] would night as there were no street lights, wait to get as many people into and many of the HDB blocks were their taxis as possible and not all still under construction. I recalled the pirate taxis would… travel deep asking myself then, why did I into the kampong, as they would

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05 06 have trouble finding a customer waste disposal industry, which not 03. Wayang stage 05. Transport terminus at Ti Kong Tua in for Tampines bus on the way back. So some people only damaged the surrounding Tampines, 1970s. services at the resorted to hitching a ride from cars environment, but also made living Courtesy of Tampines 6th milestone of GRC Community Tampines Road, or lorries going in.” there an unpleasant experience. Sports Clubs. 1955. F W York Sand from Tampines was used Collection. Courtesy The area was so withdrawn that for the building of Housing & 04. Kampong Teban, of National Archives even in the late 1970s, when other 1986. Courtesy of of Singapore. Development Board (HDB) towns parts of Singapore were being National Archives of in the 1960s, and demand for the Singapore. 06. A sand quarry in modernised, smaller streets located Tampines, 1970s. material was so high that at its further down from Tampines Road Courtesy of Tampines peak, there were 26 sand quarries GRC Community remained unknown and difficult to operating in Tampines. Quarrying Sports Clubs. locate. Jimmy Ong, who formerly left gaping holes in the ground, lived in a Tampines kampong, and runoff from the quarries often shares: “We could give visitors our resulted in floods and choked address, but there was no way to drains. In addition, the nearby tell them exactly where we stayed. landfill, sometimes What usually happened was that we referred to as the “Tampines would go out to the [nearby] school dumping ground”, emitted foul to wait for them and bring them in.” stenches that could reach as far as From the 1960s to the 1980s, MacPherson on the occasions when Tampines was also associated its garbage mounds – as tall as 10 with the sand quarrying and storeys – caught fire.

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09 10

07. Aerial view of sand 09. A photograph of Nevertheless, despite these Villagers also bonded over simple quarries in Tampines, Albert Peh and his 1990. Courtesy siblings at Kampong inconveniences, former kampong entertainment such as catching of Housing & Teban. From left: dwellers also fondly reminisce insects or watching wayang (“street Development Board. Troy, Albert (on the tricycle), Patrick about the close-knit relationships opera” in Malay) shows that were (hidden), Roger and fostered with their neighbours and 08. The landfill at Lorong organised by the Chinese temples in Eddie, 1960s. Halus, 1980s. friends, as well as the community- Courtesy of Albert the vicinity. Albert Peh, who lived Courtesy of National Peh. centric spirit that was part of daily in Kampong Teban, remembers Environment Agency. life. the large crowds of villagers who 10. A child drawing water from a Florence Neo, who grew up near would gather at the Tua Pek Kong kampong well in temple during a wayang show. He Tampines, 1955. Hun Yeang Village, elaborates: Courtesy of Tampines “To me, kampong spirit means shares: “For us kids, we were most GRC Community that whenever there is a need, excited by the pushcarts that came Sports Clubs. everybody chips in to help. When with food, sweets and flavoured ice my mum gave birth to me and my balls. There were also tikam tikam siblings, her neighbours came over (“games of chance” in Malay) stalls, and taught her what to cook and some with roulette wheels, [where] advised her what to eat.” you could win toys or money.”

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11. Tampines Town, 1983. These images described by former an international level. By the time Courtesy of Housing kampong villagers and early HDB started designing Tampines & Development residents of Tampines Town are a Town in the 1970s, Singapore’s Board. stark contrast to the modern and post-war housing shortage had bustling residential town we see been largely resolved, allowing today. It was highly unlikely that the Board to channel its resources anyone living here in the 1980s into improving its town planning could imagine that Tampines models. would receive the World Habitat The award was an affirmation of the Award from the Building and many town planning innovations Social Housing Foundation and that the HDB pioneered in UN-Habitat just a decade later in Tampines, which sought to 1991, even beating out contending foster community bonds and entries from Vancouver, Canada encourage neighbourly interaction. and Boston, USA. Overnight, The innovations included the Tampines Town became recognised introduction of integrated green as an exemplar of “high-quality, corridors – a precursor to today’s high-density and affordable ubiquitous park connectors, as housing”, and was touted as a well as the precinct concept, model that cities around the world which brought amenities closer to could replicate. residents and encouraged greater The award was a historic moment social interaction between residents for Singapore as the achievements from different socio-economic of the country’s public housing backgrounds. was finally being recognised on

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12. The watermelon The HDB also sought to capture consisting of the MRT and Pan- playground at Tampines Central the unique identity and heritage Island Expressway. Park, 2017. of Tampines in its architecture. In 1991, the town entered yet 13. Tampines HDB architect Lee-Loy Kwee Wah another phase of its development Central, 1990s. wanted to reflect the fruit farms of Courtesy of Urban when it was designated Singapore’s Redevelopment rural Tampines in her designs of the Authority. first Regional Centre, a concept town’s public playgrounds. After spearheaded by the Urban 14. The former DBS briefly experimenting with different Redevelopment Authority (URA) Tampines Centre, fruit designs (including a durian which housed to grow commercial centres in Japanese retailer playground that was later deemed Sogo, 1990s. suburban areas. Major corporations Courtesy of Urban too risky due to the fruit’s spikes), soon established themselves in Redevelopment she produced three playgrounds Authority. Tampines, including the former that were installed in Tampines: Pavilion Cineplex and DBS the watermelon, mangosteen and Tampines Centre, which housed pineapple playgrounds. The former Japanese retailer Sogo. The two playgrounds can still be found concept also paved the way for the in Tampines Central Park, and construction of large shopping malls have become iconic symbols of in Tampines, starting with Century Tampines. Square in 1995 and the following year. Other town planning innovations included blocks of varied designs For the generation that grew up and heights, open spaces for in Tampines in the 1990s, these communal activities, and a well- malls were the setting for many integrated transport network system outings with friends and families.

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Former Tampines resident Bryne at Tampines Street 21 is a temple 15. Tampines Chinese Temple, 2017. Leong shares: “[I remember going plaque that dates to 1851. The to] Pavilion and watching Disney plaque belongs to the Soon Hin 16. An 1851 plaque belonging to Soon movies and Titanic. There was a Ancient Temple, a Taoist village Hin Ancient Temple, Burger King downstairs where a temple that was first set up in an 2017. schoolmate and I would share a attap hut at Jalan Ang Siang Kong 17. Masjid Darul meal and fight over French fries.” at the 11th milestone of Tampines Ghufran’s distinctive azure blue façade Road. Similarly, Masjid Darul Although Pavilion and Tampines which was installed Ghufran at Tampines Avenue 5, in the late 1990s. Centre have since been demolished, The mosque is had its origins in the multiple surau currently undergoing Tampines Mall, Century Square (“prayer houses” in Malay) which renovations and and the town’s latest shopping mall, will reopen in late served Muslim villagers in the east. 2018, 2007. Courtesy Tampines One, have taken over as These surau raised funds for the of Masjid Darul popular hangouts for Tampines Ghufran. building of the mosque, which was residents. completed in 1990. As the town gradually matured, Finally, while almost all of stories of ulu kampongs and a dark, Tampines’ former quarries have desolate town also began to fade been filled in, two quarry pits still into history. Nevertheless, aspects remain – one has been converted of Tampines’ heritage can still be into , while another found at some sites today, especially lies abandoned and hidden behind a in its religious institutions. row of trees along Tampines Avenue For example, hidden inside the 10. grand Tampines Chinese Temple

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18. The newly launched Our Tampines Hub, 2017.

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TAMPINES HERITAGE and sites of everyday heritage in Library at Our Tampines Hub, the TRAIL the town; the Religious Institutions first integrated community and Trail explores the diverse houses lifestyle hub in Singapore. Presented Many of the heritage sites in of faith found in the area and by NHB, the gallery is developed Tampines can be explored through highlights its unique architecture together with the community, the Tampines Heritage Trail that and practices; and the Green Spaces and aims to make heritage more was launched in September 2017. It Trail is NHB’s first cycling trail, accessible and inclusive for everyone. chronicles the history of Tampines taking cyclists to heritage and scenic Its inaugural exhibition is titled from the 19th century to the present locales in Tampines, including Tampines: A History, and presents an day, piecing a layered narrative of former kampong locations, and a overview of the history of Tampines the town through archival records, former landfill turned wetland. through maps, photographs and social memories, photographs and objects. maps. The launch of Tampines Heritage Trail follows the August 2017 Trail goers can embark on any of opening of Our Tampines Gallery, Download the trail booklet and map at the three specially curated thematic a gallery that showcases the heritage NHB’s portal at roots.sg/visit/trails. short trails that explore different of Tampines with a focus on You can also catch a glimpse of the aspects of Tampines’ heritage. The community-contributed stories and Tampines Heritage Trail before you set off Tampines Town Trail explores some collections. Our Tampines Gallery is at roots.sg/learn/resources/videos. of the town planning innovations located within the Tampines Regional

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Thian Hock Keng Temple Ketupat Chilli Crab Ice Kachang Sri Mariamman Temple

Singapore Botanic Gardens Gate Shophouse Lion Dance Legend of Sang Nila Utama

National Museum of Singapore Hawker Centre HDB Flat

Asian Civilisations Museum Wave National Service Kamcheng

Text by Norsaleen Salleh Deputy Director, Education & Community Outreach, National Heritage Board FEATURE

01. Our SG Heritage Plan engagement session with youths at the Malay Heritage Centre.

02 & 03. Our SG Heritage Plan focus group discussion 02 on tangible heritage at The Peranakan Museum.

01 03

In 2018, the National Heritage and festive celebrations – they all our heritage and culture to Board (NHB) will be rolling tell stories of where we come from, reinforce social bonds, strengthen out a roadmap for the heritage and who we are today. Because they our identity and inspire the future, landscape leading up to 2030, shape our identity as individuals, as well as to ensure that heritage is with strategies and initiatives that members of our communities and made accessible to everyone. will be reviewed every five years. Singaporeans, they also help us to In developing this plan, NHB had Through this article, MUSE SG navigate an uncertain future, and engaged more than 730 stakeholders provides an introduction to the serve as a legacy that we can leave comprising of practitioners, educators, plan and explores what it will for future generations. Hence, it students, academics, volunteers, mean for the future of Singapore’s is important that we protect and donors and other members of the heritage, as well as how it will promote our heritage and ensure public through dialogue sessions held affect Singaporeans. that it is kept alive for future over one year. As a result, qualitative generations. WHAT IS THE VALUE OF insights and views on matters related HERITAGE? NHB will be releasing Our SG to safeguarding, documentation, Heritage Plan in 2018, which will research, inclusivity, education, In our transient world today, outline the broad strategies for the promotion and accessibility of we face economic, social and next five years (2018 – 2022) for the heritage were garnered. These ranged environmental pressures, as well heritage sector in Singapore. The across the areas of archaeology, as numerous other matters that plan has been formulated in close intangible and tangible cultural compete for our attention. What, consultation with various heritage heritage, museums and collection, then, is the role of heritage in all stakeholders. It builds on the efforts and community engagement in of this? How can we ensure that of past and current cultural plans heritage. This plan will be shared with what we hold dear will survive and to support the growing aspirations Singaporeans though an exhibition remain relevant? of Singaporeans to protect and that will travel across different parts Historical buildings and sites, connect to our cherished heritage. of the island in January 2018. museums and exhibitions, food Additionally, it seeks to leverage

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04. National Monuments (clockwise from top left): Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall, Former Hill Street Police Station, Central Fire Station, and Former Empress Place Building (now Asian Civilisations Museum), 2015.

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Some of the key highlights of the OUR TREASURES We will continue to explore ways Our SG Heritage Plan to look to empower our partners through Through the display of artefacts, forward to include: the co-curation of heritage content, objects and artworks, our providing resources to support more OUR PLACES museums and cultural institutions ground-up projects, and working provide an important platform Our tangible heritage – buildings with volunteers and donors to give and sites in Singapore – have borne for the sharing of Singapore’s back to the community through witness to the growth of the nation. history and heritage. By creating heritage. While we already have 72 National greater accessibility to museums Monuments, and over 7,000 and their programmes, we create social spaces where everyone can conserved buildings and areas, Visit the Our SG Heritage Plan travelling there is still a need to take heritage experience meaningful and diverse exhibition at the following venues – into account during urban and perspectives of our history. 8 January to 14 January: Raffles City social planning and development. OUR COMMUNITY 15 January to 21 January: HDB Hub Mall @ This will ensure that our tangible heritage, and the shared memories Our shared heritage is the 22 January to 28 January: and stories behind them, will be common thread that binds us as a Shoppers’ Mall retained as our country continues community. Our partners such as 29 January to 4 February: Our Tampines Hub to grow and develop in the future. heritage groups, interest groups and This exhibition introduces Our SG Heritage OUR CULTURE volunteers, are critical components Plan, which charts the direction of in the transmission of our heritage Singapore’s heritage for the next five years Intangible cultural heritage and history. Partnerships and refers to our traditions, food and and beyond. At the exhibition, members of the support of community- practices, which help us understand the public will get to join the conversation our heritage and identity. They driven projects help to encourage on heritage by sharing their thoughts and are also what make us a uniquely ownership of our heritage, and suggestions. multicultural society. As we keep ensure greater sustainability in the promotion and preservation of our Find out more at oursgheritage.sg and our cultural heritage alive and connect with us at #OurSGHeritage. heritage. We also hope to nurture acknowledge how it brings us For feedback or queries on Our SG a love for heritage at a young age, together as a people, we safeguard Heritage Plan, please drop us a line at and encourage future generations it for future generations, ensuring [email protected]. that it remains just as relevant to to discover their own roots and them as it is to us. take pride in their heritage.

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SPARKING INTEREST IN MUSEUMS AND HERITAGE FROM A YOUNG AGE Text by Asmah Alias Deputy Director, Education and Community Outreach, National Heritage Board Nurliyana Halid Manager, Education and Community Outreach, National Heritage Board EDUCATION

01. Heritage Explorers Badges.

02. A resource developed with funds from MCCY.

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The International Council ofUsing role-play as a mediation tool Museums Committee for Education encourages empathy and encourages and Cultural Action (ICOM CECA) students to think in creative ways. It Best Practice Award is conferred to is also an excellent engagement tool, the best practice museum education which allows them to interact with projects around the world. The their peers and family members. By Heritage Explorers Programme completing the tasks in real-world by the National Heritage Board settings, students engage in higher (NHB) has been awarded the 2017 order thinking. ICOM CECA Best Practice Award alongside international museums CONCEPTION AND such as the Muśee du Louvre and PLANNING OF THE the National Maritime Museum PROGRAMME (Amsterdam). As museums broadened their This programme encouragesmissions and evolved over the last the exploration and discovery of decade, learning became a new and Singapore’s history and heritage, central focus for the various NHB museums. To accomplish this, 02 beyond the museums’ walls and our museums now have a range school textbooks in fun and of offerings for all ages, including immersive ways. are “concerned citizens rooted to interactive exhibits, lectures, Singapore, proud to be Singaporeans Targeted at primary school students guided tours, school visits, training and understand Singapore in from the ages of 7 to 12, the courses and teacher guides. The relation to the world”. programme aims to raise awareness complementary Heritage Explorers of personal, community and Programme extends the learning With funding received from the national heritage through creative of culture and heritage beyond the Arts and Culture Strategic Review role-play. museum walls and serves as a teaser grant, administered by the Ministry to spark students’ curiosity about of Culture, Community and Youth Students can choose from five our museums and heritage sites. (MCCY), we developed resources heritage professions: curator, such as: historian, designer, educator and In conceptualising the Heritage ambassador. Each profession Explorers Programme, NHB had • Heritage Explorers Programme is fleshed out through a set of to ensure that it was relevant to booklets which contain five tasks, bringing studentsstudents’ educational needs, and instructions, tasks and design beyond the classroom to explore that it complemented the Ministry templates for students their neighbourhoods, national of Education’s (MOE) existing • Educator’s guides providing museums, heritage institutions, efforts in providing a holistic useful heritage-related links for historic sites and cultural precincts. education. Thus tasks given to teachers By completing this series of fun and students were aligned to MOE’s engaging activities, students are able Desired Outcomes of Education, • Introductory presentation slides to earn Heritage Explorers Badges. including developing students who for teachers and students

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Have a conversation with Together with your family, The various tasks were designed with your family members to visit a cultural area and a three-tier focus, namely Personal identify a family heirloom draw/take pictures of the or an object in the household area. Create a postcard and and Family Heritage, Community that is precious to your share your family's adventure Heritage and National Heritage. family. Write a short story with a friend. inspired by the object. FAMILY COMMUNITY EXECUTING THE ME ME PROGRAMME FAMILY The programme was piloted with CO Y NATION M NIT MU Do you know what are Singapore's national symbols? Draw two primary school schools in NATION any of the two symbols and find out the meaning behind 2015. Publicity for the programme them. then began towards the end of 03 04 2015 via calls and direct e-mailers to teachers. We also leveraged on MOE’s communication platforms such as the teachers’ education portal, newsletters and educational roadshows. For the first run in 2016, more than 40 primary schools with a total of 17,000 students participated in the programme. EVALUATION AND REMEDIAL PROCESS 05 06 During the pilot phase, we worked closely with teachers from the pilot schools to refine the tasks, as well as 03. The three-tier focus The programme’s basic framework of Heritage Explorers sought feedback from students and Programme. includes: parents. Based on feedback received, 04. Examples of tasks in • Introduction to the museums and the following additional resources relation to the three- were added: tier focus. heritage landscape in Singapore, and the heritage professions 05. Incorporation of fun • Samples of past students’ works heritage activities available into an existing • A list of heritage-related videos classroom lesson. • Opportunities for students to and resources to facilitate the 06. Family bonding role-play a heritage profession teaching and learning process through a parent- as they go about completing child activity at the • A teacher’s resource guide which museum. assigned tasks highlights the linkages to school’s • Incorporation of fun activities curriculum to help teachers map into existing classroom subjects and complement their lesson plans such as Social Studies and Students’ and teachers’ surveys National Education showed that more than 90% of • Opportunities for family bonding students enjoyed completing the through parent-child activities activities. One student shared that he enjoyed role-playing a “Young • Awarding of heritage explorers Designer” because he was able to badges for students who complete include his personality and creativity the assigned tasks into his design planning.

- 22 - EDUCATION

A similar percentage of students also expressed greater awareness of heritage professions through the programme and expressed interest to find out more about their family, community and nation’s history and heritage. They said that the activities gave them opportunities to interact with their classmates, learn about different cultures, as well as bond with their family as they “got to find out more about how their parents and grandparents grew up”. 98% of the teachers surveyed indicated that the students benefitted from the programme 08 and that they would continue to participate in the programme in coming years. Teachers also said that the programme was aligned to school and MOE goals in developing self-directed learning and awareness of the world around them through heritage, and that it provided students with a platform to exercise “21st century skills”. NHB's aim with all the positive feedback is to reach all 190 primary schools by 2020. We are also currently working to include more professions in the list for future runs and are planning to develop a similar programme tailored for older students aged 13 to 16 years. 09

First printed in CECA Publication - any 07. Samples of students’ works. type of reproduction, even partial, by any means for internal or external use, is 08 & 09. Students playing traditional strictly forbidden and only permitted after games that their written approval from the publisher. parents and grandparents Evaluation criteria for publication: used to play. Originality and relevance of the text proposed; theoretical consistency with the thematic areas of the collection, methodology and appropriateness of the 07 research tools; language correctness and impact of analyses.

- 23 - LIGHTS, SOUND, ACTION!

Photo on this page Text by Jeanne Tai Broadcast Professional Freelance writer Pte Ltd is the official system integration partner of Story of the Forest, on display at the National Museum of Singapore. Courtesy of National Museum of Singapore. PHILANTHROPY

Mr Ronald Goh shares why he considers it his national duty to ensure that centuries-old heritage buildings stay relevant and maintain their wow factor.

Mr Ronald Goh makes a bold statement during his interview. “Those born in my era, after the war, lived in the best time of all humankind,” declares the 73- year-old managing director of Broadcast Professional. Baby boomers, he explains, experienced modernisation, but also the “old world charm” of the past. In Mr Goh's books, this was when life meandered at a gentler pace, when kids climbed trees for fun, and when Singapore's kampong spirit thrived. “Old world charm” is a phrase he mentions repeatedly when discussing heritage, a topic he's passionate about – and which runs in his blood. Mr Goh's father was a self-made man who started audio-visual solutions provider firm, Electronics & Engineering Pte Ltd, in 1951. It is the mother company of Broadcast Professional. Even as a teen, it was expected that Mr Goh would join the business. “Being the eldest son, you had no choice,” he shares. “My dad told me, ‘The company will be your university. You will learn and excel just as well if you work hard.’” Over the years, the Goh family established themselves by providing turnkey audio-visual solutions to iconic buildings in Singapore. These 01 included titans in the local arts and heritage scene, such as the National 01. Mr Ronald Goh at the National Museum of Theatre, the Esplanade, Victoria Singapore. Courtesy of Broadcast Theatre and Concert Hall, and the Professional Pte Ltd. National Museum of Singapore.

- 25 - PHILANTHROPY

Mr Goh’s experience has given him History Drawings, using art and Drawing an analogy of a good a unique vantage point between technology to immerse visitors car needing a good road, Mr Goh engineering and the arts. He is both in the landscape of 19th century believes that the physical hardware a technical expert and a cultural Malaya. of buildings too must accommodate commentator; able to dive into the the evolving software of its systems. Broadcast Professional's role was intricacies of projection systems, “If not, the building becomes to bring TeamLab's ideas to life yet, in the same breath, discuss how a white elephant,” he says. “If a – to design, install and supply century-old heritage buildings can building remains static, it goes out technologies that would support a retain their relevance. of fashion. Its facilities become spectacular show. It was a complex limited. The important thing is to “A building comes alive with what job requiring the installation of 59 keep them relevant,” he reflects. you put inside of it – the lights, the projectors, motion sensors, servers sounds,” he explains. “When that and sound systems, all functioning Mourning the demise of buildings happens, people don't feel that it's in perfect synchronicity. such as the Jubilee Hall, Odeon a dead structure and will start to Theatre, and King's Theatre, Not only did Broadcast Professional appreciate what is inside, be it the Mr Goh believes that heritage successfully integrate these systems, art or the history.” buildings have a certain glow about Mr Goh even underwrote part of them: “You feel connected to them the project. It constituted one of THE WOW FACTOR and they bring good memories. the many in-kind gifts Mr Goh Sometimes, that feeling can even If walls and pillars represent the has made to the National Museum bring tears to a person’s eyes.” skin of a building, then visual and over the years. Earlier this year, audio systems are its lifeblood. he also made a cash donation For those who can, it is almost These elements animate a place, to commemorate the National a moral duty to help preserve giving it a living, breathing pulse, Museum of Singapore’s 130th the collective memories and able to strike visitors’ emotional anniversary. legacies that live within heritage touch points – ensuring that they buildings. As Mr Goh puts it: “We come back again. The result today is a stunning visual have to maintain the building's and aural landscape that unfurls functionality to the highest level, so Mr Goh is serious about providing over a 170-metre passageway patrons can continue to enjoy that this pulse to local heritage buildings, showing a mesmerising meteor glow, that warmth... that old-world even if it means going beyond the shower in a jungle, as well as lush charm.” boundaries of work. “The National scenes of animals cavorting in a Museum is part of our history, our tropical rainstorm. This is the wow heritage,” he says. “The facilities factor that Mr Goh speaks of. must complement what we stand for as Singaporeans. I treat this as OLD-WORLD CHARM my national service.” Mr Goh’s office abounds with This national service was activated motivational quotes. One of his for the stunning digital art favourites is: “Seek joy in what installation, “Story of the Forest” you give, not in what you get” – by Japanese art collective TeamLab an insight into the businessman’s that opened in December 2016 attitude towards philanthropy. at the National Museum. The Local companies, he feels, can installation draws inspiration from also do their part for Singapore’s the museum’s prized William cultural legacy by adding value to Farquhar Collection of Natural heritage buildings.

- 26 - A FIRST-CLASS SINGAPORE EXPERIENCE

Text by Jeanne Tai Photo on this page NHB’s advertisement Freelance writer featured at CAG’s in- airport media spaces at Arrival precinct. PHILANTHROPY

01. Ms Teo Chew Hoon The terminal’s much-vaunted receiving the Patron of Heritage Award Heritage Zone features retail units from Minister for with Peranakan shophouse-inspired Culture, Community and Youth, Ms Grace facades. These are further layered Fu, at the 2016 Patron with interactive displays, including of Heritage Awards Ceremony. LED screens that project a cultural mini-theatre show set in 1930s Singapore. There is also a Peranakan Gallery in the transit area featuring artefacts on long-term loan from NHB. Reflecting on these initiatives, Teo says: “Ultimately, we want to start 01 and end every visit to Singapore in a memorable way.” What does the world’s most awarded airport have in common with the heritage sector? A commitment to telling the Singapore story. THE BUSINESS OF HERITAGE The best airport in the world is Every visitor to Singapore passes also a big advocate of the arts and through ’s plush, It works out well that curating heritage. Last year, Changi Airport carpeted terminals – giving it such experiences sits naturally with Group (CAG) inked a deal with the an outsized role as a national CAG’s mission of being a first-class National Heritage Board (NHB) ambassador. No stranger to this brand that continually delights its to provide complimentary media role, Changi Airport renewed its passengers. spaces across its terminals until the partnership with the Singapore year 2018. Changi Airport is famously Tourism Board and Singapore customer-centric. “Passengers have In effect, CAG gifted prime Airlines in April 2017 to promote always been at the heart of all that we advertising spots worth a six-figure inbound tourism. It has also do. And we believe that delivering price tag – enabling NHB to reach supported the National Gallery the best experience goes beyond out to the more than 58 million Singapore in various initiatives state-of-the-art facilities and efficient visitors who pass through Changi including the wildly popular Yayoi operations,” shares Teo. Airport each year. Kusama exhibition. Indeed, while facilities and workflow DELIVERING THE Says Teo: “I believe that it’s can be somewhat easier to replicate, SINGAPORE EXPERIENCE important to understand, appreciate creating unique experiences is much On the surface, Changi Airport and and treasure our roots. From our more challenging. history, culture to its arts... all these NHB may not seem to have much in Nevertheless, CAG is determined have shaped our nation and its common. But dig deeper and you’ll to enrich the passenger's journey identity. The challenge for us now find that both have a commitment through the airport using art is, ‘how do we pass these values on to telling the Singapore story. installations and retail experiences to future generations in innovative that “inspire, entertain and “Changi Airport is an integral ways that will resonate with them?’” part of the Singapore experience educate visitors”. And through its and a perfect place for visitors A SHOWCASE OF HERITAGE new Terminal 4, CAG has deftly to learn more about Singapore,” demonstrated how local heritage can says Teo Chew Hoon, Group Responding to the challenge, be effectively used to deliver such Senior Vice President of CAG’s Changi Airport has recently taken a experiences. Furthermore, it also Airside Concessions. “With NHB bold step forward in this direction. proves that heritage and business championing Singapore’s arts, The newly-opened Terminal 4 is needs are not mutually exclusive. heritage and cultural sector, the home to its first permanent showcase They can, in fact, enjoy mutual partnership was a natural fit.” of local heritage. synergies.

- 28 - THE PARSIS OF SINGAPORE

HISTORY, CULTURE & CUISINE

Images courtesy of Rustom Kanga and family Images on this page Book cover of The Parsis of Interview by Matthew Lim Singapore: Heritage, Culture, Cuisine (left) and dhansak Assistant Manager, Education & Community Outreach, National Heritage Board – an all-time favourite Parsi dish, featured on page 197 of the book (right). INTERVIEW

01

02 03

The idea forThe Parsis of Singapore: Heritage, Culture, Cuisine germinated 01. Asheesh, Subina, Rustom, Nazneen with Suna Kanga. After her sad demise, her husband Rustom Kanga took it and Cyrus posing upon himself to try and complete the book. Subsequently, he was introduced with their copy of The Parsis of Singapore to Subina Aurora Khaneja, who then assisted to complete the book with during the book's launch, 2017. additional research, writing and photography. MUSE SG speaks to Rustom Kanga and Subina Aurora Khaneja to learn more about the project. 02. Decorated Saces (prayer tray) are used for important How did Suna Kanga come to be they managed to preserve their occasions such as wedding ceremonies, interested in the heritage of the religion and distinctive culture, and as above, 2016. Parsi community? set up farms and businesses that flourished over the centuries. 03. Suna Kanga and The Parsis are a small diminishing Roshan Mistri in traditional Gara saris, community worldwide, with Suna first arrived in Singapore with Singapore’s a reputation for hard work, around 40 years ago with her then Ambassador to France, David entrepreneurship and philanthropy. husband. There were then only Marshall, at a The book, The Parsis of Singapore, around 40 Parsis in a total Minorities of Singapore workshop was conceptualised by the late Suna population of about 2.5 million conducted as part Kanga. Like most Parsis growing here. Nevertheless, they received of the Singapore Heritage Society up, Suna was told of her glorious a warm welcome by the small Conference, 1988. heritage, and how her forefathers Parsi community. Members of came by boat from Pars, Persia, and the community helped them to ended up in India. The stories tell settle in, and told them stories how despite difficult conditions, about the pioneers who had been

- 30 - INTERVIEW

04. Roosters and peonies are a common motif on garas.

05. Fish are a symbol of good luck in Zoroastrianism, and are commonly seen motifs during auspicious occasions.

04 05 in Singapore since the time of Sir this community and their distinctive be felt as we were preparing for Stamford Raffles, the businesses culture, and even less about their our feature on garas, which is the they owned, and the charity work contributions to the nation. traditional dress of Parsi women. they had done. Their contributions Even though a number of papers Essentially a sari adapted from the were significant enough for the have been written and speeches local women of Gujarat, these were Singapore Government to even given about the history of Parsis traditionally handed down from name two roads after them, namely mother to daughter during weddings Parsi Road and Mistri Road. These in Singapore, these are normally and considered prized possessions. stories instilled in Suna a deep delivered only within the community To keep the book firmly rooted in sense of pride and sparked her or to small interest groups. Suna the Singaporean context, we decided interest in the heritage of the Parsis wanted to introduce the rich cultural to use only garas and furniture from of Singapore. As a writer, Suna felt history, religion, tradition, cuisine the families here. We were pleasantly an obligation to capture and record and unique way of life of the Parsis surprised to be shown a remarkable these stories for posterity. to a broader Singaporean audience. She felt that this was best showcased collection, and even more thrilled Why did Suna Kanga choose through the book form where it that the families were willing to pose publication as the form to promote could be properly documented and with them for the book’s photoshoot. this heritage? made available at bookstores and Other memorable moments The Parsi faith is one of the ten major libraries throughout the country. included uncovering how Parsi religions of Singapore represented What was the most memorable theatre mavericks were involved by the Inter-Religious Organisation part of producing this publication? with the Southeast Asian craft of (IRO). It is also recognised as an wayang (shadow puppet theatre), official race in Singapore. The Parsis It was the ready involvement of discovering advertisements from the have contributed to Singapore since members of the community who 1800s in The Straits Times by Parsi the early 1800s as professionals, willingly contributed their stories, companies, as well as the unearthing doctors, business owners, and newspaper clippings, anecdotes of the site plans of the Parsee Victoria through philanthropy and charity. and old family photographs. The Theatrical Company at Beach Road Yet there is very little awareness of enthusiasm of the community could inside the National Archives.

- 31 - INTERVIEW

06 07

Apart from capturing personal understanding who we are, it is 06 & 07. Parsi recipes such as the stories from the active community, difficult to chart the way forward Lagan Nu Stew (left) and Ravo we also located many previously with any real sense of purpose and semolina pudding unknown Parsis in the process, as conviction. (right) are found well as old photographs from families in the book. Through libraries, personal records and libraries around the world – all and anecdotes, and with the online of which provided us with plenty of availability of many resources interesting material to work with. today, it is easier than ever to trace What would you tell other heritage the stories that capture not just the enthusiasts about documenting factual, but also the social history of and preserving history? the past. It is important to tell the story from the perspective and point We would urge them to question: of view of every community to avoid “Why is it necessary to preserve our the danger of there being only a history and document the stories of single story of the past. the past?”, “What would happen and would it matter if we didn’t know In documenting the history of the any of it?”, and “Which stories are Parsis of Singapore, we realise that we have a unique opportunity as worth preserving and how should a culturally rich country to weave we do it?” together the different cultural As nations develop and new cultures perspectives of Singapore’s past emerge, we need to capture the to tell a story of how this land essence of who we are, where we was shaped, and how interactions come from and what the truth is between the different ethnic groups behind our land. It is important to have contributed to the overall realise that what we do today, affects development of the nation. our history tomorrow. Without

- 32 - TALES OF THE MALAY WORLD

MANUSCRIPTS AND EARLY BOOKS

Text by Tan Huism Image on this page Map from Thomas Deputy Director, Content and Services Bowrey’s 1701 Malay– English dictionary. (Singapore, Southeast Asia and Exhibitions), National Library Collection of National Library of Singapore, B03061459F. EXHIBITION

01 02

01. Hikayat Muhammad Hanafiah, 29 “One day a clerk named Ibrahim came to my house and mentioned in Jamadilakhir 1220 conversation that Mr Raffles was looking for Malay clerks with a good hand, and (22 September, 1805). Copied by he wanted to buy Malay documents and romances of olden times.” Muhammad Kasim. Collection of the British Library, MSS Malay B.6. - Hikayat Abdullah, 1849. Translated by Ian Proudfoot.

02. Hikayat Perang Pandawa Jaya, 22 Syaaban, 1219 In some of the European libraries visual act, written Malay works (25 November, 1804). Copied by today, you will find Malay were traditionally experienced Muhammad Kasim. manuscripts which were brought orally and aurally. The reading of Collection of the British Library, MSS there by scholars, missionaries and manuscripts aloud to an audience Malay B 12. administrators from colonial times. is mentioned in various old Malay In the National Library’s latest manuscripts. A well-known episode exhibition, Tales of the Malay World: in the Sulalat al-Salatin (Genealogy Manuscripts and Early Books, visitors of Kings) relates how the nobles of have the opportunity to view rare Melaka requested for the Hikayat books from the holdings of three Muhammad Hanafiah (image important European institutions: 01) to be read to them on the eve the British Library; the Royal of their battle with the invading Asiatic Society of Great Britain Portuguese. Intended to spur and Ireland; and Leiden University valour, the hikayat (narrative tale) Library. For the first time, many relates the romanticised exploits of of these manuscripts are returning the Islamic warrior Muhammad to the region in which they were Hanafiah, half-brother of Prophet originally written. Together with the Muhammad’s grandsons. To National Library’s Rare Materials emphasise the oral-aural experience Collection, these artefacts tell of Malay manuscripts, this fascinating stories of the societies exhibition features a recitation of that wrote and read them. this episode from the Sulalat al- While people today tend to Salatin, as well as the singing of perceive reading as primarily a two works of syair (poetry).

- 34 - EXHIBITION

03

03. Daftar Sejarah Cirebon, AH 1230 WORLD OF MALAY century, after the arrival of Islam (1814-15). Probably LITERARY MANUSCRIPTS in the region, and they even include Java. Collection of stories with Hindu-Buddhist the Royal Asiatic Our understanding of traditional Society of Great influences like the Ramayana and Britain and Ireland, Malay written literature depends the Mahabharata (image 02). This Raffles Malay 30. largely on what has survived. exhibition introduces visitors to Except for a few written in southern various kinds of literary works such Sumatran scripts, almost all extant as court chronicles that trace the Malay manuscripts are written genealogy of ruling families (image in Jawi (modified Arabic script). 03), romantic and historical poetry Islam played a prominent role in (image 04), fantastical adventure the development of the Malay stories and Sufi tales (image 05). written literary tradition. The Generally, the terms referring to earliest literary works are believed these literary works include salasilah to have been created in the 14th (genealogy), hikayat and syair.

- 35 - EXHIBITION

04. Syair Perang Mengkasar, 1710. Copied by Cornelia Valentijn. Ambon. Collection of the Leiden University Library, Cod. Or 1626.

05. Cetra Empat Orang Faqir, AH 1263 (1846-47). Copied by Ismail bin Ali. Singapore. Collection of the National Library of Singapore, B16283380I.

06. Hikayat Nabi Yusuf, 5 Ramadan, 1216 (9 January, 1802). Copied by Lebai Muhammad with 04 05 illuminations by Cik Mak Tuk Muda. Collection of The British Library, MSS Malay D 4.

06

The majority of these works are known manuscript that contains in various urban centres in the 19th anonymous and undated, which an inscription of the artist’s name century. This exhibition features a makes it difficult for scholars to – Cik Mat (Muhammad) Tuk few examples of such manuscripts trace the development of Malay Muda, son of Raja Indera Wangsa, for loan, such as the popular traditional literature. Those that from Kayangan, Perlis (image 06) – Hikayat Cekel Waneng Pati, a Panji contain additional information also has a note in which the owner tale copied by Muhammad Bakir, provide rare glimpses into the Cik Candra implores readers to whose family ran a lending library production of manuscripts and take good care of the manuscript. in Batavia (Jakarta) from the mid to their readers. For example, the only Lending libraries were established late 19th century.

- 36 - HISTORICAL SPOTLIGHT

07. Hikayat Parang Puting, 29 Syawal, 1220 (20 January, 1806). Copied by Ibrahim Kandu for Stamford Raffles. Penang. Collection of the British Library, MSS Malay D 3.

08. Hikayat Bakhtiar, 25 Rabiulakhir, 1305 (9 January, 1888). Printed by Haji Muhammad Siraj. Collection of the National Library of Singapore, B03013464J.

07 08

MARKET FOR to better administer the region or to Kampong Gelam, grew to become MANUSCRIPTS fulfil missionary purposes. an important printing hub for Traditionally, access to manuscripts Malay/Islamic books that were FROM WRITTEN TO distributed throughout the Malay was limited, as they were held PRINTED at the courts, by feudal chiefs or world. Lithography basically storytellers. Scholars have mostly The adoption of the lithographic reproduced the manuscript format, credited Stamford Raffles (1781- press by Malay/Muslim printers but enabled multiple copies to 1826) for creating a public market from the mid-19th century onwards be produced economically. Like for Malay written texts. He started had a dramatic effect on the their manuscript counterparts, buying manuscripts in a way similar manuscript tradition. Abdullah these early mass-produced printed to how he collected natural history bin Abdul Kadir (c. 1797-1854), hikayat and syair were also recited specimens, and even hired a team of better known as Munshi Abdullah, or sung for an audience. However, six scribes to copy texts that he had is considered a pioneer of Malay one important difference is that borrowed. In this exhibition, there printing. He had learnt printing these printed texts were now widely is a hikayat (image 07) that was from the English missionary, available for sale. By the turn of the copied by one of Raffles’s scribes, Walter Medhurst (1796-1857) 20th century, however, Singapore Ibrahim Kandu, a Chulia who while in Melaka, and was involved printers had begun to decline as lived on the Prince of Wales Island in various mission publications as the local and regional markets (Penang). The British were not the either translator or editor. Abdullah saw an influx of Malay books even composed new works to be only Europeans actively collecting; from Bombay, Cairo, Mecca and printed, becoming the first non- the Dutch were also collecting in Istanbul. In this exhibition, visitors European to have his work printed earnest. European administrators will discover prominent printers in Malay. and scholars collected Malay (image 08), their marketing tactics, manuscripts to learn the language From the mid-19th century, and their bestselling titles (image and understand the culture, so as Singapore, or more specifically 09).

- 37 - HISTORICAL SPOTLIGHT

ENDURING STORIES While many of us in Singapore may not be familiar with traditional Malay literature, there are some stories that have endured through the centuries. This exhibition explores three such literary works: Sulalat al-Salatin (Genealogy of Kings; popularly known as the Sejarah Melayu), Hikayat Hang Tuah (Tale of Hang Tuah) and Hikayat Pelanduk Jenaka (Tale of the Wily Mousedeer). All three works have been adapted as novels, comics, plays or films. Of interest to Singaporeans will be the Sulalat al-Salatin, which contains a legend 09 about early Singapore and how it got its name. The popular tale about the attack of the garfish can also be found in the Sulalat al- Salatin. Visitors will be able to view the earliest manuscripts of Sulalat al-Salatin (known to scholars as “Raffles 18”; image 10) and the Hikayat Hang Tuah in physical form, as well as through a retelling on the silver screen.

10

09. Syair Abdul Muluk 10. Sulalat al-Salatin, Isterinya Siti Rafi’ah, probably 17th Visit Tales of the Malay World: 5 Zulkaedah, 1311 (9 century. Collection of May, 1894). Printed Royal Asiatic Society Manuscripts and Early Books at the by Haji Muhammad of Great Britain and National Library until 25 February, 2018. For Amin. Singapore. Ireland, Raffles M18. Collection of National more information, please visit www.nlb. Library of Singapore, B29362100A. gov.sg/exhibitions/.

- 38 - IN SEARCH OF PREHISTORIC SINGAPORE Images courtesy of Sharon Lim and Dr David Clinnick

Photo on this page The site where Collings and Williams-Hunt conducted their archaeological surveys, May 2017. MUSEOLOGY

Dr David Clinnick was a recipient of the 2016 George Hicks Fellowship at the National Library. His research looks at prehistoric materials from the Malay Peninsula collected by the Raffles Museum (predecessor of the National Museum of Singapore). Sharon Lim is an Assistant Curator at the National Museum of Singapore. Her research interest lies in the National Museum’s institutional and collections history. As part of Dr Clinnick’s research, Sharon facilitated access to the National Museum’s archaeological collection at the Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC). At HCC, Dr Clinnick and Sharon came across stone tools from Pulau Ubin collected by the Raffles Museum curators in the late 1940s and early 1950s, which inspired them to trace the original survey area at Pulau Ubin.

Many people would be familiar NEOLITHIC SETTLEMENT 01 with the Singapore Stone, a ON PULAU UBIN fragment of a large sandstone slab In prehistoric societies, making that once stood at the mouth of tools from stone was an important the Singapore River. While no human activity. These tools were one has been able to decipher the used for subsistence activities, food inscriptions on this stone, this preparation and turning materials artefact provides a tangible link such as wood, bark, vegetable which connects Singaporeans with fibres and animal skins into useful a history that began in the 14th objects. Interestingly, archaeological century. Archaeologists have since material collected from Pulau Ubin uncovered more artefacts that tell included the adze, which is a type us more about life in the of cutting tool similar to an axe. period prior to the arrival of the Even today, adzes form part of a British in the 19th century – but woodworking toolkit, although are we able to stretch Singapore’s they are now made of steel rather history even further back to the 02 than stone. prehistoric era? Based on comparative analysis, In the late 1940s, curators from the 01 & 02. Ground edges it seems that the stone tools of the adzes Raffles Museum (now the National found on Pulau are Neolithic – a term used by Museum of Singapore) embarked Ubin, May 2017. archaeologists to denote the earliest Collection of on archaeological research in period of farming and animal the National Singapore to paint a comprehensive Museum of husbandry. This time period differs Singapore. picture of prehistoric Malaya. Aware across the world. For example, the that the main island of Singapore Neolithic period began over 10,000 itself was a highly disturbed area years ago in the Middle East, unsuitable for archaeological whereas for Southeast Asia, it only purposes, they turned their focus to began around 6,000 years ago. Pulau Ubin, a small island situated northeast of Singapore in the The adzes recovered from Pulau Straits of . Their efforts paid Ubin were mostly flaked with off, as stone tools were recovered ground edges, and are believed to be from Pulau Ubin. Records show either from the late Hoabinian (an that these archaeological materials ancient hunter-gatherer group) or were later accessioned into the early Neolithic culture, since stone Raffles Museum collection in 1948 tools from the late Neolithic period and 1952. would have evolved into well-

- 40 - MUSEOLOGY

03. Neolithic stone tools collected by the Raffles Museum in 1948 and 1952.

03 finished symmetrical objects with One problem of being in the tropics Peter Darrel Rider Williams-Hunt, smooth surfaces. Given the physical is that the settlement sites and who was responsible for bringing features of the tools discovered and organic material used by our ancient the site to the attention of the the fact that the stone adze was ancestors in Pulau Ubin would Raffles Museum. the most characteristic tool of the have decomposed quickly over Southeast Asian Neolithic period, time. The wood houses that they Cambridge-educated Collings’ training the site at Pulau Ubin is estimated lived in would also not have been in anthropology provided the Raffles to be at least 3,000 years old. able to survive the corrosive action Museum with subject expertise in of tropical soils. Nevertheless, a the field of archaeological research. With the number of adzes recovered careful and systematic excavation It is recorded that while serving from the beach, it also appears that of the site on Pulau Ubin may his earlier appointment as the the final stages of manufacture enable archaeologists to determine first Advisor to the Aborigines in were completed at this site, and that the outline of potential structures Malaya, Williams-Hunt continued it may have served as a residential and houses through the observation to pursue his archaeological interests location during the Neolithic of subtle changes in soil colour and with shoreline surveys of Singapore period. texture. So, while the surviving and Johor. Similar stone tools have also been stone tools may not paint a Unfortunately though, this small- found near Tanjung Bunga, on the complete picture of the Neolithic west coast of the Straits of Johor. lifestyle, they certainly point to the scale excavation attempt in 1949 This site was discovered in 1919 likelihood of prehistoric occupation by Collings and Williams-Hunt by Engku Abdul-Aziz, then Dato in Singapore and its surroundings. did not yield any artefacts, while Mentri (Minister) of Johor. Based the field notes which may have on a comparison of the finds in 1949 EXCAVATION OF included information on the exact Pulau Ubin and Tanjung Bunga, PULAU UBIN location of any test units are lost curators concluded that there Following the discovery of Neolithic at present. It is believed that the were indeed prehistoric sites in materials on Pulau Ubin in 1948, Pulau Ubin field notes could have the south of Johor. So far though, the Raffles Museum worked quickly been part of the auction lot of the these two sites are the only places to begin on-site investigations. Collings collection that was sold where implements belonging to These were conducted by Hubert by Bonhams in 2009, along with the Neolithic period have been Dennis Collings, Assistant Curator George Orwell’s love letters to Mrs recovered. at the Raffles Museum, and Major Collings.

- 41 - MUSEOLOGY

Since Collings and Williams-Hunt’s one of the collected basalt samples by the Raffles Museum had eroded survey of Ubin in the late 1940s appeared to have been chipped and out of the land surface above the and early 1950s, there have been flaked by humans into what looked beach where the recent samples no further archaeological studies like a roughout of an adze. were collected from. This explains conducted in Ubin. The 1950s why no below-ground finds were was a period of decolonisation, Based on visual observation, the reported if Collings and Williams- sweeping the Raffles Museum up sample collected by Dr Clinnick Hunt had only excavated along the in winds of socio-political change. appears to be of the same material beach in 1949. This resulted in a curatorial shift as the Neolithic stone tools Pulau Ubin is known today for for the museum as it could no collected by the Raffles Museum in its greenery and rustic charm, longer function as an apparatus the late 1940s and early 1950s. The with its preserved 1960s kampong that only conducted scientific raw material is dark in colour and (village) houses. However, the research on colonial territories. Its fine-grained with some striations, and may therefore be basalt or island offers more than just a renaming from Raffles Museum nostalgic throwback. There is great to the National Museum in 1960 dacite. While we are unaware of any basalt sources on Pulau Ubin, potential in conducting further also heralded the start of a new archaeological research on the era, where the institution began the material could have come from a basalt source in Java or further up island based on the work that the to serve nation-building purposes. Raffles Museum started more the Malay Peninsula. Consequently, archaeological than half a century ago. Not only activities and acquisitions by the CONCLUDING THOUGHTS would it shed light on the prospect museum collection decreased of an earlier prehistoric settlement significantly from its peak in the Given the close proximity of the on Singapore, it could also prove 1930s and 1940s. earlier Neolithic finds by the Raffles to be highly important in helping Museum, along with the similarities us understand the spread of the A RETURN VISIT in materials of our recent findings, Neolithic to the Malay Peninsula. Close to seven decades later, Dr Clinnick is of the view that Simply put, archaeological finds archaeologist Dr David Clinnick our exploration site was the same on Pulau Ubin could potentially and I decided to retrace the steps of archaeological site that Collings extend the our Raffles Museum predecessors. and Williams-Hunt searched for, much further back in time than the Referring to the curator’s notes that but could not locate. It is likely that Singapore Stone, by 3,000 years or came with the Neolithic stone tools, the Neolithic stone tools collected more. we managed to trace the rough location of the recovery site to the far western end of Pulau Ubin. 04. Archaeologist David Clinnick studying the raw material of two On 5 May, 2017, Dr Clinnick samples collected and I headed to the beach that from Pulau Ubin, May was surveyed by Collings and 2017. Williams-Hunt. A survey was conducted on foot along the beach, where natural rock formations were abundant, but no artefacts were noted. We then crossed over onto a level stretch of elevated land above the beach, which had been cleared of vegetation by a wildfire in 2014. As we were leaving the area, Dr Clinnick noticed several pieces of cracked angular basalt eroding out of the surface and collected two pieces for observation. At least 04

- 42 - BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE HERITAGE CONSERVATION CENTRE

Images courtesy of Alex Soo & Heritage Conservation Centre Photo on this page HCC’s Textiles Conservation section preparing an artefact for exhibition, 2016. MUSEOLOGY

01. Inspecting the 19th- century coral red kamcheng.

01

Tan Xue Miao is an Assistant Manager for Collections Management based at the Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC), a state-of-the-art storage facility for our National Collection, and home to more than 200,000 pieces of priceless heritage and cultural treasures. As a collections officer, she is responsible for the care of the long-term storage of our National Collection, and ensures the maintenance of a safe and efficient collection storage environment. MUSE SG speaks to Xue Miao to learn more about this unique role that she plays.

What is the day-to-day life of a What was your most memorable Was there any particular artefact collections officer like? day in HCC? that really stood out for you? One of the things I love most about That was the day when I had the It was this beautiful 19th-century my role is that no two days are the chance to handle an artefact for the coral red kamcheng. A kamcheng is same – every day is different, yet very first time! I have always been a storage jar, and is a prominent equally challenging and exciting. an avid museum goer, and I always porcelain ware found in most make it a point to visit museums Peranakan households. It is used I can be sitting at my desk keying whenever I travel. To be able to to store food items, and is also information into the collection switch from the usual museum commonly used in Peranakan database in the day, and then visitor point of view to that of wedding ceremonies. I have always working on artefact storage in the someone physically handling been captivated by the intricacy stores in the afternoon. On some artefacts felt pretty surreal. I of Peranakan craftsmanship – days, I might also be spotted in remember feeling a mixture of whether beadwork embroidery or museums providing support for nervousness and excitement while tiles or clothing – their lavishness exhibitions, or assisting with the grasping a 19th century ceramic is perpetuated in almost everything de-installation of works. There are teapot. It was a new feeling being that they use. This particular able to admire its intricate motifs also days where I would be working kamcheng caught my attention and detailing up-close. I guess this because of its vivid colours and on the ground with art handlers, is the part of my job where the its decorative motifs, with its rim or working alongside conservators feeling of unbelievable wonder still being lined with the auspicious and curators. There is no standard occasionally sets in – being in such Eight Buddhist Emblems, and its routine for me, but this is what close proximity with artefacts that lid bearing a crouching Buddhist keeps me motivated and charged offer a sneak peek into history and lion-dog. for work. culture.

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What do you think defines the Could you share the importance heritage allows us to distinguish values of HCC? of conserving and collecting ourselves, by being united in the Singapore’s history and heritage? midst of diversity. By collecting Three words: integrity, passion and these stories and memories from our detail-oriented. I feel that in this fast-changing world where cultural transformation past, we are able to catch a glimpse Integrity – As guardians of the is taking place faster than ever of Singapore’s history, a reminder National Collection of Singapore, it before, it is of utmost importance of who we are. It is therefore very is important to have accountability to conserve and collect Singapore’s heartwarming to see that there in everything we do, and it’s also history and heritage. This will help are increasing efforts to preserve important to stick to standard to ground Singaporeans in a sense Singapore’s history, to maintain the work procedures to ensure that of identity and belonging as we delicate balance between heritage everything is accounted for move into the future. Singapore’s and modernity. properly and accurately. HCC also rich and diverse multi-cultural encourages open communication between co-workers, which ensures transparency. PROMISES TO THE ARTEFACT Passion – I find that with passion, we push ourselves to do the best By Vanessa Liew that we can. Everyone here is Assistant Conservator, Heritage Conservation Centre, National Heritage Board very willing to teach and share Across the white table you lay knowledge with one another, Stained by history, wrinkled with age making it a continuous learning You have faith in me to smooth your creases and patch your losses journey every day. With passion Make you stable also comes positivity, which makes And display you as you are meant to be seen by adoring masses our days so much more enjoyable doing what we love. Try as I may Detail-oriented – Ever since I I promise to do my very best joined HCC, I’ve gained a whole To let you tell me how you want to be treated new perspective of how much work To be patient, even when you are not the easiest to handle is put into caring for our National To envision where every stitch will go before the needle ever pierces you Collection. Every aspect of the I do not want to inflict more pain than you have already suffered artefact is taken into consideration, down to the smallest detail. For Most of all, I promise to never give you more than you require instance, we may spend hours If ever more skilful hands come across you preparing a newly acquired object My work can be undone, its traces only to be found in the written word for storage. For garments, we create interleave using unbuffered acid-free Dear artefact, lastly I promise to remember: tissue paper for surfaces that come You do not belong to me, but to an entire nation into contact with one another, Your existence is the reason I am here to prevent abrasion between the To care for you is to earn my daily bread textile surfaces and to allow the To treat you as you deserve to be treated is my conservator's creed garment to retain its 3D structure. We also do careful inspection of the Dedicated to the HCC Textiles Conservation Section, especially Miki Komatsu. garment’s condition, taking note Because of all they have taught me, so I am. of any creases, weakened spots, Special thanks to Esther Ng. embellishments or stains.

- 45 - CALDECOTT THROUGH THE YEARS

Text by Elizabeth Tang Photo on this page Manager, Strategic Communications & Digital, National Heritage Board , 2017. Marshall Penafort Manager, Heritage Research and Assessment, National Heritage Board Dr John Kwok Assistant Director, Heritage Research and Assessment, National Heritage Board

For the past 80 years, you have All that changed when Englishman set up plantation houses and grew known it as the stomping ground John Turnbull Thomson arrived in crops. Among them was Seah of Singapore’s best-loved television Singapore in 1841 as Government Eu Chin. Legal documents show and radio stars, and where Surveyor. Thomson put together that his family owned much of television classics such as Under the very first maps of Singapore’s the Caldecott district at different One Roof, The Unbeatables and The town centre and engineered the points in history, and lived in the Little Nyonya were created. building of Thomson Road amongst area. In fact, the Seah family had his several important contributions built two large bungalows there, What is lesser known is Caldecott during his 12 years in Singapore. one of which was called E Choon, Hill’s long history that predates where a grand ball was held for Under Thomson’s charge, proper the arrival of radio and television prominent Europeans and Chinese roads were built through the Toa to our shores. The hill was named guests. This attracted much Payoh district, which changed the after Sir Andrew Caldecott, the attention because it was the first composition of the area entirely. Colonial Secretary of the Straits The roads enabled access to areas time a large gathering of Europeans Settlements in the 1930s, and its that were previously impassable, and Chinese participated in a grand surrounding roads, named after and allowed the surrounding rural ball within a Chinese setting. members of his family, namely lands to be developed. There is an interesting story of how Lady Olive, and their children, Seah Eu Chin’s son, Seah Liang Seah, Joan and John. SEAH’S LEGACY reportedly shot and killed an eight- THOMSON’S ROADS Seah Eu Chin, also popularly foot long alligator, which had been known as “the king of pepper and taking swims in the family pool and In the 1800s, long before the arrival gambier”, was a Chinese immigrant feasting on the fish in their pond. of the Housing & Development who made a fortune from trading During this time, tiger sightings in Board and modern urban planners, in pepper and gambier during plantations along Thomson Road Caldecott was part of the larger the 19th century. Back then, the were also common, and livestock Toa Payoh district, where it was Thomson and Caldecott area was and coolies were known to be carried largely an undeveloped marshland. a place where rich businessmen away by these felines.

- 46 - HISTORICAL SPOTLIGHT

01

01. Caldecott Hill, 2017.

REVAMPING PUBLIC RADIO THROUGH THE LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! HOUSING WAR After the war, only 41 houses in In 1935, there was increased Caldecott Hill saw further Caldecott Hill Estate were left. confidence in the real estate transformation with the launch Nevertheless, the area continued business in Singapore, boosted of Singapore’s first permanentas a residential estate, and by the by a demand for cheap modern radio broadcasting station in 1937. 1990s had become a premier private houses. Local based firm, Fogden, During its first broadcast, the housing estate, as well as home to Brisbane and Co. Ltd. mooted the Governor at the time, Sir Shenton Caldecott Broadcast Centre. Thomas, described the interior idea of building a large number From radio to TV, the broadcast of the broadcasting station, as of suburban houses on Caldecott station at Caldecott Hill was Hill, to be rented out as affordable consisting of sound proof studios with air-conditioning, with rooms inextricably linked to the blossoming housing. Fogden and Brisbane were of Singapore’s media scene. at this time one of the four biggest for performers, an announcer and a control engineer. In the Radio-Television Singapore, the development firms in Malaya, and years following its opening, the predecessor to today’s Mediacorp, they had the resources to invest in Government established the Malaya opened its new Television Studio the undertaking. Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). Centre in 1966, an event graced by then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan When completed in 1937, the local However, the Japanese Occupation Yew. 63 years later in December newspapers reported that Caldecott from 1942 to 1945 disrupted any 2015, Mediacorp moved from Hill Estate had the latest in “modern further development plans. the Caldecott Broadcast Centre homes”, replete with perks such as When the war came in 1942, it was to its new home at Mediapolis in electricity, piped water and modern said that the battle lines stopped right One-North. sanitation facilities. The last item, at the edge of Caldecott Hill Estate. in particular, was still a novelty for The broadcasting station survived the most houses in Singapore, which battle and was used by the Japanese were still using the night soil bucket during the Japanese Occupation of system. Singapore in World War II.

- 47 - MUSEUM ROUNDTABLE

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