VOLUME 8, ISSUE 2 MUSE SG | N• 30 N 30 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 2 ISSN: 2424-7766

Publisher

National Heritage Board Foreword 61 Stamford Road, #03-08, Stamford Court, 178892 A museum, in many ways, represents the heart of a Chief Executive Officer community. Its artefacts are a collection of the people’s Rosa Daniel memories; echoes of stories waiting to be told. The combined Assistant Chief Executives effect is a space filled with wonder and imagination. Some Tan Boon Hui of the world’s largest museums can take days, even weeks, (Museums & Programmes) to explore. In our hectic, hyper-connected lives, such Alvin Tan opportunities to unplug and retreat deep within ourselves are (Policy & Development) not only rare, but treasured today more so than ever.

MUSE SG team In Singapore, there are more than 50 museums — among them, the iconic National Museum and Asian Civilisations Museum. Editor-in-chief Sim Wan Hui Their smaller counterparts — the Singapore Philatelic Museum and the MINT Museum of Toys, to name a couple — Managing Editor continue to draw niche audiences year after year. Take a look David Chew at the directory of museums at the back of this issue for unique Design Consultant and fascinating places to explore with your loved ones. Ridzwan Ali

Editorial Managers To some, it will seem as if Singapore’s museums have Lawrence Low undergone a proliferation of late. Apart from the new Maggie Tan $530-million National Gallery due to open in October, the Editorial Assistant year has already welcomed three new additions to the scene: Nicole Cheng The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, the Indian Layout Heritage Centre, and the Singapore Pinacothèque de Paris. Leow Yuankai Benjamin Xue In fact the push to supercharge the nation’s museums and Copy-editing arts scene could be said to have begun in 2006, when the Yen Feng National Museum was re-opened and re-positioned not only

Printing as a museum of Singapore history, but a space for major, Hobee Print Pte Ltd international “blockbuster” exhibitions. Exhibitions from major museums including the and Musee du Contributors David Chew Louvre were showcased in our museums. Experts in related Jeff Chong fields, including curatorship and conservation, were groomed. Priscilla Chua People started taking the “business” of museums more Reena Devi Nalina Gopal seriously. You can read more about this in our cover story, Nurliyana Halid Museums in Singapore — A Short History, on page 18. Dr John Kwok Carolyn Lim Ian Liu At the heart of it all is what these new museums and Ian Tan exhibitions have in common: the ability to draw people into an John Teo Stefanie Tham oasis of beauty, and a shared sense of the past. Museums are, Kennie Ting as our Editor in his essay, Stepping Through Museums (page Jackie Yoong 26), puts it: where “knowledge, aesthetics and storytelling Front Cover Credits merge and meld into one”. The exterior of Raffles Museum, 1950s. Collection of National MUSE SG team Museum of Singapore.

If you have any feedback, please Epergne, 1860. Silver. Collection of the Tan family. email [email protected] or Currently on display at Great : Fifty Remarkable Lives at the . go to www.nhb.gov.sg 1 MUSE SG | N• 30 Contents 05 11 17 Great Peranakans WE: Defining Stories Neil Humphreys Fifty Remarkable Lives Building Our Home Saving A Sexier Island

18 26 28 Museums in Stepping Through Indian Heritage Singapore Museums Centre We A Short History A Personal Journey Our Community Treasure 34 37 40 Mok Wei Wei Our Natural Into The West Finding The Balance Heritage Jurong Heritage Trail Lee Kong Chian Natural Love History Museum Sweet Jasmine Elephant Retail Price 47 50 51 $79.00 The Dragon Kiln Raja Mohamad Lim Chen Sian Breathes Heritage On Film Digging For Answers Thow Kwang Dragon Kiln

ThisThe new Museum Label shop at the newly opened offers quality gifts showcasing Indian heritage and culture. 52 56 58 The Dark Age of One City, Two Islamic Arts Indian Heritage Centre Nazarbattu Coasters Temasek Photographers Museum Malaysia Rediscovering Our Origins A Book Review An Oasis of Islamic Arts 5 Campbell Lane S209924, Tel: +65 6291 1633 Retail Price $20.00 Opening hours: Tuesdays to Thursdays | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays to Saturdays | 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 60 62 Sundays/Public Holidays* | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Mondays Fun with Heritage What’s On Enjoying Museums And July to September 2015 *The Indian Heritage Centre is closed on Public Holidays Heritage Trails With that fall on a Monday unless otherwise stated. Young Children

All rights reserved. View of writers and contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior permission in writing from the Publisher and copyright owner. Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy of the information in this publication, the Publisher accepts no liability for damages by misinterpretation of information, expressed or implied, within the pages of the magazine.

©2015 NATIONAL HERITAGE BOARD 2 3 MUSE SG | N• 30

Great Peranakans fifty Remarkable Lives Text by John Teo and Jackie Yoong

Tan Tock Seng, Goh Keng Swee came to Singapore to find a better became powerful compradors and and the late Lee Kuan Yew — all life. Women are outnumbered in the collaborators with the British and integral Singaporean icons, and all selected group for the exhibition, Dutch regimes. With the rise of of them “Peranakan”. The Malay which to a certain extent reflects the Chinese nationalism in the late word “Peranakan” commonly refers cloistered lives of nyonyas before the nineteenth century, some became to the creolized Chinese who lived twentieth century. But while the lives crucial players in Sun Yat Sen’s in Southeast Asia. The community of Peranakan women are not as well revolutionary activities both within gained a reputation with its close ties documented, their contributions are and outside China. Most leaders saw to the British under colonial rule, apparent in the community’s culture, no contradiction in supporting both but were also crucial players in Sun including in the aspects of dress, food, the British and the Chinese. World Yat Sen’s revolutionary activities residences, and social behaviour. War II marked a turning point, and of course, our country’s rise after which some Peranakans began since independence. In celebration Crossing Boundaries to champion for an independent of our country’s 50th anniversary, an The Peranakans’ influence spread Singapore and Malaya. The common exhibition showcasing the lives of 50 beyond the shores of Singapore. caricature of Peranakans as “King’s great Peranakans who contributed While the 50 featured in the Chinese” and their closeness to the significantly to the development of exhibition were selected based on British should not obscure their our nation can now be explored at the their contributions to Singapore, active engagement with Chinese Peranakan Museum. many were born and had made culture and the Chinese community. large impacts elsewhere. The Although many Peranakans ‘Great Men’ community’s strong connections to lost their fluency and literacy in In our reading of Singapore’s history, Malacca, Penang, and Java highlight Chinese, they nonetheless supported we must not forget the pivotal role Singapore’s comparative newness Chinese or bilingual education, Peranakans have played in shaping as an independent entity. From 1819 and founded Chinese newspapers. it — from the obscure kapitans, the to 1959, Singapore functioned as a Some Peranakans converted to baba captains of industry, to members British colony and the centrepiece Christianity from around 1900, while of our first Legislative Council. We of the Straits Settlements. Many others rediscovered Confucianism. must also dispel the myths and of the individuals who found their Peranakans carefully balanced the misconceptions surrounding the way to the young nation also had two empires of British and Chinese. community. The Peranakans were connections and family networks As they knelt loyally to receive not merely rich, English-educated throughout the region. visiting British royals, they also paid dilettantes who collaborated with homage to Qing dignitaries. As some the British and Dutch colonial The Peranakans were quick to adapt proudly received British decorations, masters, nor were they part of the to changing political circumstances. they also purchased overseas large migration of Chinese who During the colonial period, they Chinese honours.

The featured 50 Peranakans in the exhibition 4 5 MUSE SG | N• 30

TAN TOCK SENG School visitors looking at artefacts and learning about Peranakan contributions The first community leader 1798–1850

Beyond their national contributions, One notable aspect of Peranakan Born in Malacca, Tan Tock Seng a study of institutional histories and families today is the extent of moved to Singapore in the year it memories related to the selected their knowledge of their past and was founded by the British. He sold Peranakans has also revealed their relations, whether by blood, produce before building a fortune as a individual legacies. These are marriage, or friendship. The landowner in partnership with documented in temples, associations, Peranakan Museum is grateful for J. H. Whitehead of Shaw, Whitehead churches, schools, hospitals, and their generosity in supporting this and Co. Tan was the first Asian to private families, as well as in libraries, exhibition and has been impressed by be appointed a Justice of the Peace archives, and museums. Many of the strong sense of community and in Singapore and is remembered the objects shown in the exhibition connectivity among Peranakans — principally for founding Singapore’s are hybrid in form and design. ties which seem to have strengthened first hospital for poor Chinese. The exhibition does not attempt in recent years with the revival of At the request of the governor of to represent or define a Peranakan interest in Peranakan culture. The Singapore, William Butterworth, Tan aesthetic, but, rather, celebrates the Peranakans remind us that Singapore contributed $7,000 to start a public variety and inconsistencies within has long been closely connected hospital. In 1844, the foundation the community. Memoirs, interviews, with family and trade networks with was laid for the Chinese Paupers’ and private collections paint the region — not only Penang and Hospital, which received its first intimate images of these exemplary Malacca, but Jakarta and the rest patients in 1849. The hospital was figures. The objects featured in this of Java, and elsewhere. Taken as a named after Tan Tock Seng after his exhibition range from spectacular whole, the biographies and objects on death in 1850. furnishings, personal belongings, display in the exhibition illuminate and rare portraits, to humble images, not just the history of the Peranakans handwritten papers, and objects of in Singapore, but that of the wider Portrait of Tan Tock Seng, 1950s. everyday use. nation as well. Oil on canvas. Collection of Tan Jiew Hoe.

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Goh Soon Tioe, 1940s. Photograph. Collection of Vivien Goh. Wedding Photograph of Teo Koon Lim and Lee Choo Neo, 1922. Photograph. Collection of Vera Teo.

LIM NEE SOON GOH SOON TIOE LEE CHOO NEO Pineapple king and Chinese Maestro and impresario Singapore’s first female doctor Nationalist Party supporter 1911–1982 1895–1947 1879–1936 Goh Soon Tioe was a pioneer in the development of Lee Choo Neo was Singapore’s first female physician. In 1911, Lim Nee Soon started a rubber classical music in Singapore. Born in Padang, Sumatra, Breaking away from the tradition of the cloistered and pineapple company. His large he came to Singapore at the age of 13 to study at the nyonya, she used her privileged position to help enact plantations in the booming pineapple Anglo-Chinese School. Goh only started violin lessons social reforms. Lee was the daughter of Lee Hoon industry soon earned him the at the age of 15 but showed great promise, and in 1932 Leong, a Peranakan from Semarang who was manager nickname of “pineapple king”. A close he left for Switzerland to join the Conservatoire de of Oei Tiong Ham’s shipping business in Singapore. friend of Sun Yat Sen, Lim became Musique de Genève, where he studied for three years. Educated at the Singapore Chinese Girls’ School, she deeply involved in Chinese Nationalist During his time there, he was awarded the “Premier was the first Straits Chinese woman to obtain a Senior politics. In 1904, together with Teo Prix” — first prize — in each annual exam. Cambridge certificate in 1911. She studied at the King Eng Hock and Tan Chor Nam, he Edward VII School of Medicine in Singapore, and founded the revolutionary newspaper In 1954, Goh founded the Goh Soon Tioe String became the city’s first Chinese female doctor in 1920. Thoe Lam Jit Poh (图南日报 ). Lim Orchestra. In the 1950s and 1960s, he ventured These were remarkable achievements considering the also participated in the founding of into concert promotion by bringing internationally general Chinese cultural expectations of women’s roles. the Singapore branch of the Tong renowned musicians to perform in Singapore. However, Meng Hui (同盟会), the Nationalist he was not able to continue organising these concerts underground organisation. The because, as he observed, “costs are heavy and work is organizers met at Teo Eng Hock’s hard”. In his studio above a garage in Oldham Lane and house, Wan Qing Yuan (晚晴园), which later in his home in Balmoral Crescent, he taught many is today the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang of Singapore’s musical prodigies, including violinists Memorial Hall. In 1925, Lim became Lynnette Seah and Lee Pan Hon, pianists Seow Yit an honorary advisor to the president Kin and Melvyn Tan, and conductor Choo Hoey. Goh of China. He was given a state funeral was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 1963 in Nanjing and buried near Sun Yat Lim Nee Soon, China Studio, early 20th century. in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the For more information about Great Peranakans: Fifty Remarkable Sen’s mausoleum. Photograph. Collection of Ivy Kwa. music scene in Singapore. Lives, please visit www.peranakanmuseum.org.sg

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DEFININGE STORIES

Text by Priscilla Chua and Stefanie Tham

This is the second of four chapters in WE: Defining Stories, a travelling exhibition presenting photographs that captured significant moments in Singapore’s history. A collaboration between the National Heritage Board and The Straits Times, these photographs were selected from the archives of The Straits Times and the collection of the National Museum of Singapore. It will be rotated monthly amongst various libraries across Singapore to celebrate our nation’s 50th anniversary. For more information, turn to page 63.

Home Our birth as an independent nation in 1965 was met with uncertainty about the future, and few would have imagined that Singapore would become the modern metropolis that we know today. With the general populace living in overcrowded slums, little infrastructure and lack of a national armed forces, there was much to be done. In spite of the odds, the people of Singapore forged ahead. Within a matter of decades, the face of modern Singapore began to take shape: families moved out of their rural homes and into new Housing & Development Board (HDB) flats, and young men were enlisted to serve their duty in National Service (NS). The ranks of the civil service swelled as the wheels of government began ticking along, and a nascent economic powerhouse started to emerge.

The development of urban infrastructure laid the foundation for this modern Singapore. Flats and satellite towns, such as Queenstown and Toa Payoh, were constructed to address a housing shortage in the 1960s, and the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system eased gridlock on the roads and facilitated commuting between the city centre and the suburbs. New land was reclaimed for residential, industrial, and commercial uses, and the manufacturing and industrial sectors were also enhanced.

The first two MRT trains from Japan being unloaded in Singapore. 27 May 1987. Photo: Simon Ker / The Straits Times

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“I was one of the two first residents to move into Queenstown. At that time, the public flats in Queenstown attracted great interest. I waited for about 12 years for my flat in Queenstown. I approached the former Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT), the predecessor of the Housing & Development Board, about my application and when they informed me that it was approved, I was overjoyed… Imagine moving from a slum to a clean public flat with modern amenities. My happiness was indescribable.” -Eric Kwa has lived in Queenstown since 1960. (Source: “Queenstown: The First Satellite Town”, A Nation Remembers project by the National Heritage Board)

Commuters at Ang Mo Kio station on the second day of the opening of the MRT North-South line. 8 November 1987. In the 1970s, Marine Parade became Singapore’s first residential Photo: Michael Liew / The Straits Times area built entirely on reclaimed land. The reclaimed area covers about 50 hectares. 14 September 1974. Photo: Mak Kian Seng / The Straits Times

Families moving from their squatter huts to new homes such as A lion dance performance at a new Housing & Development Board Crowds queuing to ballot for units at the new 19-storey ‘Y-shaped’ block of flats at Toa Payoh Lorong 5. 1967. terrace houses in Kim Keat Road and prefabricated homes in estate in Toa Payoh. 1 October 1966. Photo: The Straits Times Thomson Road. 27 February 1963. Photo: Low Yew Kong / The Straits Times Photo: Kok Ah Chong / The Straits Times 13 MUSE SG | N• 30 Following Singapore’s independence, Britain announced plans to retract its military bases by the mid-1970s. As a sovereign nation, Singapore needed to assume full responsibility for our nation’s security.

This duty was enshrined in the National Service (Amendment) Act, which made it mandatory for Singaporean males to defend the country in the name of NS. Beginning with a two-year full-time commitment in the military, police or civil defence force, these NSmen — as they are called — are then summoned annually for training to maintain Fresh recruits being sent off by their loved ones as the military tonner carrying them their operational readiness. moves off from Delta Community Centre. 18 March 1987. Photo: Lesley Koh / The Straits Times

“They were very disciplined and never gave me any trouble. We were all like friends.” - Loo Keng Hong was one of the platoon sergeants in charge of the pioneer national servicemen. Sequence of construction of Changi Airport’s iconic control tower, which was completed during Phase One of the airport’s development. (Source: The Straits Times, 29 June 1992, p.25) 1981. Photos: (L-R) Wong Kwai Chow, Tan Wee Him, Chew Yen Fook / The Straits Times

2

Swearing-in ceremony of the first batch of NS recruits at Kallang The first batch of 1,000 full-time NSmen returning to civilian life Workers at the Unitex garment factory in Commonwealth Drive. 2 May 1967. Manpower Headquarters. 17 August 1967. after two years of military service. 16 August 1969. Photo: The Straits Times Photo: Mak Kian Seng / The Straits Times Photo: Chew Boon Chin / The Straits Times 14 15 MUSE SG | N• 30 PROFILE // Neil Humphreys What drew you to Singapore? Back in my Manchester University days, there was a Singaporean guy living in my university hall and we became friends. Like most people after graduation, I had no idea what to do but I did know that I wanted to travel. So when he said that he had an empty flat in Toa Payoh, I came over on a 30-day social visit pass in 1996. At the time, Saving a I only knew two things about Singapore: the Singapore Sling and Raffles Hotel. It was only meant to be a holiday and then I stayed for 10 years!

What prompted you to write Saving A Sexier Island? How did you come to be interested in Singapore’s heritage? Sexier I was a history major, with First Class Honours. I’m still very proud that I got the highest degree in the whole department and my thesis was on social history and public housing. I’ve always had a fascination with history and culture and I’m trying to instil it in my daughter now. I grew up in Dagenham which was the world’s biggest Island housing estate at the time. When I came over to Singapore, I basically moved from heartland to heartland so of Neil Humphreys, our favourite course, I was interested in its history. The two great things resident angmoh, is back with his Singapore doesn’t get enough credit for are its heritage and greenery. We have a complaint culture and don’t always latest book, Saving a Sexier Island, appreciate what we have. In one day, I can go to Kampong where he searches for 50 significant Silat and visit then get a bus to Bukit Timah to places worth preserving in Singapore. explore primary rainforest. Amazing!

One of the things that led to me writing this book was the Masak Masak exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore. My daughter loved the inflatable Toa Payoh bouncy castle but that was nothing compared to later when I took her to see the real playground. Human beings like to touch and feel things. That tactile experience is so important.

Officers from the civil defence unit form a human chain to help bring down the body of a Malaysian man from the top of the rubble of the If some terrible disaster occurred and you could only Hotel New World collapse. 16 March 1986. Photo: Yap Yew Piang / The Straits Times save one of the 50 spots on your list, which one would you pick and why? However our journey was not without its challenges. It took a gruelling week-long rescue operation to Haha, that’s a good one! I’m going to pick the last kampong During these decades of rapid building, Singapore successfully recover 17 people whilst 33 tragically lost their kopitiam in Singapore. I’m proud that I found it and had experienced one of its worst construction disasters: the lives. Later determined to have been due to poor structural a Eureka moment because I thought it had been knocked Hotel New World collapse on March 15, 1986. The building’s design, the incident served as caution in our strive for down. It’s in Seletar estate and the man who runs it started collapse was as total as it was swift. With little time to react progress and more importantly, in building the place we in the late 60s and is still there with his wife. It’s got zinc many were consequently trapped under the rubble. call home. roof and walls, plastic furniture, even the electrical works are the same! It’s not a replica of the 1960s kopitiam, it’s the actual one. It feels like you’ve just gone back in time.

What would you say to someone keen to learn more about heritage but is unsure how to go about it? You do it. Just go there and experience it. Find it. Feel it. The point I want to stress is that I want people to debate — it’s a personal list, so make your own! This is the age of Buzzfeed! What would you save and why? It’s a passionate plea to readers out there. Photo by Alvin Loh, CraftsmenSG Alvin Loh, by Photo 16 17 MUSE SG | N• 30 museums in singapore a short history

Text by Kennie Ting

The story of museums in Singapore begins with the Raffles Museum. Initiated by Raffles himself in 1823, and established in 1874 as part of a joint Raffles Library and Museum before it moved to its present Stamford Road premises in 1887, its purpose was to acquire specimens from and undertake research into Peninsular Malaya’s wealth of natural history, ethnology, and archaeology. The British believed that knowledge was power. As such, the establishment of a museum to document and research colonial territory was part and parcel of the British colonial effort, and a physical symbol of British sovereignty over alien lands. The museum’s predecessors included the Indian Museum in Calcutta and today’s National Museum of Indonesia, established by the Dutch, but briefly under Raffles’ supervision during an interregnum from 1811 to 1815 when Java was ruled by the British.

The Raffles Museum lost both its original purpose of being the collecting institution of the colonial apparatus and its collecting hinterland of Peninsular Malaya after Singapore attained self-government in 1959. Renamed the National Museum a year later, in 1960, it continued to flounder for the next few decades; critical questions as to what its role would be in the new nation were never satisfactorily answered. Management of the museum shifted from the Ministry of Culture to the Ministry of Science and Technology, and back again in 1972. With the latter shift, its natural history collections were excised and transferred to a brand new Singapore Science Centre and to the then-University of Singapore, where they still remain today and form the basis of the new Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. In place of its natural history displays, the National Museum introduced a new gallery dedicated to art from Singapore and the region.

The earliest known photograph of the Raffles Library and Museum, 1890. Collection of National Museum of Singapore.

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Children viewing an elephant exhibit in the Raffles Library and Museum, 1950s. Collection of National Museum of Singapore. Hawkers on the National Museum’s grounds. Collection of National Museum of Singapore.

It was not until the mid-1980s that the Government finally entire cultural landscape, and to propose a comprehensive a Southeast Asian Natural History / Ethnology Gallery, Southeast Asian region and in Singapore. Singapore’s decided that it was necessary to address the National strategy that would boost the island’s cultural vibrancy a Singapore History Gallery, a Community Gallery, and increasingly cosmopolitan nature also made critical a Museum’s long-term role in Singapore. A high-level Task and preserve its heritage. Dr Ong wanted to turn around a Children’s Museum. These galleries would be located deeper historical, cultural, and sociological exploration of Force on the Long-term Development of the Museum popular notions that Singapore was a “cultural desert”. in a “National Museum Precinct” centred around Fort Singapore society and identity. Moreover, the committee (also known as the Museum Development Committee, Canning Hill and Bras Basah. agreed that the existing museum premises were not large or MDC) was appointed by the Government to look into The recommendations of the MDC were eventually enough to accommodate works for all the new galleries, this. Almost concurrently, a larger Advisory Council packaged as part of the slate of recommendations The motivation behind this proposal was the and that there was a need to expand significantly. for Culture and the Arts (ACCA) was initiated by then- announced by the ACCA in 1989. Chief among the recognition that it was vital for Singapore’s continued Second Deputy Prime Minister, the late Dr Ong Teng recommendations was a proposal to split the museum economic success to engender in Singaporeans a deep The recommendations of the ACCA were collectively Cheong. The ACCA’s mission was to review Singapore’s into five major standalone galleries: a Fine Arts Gallery, understanding of the cultures and ways of living in the implemented in the 1990s, first with the renaming of the

Timeline of Museum Development Milestones

1887 1955 1960 1972 1993 1996 1997 2000 2001

The Raffles Library and The University of The Raffles Museum is The National Museum The National Museum The opens The first wing of the Asian Opening of the state-of-the-art Singapore’s inaugural participation Museum opens its doors Malaya Art Museum renamed the National loses its natural history becomes the its doors. Civilisations Museum opens its Heritage Conservation Centre at the prestigious Venice Biennale, at Stamford Road. is established at the Museum. collection to the Singapore History doors at the former Tao Nan School. in Tuas for the storage and organised by the Singapore Art Singapore campus of the Singapore Science Centre Museum. conservation of a growing National Museum. university. This eventually and to the then-University Collection. becomes today’s National of Singapore (today’s University of Singapore National University of Museum. Singapore) but gains an Art Gallery soon after. 20 21 MUSE SG | N• 30

The Heritage Conservation Centre opened in 2000 The Peranakan Museum opened in 2008 Light versus Dark Exhibition: Stamps and Collectibles at the Singapore Philatelic Museum in 2013

National Museum as the Singapore History Museum of recommendations made by the ACCA pertaining to Chapel and Museum, and the recently opened Art Science invest in in order to attract new businesses and talent; in 1993. Subsequently, the Singapore Art Museum museums and cultural heritage. The second was the Museum at . the second was to recognise museums as an industry in was established in 1996, at the former Saint Joseph’s formation of the Museum Roundtable three years later, its own right, requiring strategies for the development Institution campus and so was the first wing of the in 1996 — a loose association, or “coming together” of The millennial decade saw an adrenaline-fuelled flurry of of specialised capabilities such as curatorship, audience Asian Civilisations Museum, in 1997 at the former Tao existing museums and public art galleries in Singapore. new developments in the museum landscape because of the development, and object conservation. Nan School. Two other major developments took place Today, the Museum Roundtable has grown organically to Renaissance City Masterplans, which led to an emergence during the same period — the first was the merging of more than 50 members, including the National Museums, of a “business of museums”. This change was characterised There was a level of activity in the museum landscape the National Museum, the National Archives, and the and other popular and established museums, such as the by two paradigm shifts: the first was a recognition that never before seen — within the space of 10 years Oral History Centre into the National Heritage Board National University of Singapore Museum, the Science museums — and the arts — were critical to urban vibrancy between 2000 to 2009, no less than 12 major museum- (NHB) in 1993, charged to oversee the implementation Centre, the Singapore Discovery Centre, the Changi and quality of life, and thus an asset Singapore had to related milestones were achieved. These included the

2002 2005 2006 2006 2007 2008 2008 2009

The opening of the Asian The acquisition for Singapore of The re-opening of the new and The launch of the inaugural The announcement of a proposed The opening of the Peranakan The launch of the inaugural The securing of a far-reaching Civilisations Museum at Empress what is known as the Belitung expanded National Museum of at the former new National Art Gallery (today’s Museum at the former Tao Nan Singapore Night Festival, anchored bilateral Singapore-France Cultural Place, with a focus on all of Cargo, or the Tang Shipwreck Singapore, after four years of City Hall building, as part of a National Gallery of Singapore) at School on Armenian Street (the at the National Museum of Agreement that would provide for Singapore’s ancestral Asian Collection, partly by redevelopment. It is repositioned slew of activities accompanying the former Supreme Court and City former premises of the Asian Singapore and the Singapore Art collaborations and partnerships cultures — not only the cultures Leisure Group (through funding as not only a museum of the meetings of the International Hall buildings. Civilisations Museum); and Museum, and featuring the Bras between French and Singaporean and civilisations of Southeast Asia, by the ) Singapore history, design, and Monetary Fund and the World the opening of 8Q SAM — the Basah Museum Precinct, newly museums and museum but also those of China, India, and and partly through a generous popular culture, but also a Bank in Singapore. The National contemporary annexe of the positioned as the Bras-Basah. professionals for 10 years. the Middle East. donation from the Estate of Tan Sri receptacle for major international Museum and the Singapore Art Singapore Art Museum. Bugis or “BBB” Precinct. Khoo Teck Puat. blockbuster exhibitions. Museum were key venues. 22 23 MUSE SG | N• 30

Terracotta Warriors: The First Emperor and his Legacy at the Asian Civilisations Museum in 2011 Princely Treasures from the House of Liechtenstein exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore in 2013

establishment of the Peranakan Museum, 8Q at Singapore artists and prestigious private collections in Singapore in its entirety through the medium of a single question: to over $50 million in cash and in-kind sponsorship Art Museum, and the Heritage Conservation Centre; and the region. These exhibitions included China Art “What is Beauty?”. These efforts to partner regional and to the National Gallery of Singapore, as well as $46 the re-opening of the revamped National Museum NOW! at the Singapore Art Museum in 2001, Journey of international counterparts as well as explore Singapore’s million raised for the Lee Kong Chian Natural History of Singapore and the Asian Civilisations Museum at Faith: Art & History from the Vatican Collections at the own culture and heritage established the museums Museum. Finally, 2015 will have four new museums Empress Place; the announcements of the proposed Asian Civilisations Museum in 2005, Greek Masterpieces as destinations in their own right — visitorship to the opening — the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, new National Gallery of Singapore and Indian Heritage from the Louvre at the National Museum of Singapore National Museums went from a few hundred thousand in the Indian Heritage Centre, the privately-run Singapore Centre; the inaugural Singapore Biennale and Singapore in 2008 and The Kangxi Emperor, Treasures from the the early 2000s to more than 2 million annually by the end Pinacothèque de Paris, and the long-awaited National Night Festival; and finally, Singapore’s participation Forbidden City at the Asian Civilisations Museum in of the decade. Total visitorship to museums in the Museum Gallery of Singapore. Concurrently, the National Museum for the first time in the prestigious Venice Biennale. 2009. These blockbusters were often accompanied Roundtable went past the 8-million mark by the 2010s. of Singapore and the Asian Civilisations Museum are also Every year during this 10-year period, Singaporeans by two to three smaller, “boutique” exhibitions that undergoing major gallery revamps and are due to re-open were treated to two to three high-profile “blockbuster” presented Singaporean art, history, and popular culture, Looking ahead, the future looks rosy for museums in their doors by year end. In the meantime, the Singapore exhibitions imported from major international museums and explored Singapore’s role as a crossroads of art, Singapore. In 2013, entry to National Museums was made Botanic Gardens has also just been successfully inscribed including the British Museum, the Vatican Museum, the cultures, and ideas across Asia. One such example was free for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, as Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. All in Palace Museum in the Forbidden City, and the Musée the Beauty in Asia exhibition at the Asian Civilisations resulting in museum visitorship figures crossing the all, there will be very vibrant and rich cultural heritage du Louvre in Paris; or exhibitions that featured major Museum in 2009, which saw the museum taking on Asia 3-million mark that year. 2014 saw major gifts amounting experiences for the general public in the years to come.

2009 2009 2011 2012 2013 2013 2014 2015

Chinese contemporary artist Announcement of the Re-opening of the refurbished Sun Re-opening of the refurbished Announcement of free museum The Singapore Art Museum leaves Major donations from Opening of the National Art Wu Guanzhong donates 113 of establishment of Community Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, , celebrating entry to National Museums for the National Heritage Board and is Development Bank of Singapore Gallery of Singapore, the Indian his works to the Singapore Art Heritage Institutions, including the exploring aspects of the life of Sun and promoting the cultural heritage Singapore Citizens and Permanent placed, together with the National (DBS) and the United Overseas Heritage Centre, the Lee Kong Museum (the collection now refurbishment of the existing Sun Yat Sen. of Singapore’s Malay community. Residents. Gallery of Singapore and the Bank (UOB) to the National Gallery Chian Natural History Museum, sits with the National Gallery of Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Singapore Tyler Print Institute, of Singapore. and the privately-run Singapore Singapore). and Malay Heritage Centre; and under the Visual Arts Cluster. Pinacothèque de Paris. a proposed new Indian Heritage 24 Centre. 25 MUSE SG | N• 30

Stepping through Museums A Personal Journey Ng Eng Teng, Freedom Child, 1978, Ciment-fondu, paint, lacquer. Collection of NUS Museum. Text by David Chew

The first museum that seared itself my first taste of the idea that someone always largely empty is the main English Literature Professor Dr I discovered the treasures of the my path had not crossed with that of on my memory was the National could amass and display such a thing reason my memories of those visits Yeo Wei Wei introduced me to the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) the grande dame of all our museums. Gallery — the mega British art as a collection of art, on such a scale, are filled with the echoes and cold hidden treasure that was the National later in life, as a young adult of 25. But it was here, amidst the fanfare of museum located at the iconic and and to showcase it all breathtakingly temperatures of the museum and University of Singapore (NUS) I covered one of its key exhibitions, the reopening of the oldest museum busy Trafalgar Square area in under one roof. Collections, content, its spaces. I didn’t wonder about the Museum. One of her assignments for Beauty in Asia, in the course of my in the country, that I discovered the London. I visited it as a child, while and knowledge certainly lie at the lack of museum visitorship back then us was to do a written response to work as a newspaper journalist and Singapore Stone. To say it captured my on holiday with my parents. Even very heart of good museums. They (this was 1998 or so), or why people any art work in the NUS Museum’s realised what an amazing collection imagination is an understatement. The in the early 1990s, before the age of serve as a very tangible and physical did not visit the museum more. I collection. I picked a sculpture by Ng of material objects Singapore had rock and its mysterious inscriptions the blockbuster museum exhibition, foundation on which a museum can myself couldn’t find anyone to go Eng Teng. This became my maiden as a country. But more than that, are quite literally the bedrock of the gallery already seemed larger build its reputation and expertise, with me, as none of my friends were lesson in visual literacy, the first step the ACM’s collection, drawing from myths and legends surrounding than life to me. It was my first visit as well as construct narratives of keen on museums. But that was also in beginning to unlock the secrets various cultures and civilisations in pre-colonial Singapore, the earliest to a mega museum, and my first the past, present and future. To me, the reason I kept going back — the of representation and symbolism. In Asia, sheds light on the ethnic roots of surviving physical and tangible encounter up close and in real life the National Gallery’s collection on museum and its galleries became this respect, museums that are clean the diverse society that is Singapore. connection we have to a time long past of works of art that I had only ever display epitomised the essence of my teenage mental refuge, a quiet white cubes with minimal texts and Through these artefacts, we not only — one that we can hardly envisage seen in books. The colours and Britain: its past, its shared values, its sanctuary to escape to, but also a exhibition aids fail. Besides being the tell the story and history of the region, now — in this modern land we call textures of famous paintings that beliefs, and what it stood for. place filled with thought-provoking custodian of its collections, a museum we tell our story and the story of who our home. At the end of the day, what came to life right before my very art that piqued my curiosity and plays a vital role in deciphering its we are in relation to the wider world. museums do is to remind us, simply eyes were astounding to my then-10- I started going to the Singapore broadened my mind to other cultures treasures for its audiences, to educate but powerfully, of who we are, in part year-old self. But what crystallised Art Museum as a student in junior and traditions. them in developing visual literacy My journey with museums took because of where we came from. For that experience in my mind was the college, mostly alone, spending and to help them understand what another turn with the reopening of the me, museums have always been the gallery’s overwhelmingly massive silent but mesmerising Saturdays When I was in university, a module they are seeing. And it can only do revamped National Museum in 2006. realm where knowledge, aesthetics, collection of artefacts — and what in its quiet corridors and galleries. on ekphrasis — the Merriam-Webster this through well-written but concise I had, by that point, fallen in love with and storytelling merge and meld into I saw were merely the pieces the I remember the sound and feel of dictionary defines this as a literary text panels and exhibition guides, visual culture and contemporary art, one. There are few places in the world gallery had on display, not counting the original wooden floor boards description of or commentary on a the creation of which in itself is an and was on the verge of pursuing where such magic takes place, and the many more in storage. This was underfoot. That the museum was visual work of art — taught by my exercise in creative writing. further studies in the field. So far, museums are among them.

26 27 MUSE SG | N• 30 Indian Heritage Centre Our Community Treasure

Text by Reena Devi and Nalina Gopal

The museum scene in Singapore has flourished over the past few years and has reached a peak of over 50 museums this year, with a slew of diverse galleries and cultural institutions opening. As a physical space connecting the public with the arts, heritage, and culture, the museum remains a relevant and necessary institution in the cultural eco-system.

Launched on May 7 and located in the heart of Little India, the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) showcases not only artefacts from the National Collection but also the community’s collections. It also actively collaborates with the community for programming and outreach. Two hundred and three out of 443 artefacts on display at the museum are donated by or on loan from the community. These pieces in the permanent galleries offer a visual and chronological representation of the community’s history, marking periods since the pre-modern era when South Asians established contact with Southeast Asians and East Asians.

The galleries focus on five major themes, starting from the early interactions between South and Southeast Asia, leading the visitor through the origins and migration of the South Asian community in Singapore, the pioneers and social and political awakening of the community in Singapore and Malaya and its pioneers, ending with contributions of Indians towards the making of Singapore as a nation.

Façade of the Indian Heritage Centre at 5 Campbell Lane

28 29 MUSE SG | N• 30 The artefacts donated express this 1 | Bronze Medal awarded to K Jayamani at the narrative in a variety of ways. One 1977 SEA Games, 1977. Bronze and Cloth. On loan from K. Jayamani. of the star artefacts highlighting the Indian migrants’ rites of passage, 2 | Gold Necklace or Kasumalai, 20th attire, language, religious affiliations century. Gold. Gift from the estate of and festivals is the twentieth-century Santhanam Victor Louis and the family of Gnanapragasam Pillai. Gold Necklace (Kasumalai) which is a gift from the estate of Santhanam 3 | Standing Shiva and Parvati, 12th to 13th Victor Louis and the family of century. Bronze. Collection of Indian Heritage Centre. Gnanapragasam Pillai. 4 | Plaque presented by Singapore Council for The traditional necklace, made of Women to Shirin Fozdar, 1988. Pewter. Gift gold and adorned with precious of Jamshed K. Fozdar and Parvati Fozdar. stones, was donated for alamkara, or 5 | Silver Spade presented to P. Govindasamy ornamentation of deities, to the Sri Pillai by Holy Tree Bala Subramaniar Thandayuthapani temple built by the Temple, January 24, 1970. Silver. On loan from P. G. P. Ramakrishnan. Chettiar community in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City. The Nattukottai 6 | Headgear with Turban Ornament or Nagarattar Chettiars, who were Sarpech, 20th century. Gold with precious among the early Indian migrants stones. On loan from Saigon Chettiars’ Temple Trust Pte Ltd. to the Southeast Asian region with business establishments in Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia and Singapore, commonly built temples in their places of settlement for the Hindu deity Murugan.

Another interesting artefact, on loan from P. G. P. Ramakrishnan, is the silver spade presented to P. Govindasamy Pillai by Holy Tree Balasubramaniar Temple, Naval Base, on January 24, 1970. This artefact helps to present the visitors with further insight into the early Indians in Singapore and Malaya who lived during the pre-World War II era.

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One of these pioneers were P. promoted the principles of the Tamil the South Asian community are Govindasamy Pillai, a native of reform movement. He encouraged represented by the textured narrative Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Tamils to make Singapore their of the permanent galleries showcasing Popularly known as PGP, he left home home, helped them gain citizenship, a primarily community collection. in his teens and boarded a ship to and championed for the Tamil The IHC is evidence that the role of a Singapore. After landing at Tanjong language to be recognised as one of heritage institution has evolved into a Pagar in 1905, he worked at a store the national languages in Singapore. relevant social space of connectivity, which he later bought over, allowing culture, and heritage, supported by him to establish a string of PGP stores Women also played a part as the people for the people. along Serangoon Road. An ace money leading pioneers of the South Asian manager, he gradually saved enough community in Singapore. This is According to IHC Director, Dr to expand into other businesses characterised by a signature artefact Gauri Krishnan, “IHC has been very including textile shops and flour gifted by Jamshed K. Fozdar and fortunate in its artefact collection and spice mills. He was also a noted Parvati Fozdar: a commemorative drive and has managed to source philanthropist, a prominent donor plaque presented by the Singapore a significant number of artefacts to the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Council of Women (SCW) to Shirin through the community as well as a founder-member of the Indian Fozdar in 1988 in recognition of the national collection within a very Chamber of Commerce that was set her contributions to Singapore as short span of time. Its collections are up in 1937, and a Justice of the Peace a staunch advocate of women’s representative, cover diverse periods from 1939. rights. Fozdar, who is of Indian in history and communities and range origin, arrived in Singapore with from classical to modern — appealing The impact of nationalist and sub- her husband in 1950. By 1953, she to a wide cross-section of visitors. ethnic nationalist movements on the had become instrumental in setting Even the evocative displays and media 2 Indian community in the region is up Singapore’s first girls’ club at the devices have made the artefacts more shown through reformist activities Joo Chiat Welfare Centre to teach accessible and appealing.” IHC has and the revitalisation of the Tamil women English and arithmetic. She harnessed media and technology Language and identity by community was elected honorary secretary of to tell stories, making collections leaders such as Thamizhavel G. SCW in April 1952, and thereafter more accessible and providing the Sarangapany. This is showcased by served a key role in the drafting community’s voice to the thematic the selection of archival photographs, and establishment of the Women’s curation. Other than three large documents, and personal artefacts Charter in 1961. She also played an interactives and over 20 touch screen from the collection of Sarangapany’s important part in the formation of interactives, IHC also offers visitors immediate family, donated by his the Muslim Syariah court in 1958. an immersive and novel experience daughter, Rajam Sarangapany. Her role in Singapore’s women’s with an Augmented Reality enabled movement represented a pioneering audio guide. Commencing with Sarangapany, who arrived in effort in establishing Southeast Asia’s an introductory film, which offers Singapore in 1924, was an active Baha’i community. a curated perspective on the five writer and publisher. He set up the themes in the permanent galleries, Tamil magazine Munnetram in 1929 The diverse array of individuals, the interactive experience is geared and the Tamil Murasu newspaper communities, religious and cultural towards engaging both group and in 1935. Through his writings, he organisations which comprised individual visitors.

The Indian Heritage Centre is open from Tuesday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays and Public Holidays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are closed on all Mondays unless stated otherwise. Admission is free for all Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and visitors aged six and below. Admissions Fees for overseas visitors are $4 for adults and $2 for students and senior citizens.

Visitors exploring the Roots and Routes: To find out more information, check out their website at www.indianheritage.org.sg Origins and Migrations gallery

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PROFILE // Mok Wei Wei Mok Wei Wei is an internationally will make you appreciate and want acclaimed architect who designed the to conserve them. I think the design newly opened Lee Kong Chian Natural approach to this kind of work is History Museum. moving away from wanting to clean up everything to keeping the What drew you to the field of patina. This is in line with the Urban architecture? Renewal Authority’s conservation FINDING My father Mok Lee Kwang, who was principles of encouraging the three the chief editor of Lianhe Zaobao, ‘R’s: maximum retention, sensitive was a little unusual in his parenting restoration and careful repair. style during the 1960s and 70s; he Further to this approach, instead of encouraged our exposure to music creating a stark contrast between THE BALANCE and art when we were growing up. the new and the old, we seem to As I grew older, I found that the be developing towards a more creative aspect of being an artist, subtle juxtaposition of the two. For though intuitive and abstract, instance, take a look at the atrium could be frustrating and this led me at the Victoria Theatre and Victoria Central Atrium linking Victoria Theatre and towards balance. One can be creative Concert Hall, which serves as a point Victoria Concert Hall and intuitive while at the same time, of reconciliation for all elements. On Photo courtesy of W Architects deductive and pragmatic. one side is the historic façade of the Concert Hall, where plasterworks of a desire for a distinctive character but What is your design philosophy? mouldings, keystones and pilasters really, the rock and vegetated façade Growing up as a Chinese-educated are thick and pronounced, typical of came about through a deductive boy in Singapore where we converse neo-classical architecture. On the approach. First, we analysed the in English in our everyday lives, opposite side, the lost theatre façade building’s functions. It would be I was very conscious of the “East is now reinstated according to the an exhibition space with room for meets West” energy and its constant archive drawings. Instead of an exact storage of the collection of more than negotiation. That push and pull was replica, the wall is cladded in precast half a million animal specimens. In exciting. It was an advantage to be concrete panels where the motifs and both instances, natural light was able to move between two different decorations have been flattened and undesirable hence the Lee Kong cultures and I sought a resolution appear as incisions on the surface. Chian Natural History Museum is between the two. Today, it’s not so Compared with the pronounced virtually a windowless building. As much “East meets West” anymore plasterworks on the historic façade, the brief stated that there should but more “local-global”. As architects, it has an unmistakably contemporary be allowance for future expansion, we always have to negotiate what character, but with a link to the we compacted the main museum we see around us and what we are past. The subtle difference of the and created an adjacent one-storey exposed to in a global context. That precast concrete and the historic classroom block which can be added negotiation is exciting. My response masonry walls is an example of the upon in the future. Now that the to opposing situations is to find a juxtaposition of the new and the old. museum was a big solid mass, we resolution. I like to embrace tension decided to express it as a rock. As and occupy a position of equilibrium. What was the biggest challenge a counterpoint to the building’s you faced when designing the new function, which is essentially a tomb What can you share about the Lee Kong Chian Natural History (storage) for the dead (specimens), a art of conserving old buildings in Museum? Can you tell us more “living wall” of plants was introduced Singapore? about how its iconic rock form on the face of the rock. The scientists To me, I think you have to love the came about? then decided that it would be fitting patina of old age — old wood, old I’m proud of the fact that this for local coastal plants to grow on this metal — that aspect of materiality. so-called iconic building was never rock façade; such vegetation would The other aspect is to have respect initially intended to be iconic, but normally grow on rocky sea cliffs. and love for the expression of rather, its form was conceived from As you walk around, you will notice different eras. Each time period has careful analysis and understanding four themes in the landscaping: the its own unique expression. To see of the building’s needs. Of course, at cliff landscape, a mangrove pond, a the value in the various expressions the back of our minds there had been phylogenetic landscape which shows

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Façade and exterior of museum Photo courtesy of Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum how plants evolve and lastly, a coastal they seek to express is a physical What do you hope to see in the landscape. The selection of plants in manifestation of societal values and Singapore museum scene to come? these thematic areas is based strictly cultural symbols. Therefore, they I’d like to see a design museum that on the actual environment they are more challenging. Invariably, documents the history of design originally inhabited, thus creating aesthetics are involved. They are in Singapore — product design, a landscape feature that is not only usually also public institutions; as graphic design, environment design, visually appealing, but is also content public spaces, they are challenging landscaping, everything! There is so driven and serves as an educational and exciting to create. much that has not been documented. tool. A lot of thought went into the Currently, I feel that museums location of the Lee Kong Chian Can you share with us a highlight in Singapore are doing very well. Natural History Museum. It sits next or memorable moment from your One of my greatest joys is to visit to the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory career? shows at museums. I feel they have of Music and the University Cultural I take the larger perspective over really enriched the cultural life Centre. The three buildings share a longer timespan so I don’t really of Singaporeans. We can build on a central space called the Alice have moments; they’re more like what we currently have, become Lee Plaza which we improved by memorable periods! I would say that more professional at research and Our adding a canopy cover that provides my career can be roughly described information dissemination. There is shade to half of the space. The area in three periods. The first decade so much joy in learning! I hope that is now a cultural hub where music, or so was characterised by the curators will continue to love their art and science come together. In exuberance of postmodern form. work and institutions will enable this day and age, everybody wants In the second phase, I sought to them to develop their research an iconic building and there is so return to the basics and clarity of capabilities. Natural much emphasis on the flashy and the modern language. Currently, I the eye-catching, often with little would say that I am straddling the What words of wisdom would you reason behind the design. I feel this two poles, and seeking a resolution of pass on to our young architects? is the wrong approach. The content the opposites. It is an architectural First, I’d say “to have the wisdom to should always be strong; form follows journey that is guided by the general wait”, by which I mean to wait in such function. There is a reason why the philosophy of the designer. In a way that you don’t short-change museum looks and feels the way almost every decade, you have to yourself. Give up little gratifications Heritage it does — this has been the most have a complete change of mindset. in order to reach a larger goal. See the Lee Kong Chian satisfying thing. Accordingly, the expression of the bigger picture. Good work takes time. work changes. This is only natural. Secondly, “architecture is a field that Natural History Museum Tell us about designing spaces for The world moves on. It is important requires many types of talents”, not Text by Reena Devi museums: what are some of the to know your own place in today’s just design. Many different skills are key considerations, challenges and connected world so that you don’t needed in this field so don’t despair Photos courtesy of motivations for such spaces? just follow trends. You have to really and give up just because you think you Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum Cultural institutions demand examine for yourself what is relevant cannot design well. Find out what you identity and cultural content. This and worthy. Come to your own are really good at. You can still have a is a demand not usually made in conclusion. Make it deep. Let the rewarding professional practice and other projects. The kind of identity quality show. make meaningful contributions.

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Singapore’s first stand-alone natural because of the interest and generosity history museum finally opened of the public that LKCNHM stands as its doors to the public on April 18 it does today. and members of the public warmly welcomed the latest member of A secretary gave a month of her our museum and heritage scene. salary; a retired technician at the Quintessentially a people’s museum, NUS Biological Sciences Department it was supported by a grounds-up gave another $20,000. The museum’s fundraising initiative that generated centrepieces — Prince, Apollonia and donations from foundations, Twinky, a trio of among the largest corporations, and thousands of creatures to roam the earth about members of the public. 150 million years ago — would not be around had Della Lee, wife of Lee While the museum is new, the Foundation chairman Lee Seng Gee, inspiration for its establishment not generously donated $25 million can be traced all the way back to to the cause. Another signature Sir Stamford Raffles himself. Over piece, a 200-year-old narwhal the years, many have pushed for the tusk, was donated by the family idea of a stand-alone natural history of late businessman “Whampoa” museum in Singapore; in 2005, Hoo Ak Kay, one of Singapore’s Professor Tommy Koh, Singapore’s pioneers of the 1800s. The tusk was Ambassador-at-Large and Honorary given to Whampoa by the Russian Chairman of National Heritage government in the 1860s as a gift, Board, formally proposed the idea. as he represented them as consul in However, due to a lack of funding, the Singapore. project never materialised. It was only in 2009, after a group of anonymous Both a museum and a research facility, donors came forward with seed LKCNHM strives to be a leader in funding, that the idea took root. Southeast Asian biodiversity — in research, education and outreach. Over a weekend in May hosting The public gallery consists of over 2009’s International Museum Day, 2,000 specimens categorised across the collection which was then housed 15 different zones. These include the in the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Cabinets of Curiosity zone, which Research (RMBR) at the National showcases many iconic specimens University of Singapore, saw over from our native soil and Singapore 3,000 visitors — more than what Today, a showcase of our island’s RMBR would see in a year! This geology and important conservation keen interest, along with awareness work being done by national agencies. raised by articles in The Straits Times The impressive collection of natural surrounding the idea of a museum, specimens and artefacts tells the story followed a string of donations from of our island nation. the public which amounted to almost $1 million, $25 million from the Lee This precious gem of an institution The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is open from Tuesday Foundation, along with the original stands as testament to the role we, as to Sunday, and Public Holidays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is closed seed funding given by the group of seemingly ordinary citizens, have in on Mondays. For Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, the admission fees are $16 for adults and $9 for children, students, NSF anonymous donors, which allowed shaping and preserving Singapore’s and persons with disabilities. Admission fees for overseas visitors is the project to progress. It was heritage story. $21 for adults and $13 for children, students and senior citizens. It is Prince, Apollonia and Twinky, roamed free of charge for children under the age of three and NUS staff and earth 140 million years ago. The star exhibits of diplodocid dinosaur fossils, students. To find out more information, check out their website at Photo courtesy of >>> Appollonia, Prince, and Twinky lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg

38 39 MUSE SG | N• 30 into the west Jurong Heritage Trail Text by Stefanie Tham

A friendly debate comparing the western side of Singapore with the east went viral among netizens early this year, after a local Tumblr page was set up to poke fun at the west, which includes Jurong, Boon Lay, Pioneer, and Tuas. Commonly posted woes lamented the long time it takes to travel to and from the west, its lack of attractive amenities, and the dismal number of good food places found there.

Indeed, mention Jurong to most Singaporeans and such stereotypical descriptions tend to emerge, perhaps unjustly so. The west is often characterised by its industrial landscape, and thought to be barren, boring, and even bizarre. After all, those who do not live in Boon Lay may not regard smelling burnt cocoa at the MRT station as an ordinary, everyday experience.

However, Jurong is not as desolate as most people believe it to be. Empty grass fields in Jurong East have now given way to new shopping malls and beautiful landscaping, injecting life into the formerly quiet town. More changes can be expected as plans to develop the Jurong Lake District will commence soon. Jurong is on the cusp of another stage in its transformation, perhaps one that will dispel old stereotypes.

A study of Jurong’s past also reveals an intriguing and layered history, of a time when Jurong was home to a number of prawn ponds and well-known for its brickworks. Its successful transformation into a modern industrial estate also tells a tale of unwavering determination and foresight during the period when our nation was only just learning how to stand independently.

The Jurong Heritage Trail, which was launched in April this year by the National Heritage Board (NHB), highlights this rich heritage gathered through in-depth research and interviews with residents and workers who once called Jurong their home. The trail shares a colourful history that challenges the notion that the west is without character or heritage. Some sites of heritage still exist today and this article presents a number of locations featured in the trail that people can visit. No passport required.

The Chinese Garden at sunset

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A 1911 map depicting the historical boundaries of Jurong Prawn farmers at work in Jurong, 1960 Courtesy of Great Britain, War Office, National Library of Australia, G080401936 Courtesy of National Archives of Singapore

Imagined Borders and Early was a large area that spanned the certainly be used to describe the day fond memories among residents, was well-known for its brickworks at the mouth of Sungei Pandan can Trades entire length of , once the when Nanyang University opened some whom used to make a living since the 1920s, and once produced as still be seen. The reservoir is now an The historical boundary of Jurong as only road leading to the southwest of in 1956 near the 14½ Milestone. from it. Jurong contained nearly half many as three million bricks a month arena for water sports. A legacy of seen on official maps does not quite Singapore. As many kampongs were Nanyang University, a national of the 1,000 acres of prawn ponds in to meet demand in the construction Jurong’s former brickworks industry correspond with the memories of its only accessible through it, villagers monument, is the first Chinese- Singapore in 1955. The area where sector in the 1970s. Also, the soil remains in the form of the Thow long-time residents. According to a identified their location by the road’s language university in Southeast Pandan Reservoir is today used to be found in Jurong proved to be highly Kwang Dragon Kiln and the Guan 1911 map, Jurong was a small parcel milestones, and hence associated Asia and was formed with the help covered with mangroves and was a suitable for pottery making; Jurong Huat Dragon Kiln (today’s Jalan of land sandwiched between Choa Jurong with the road. of donations from the local Chinese prawn pond reserve. Chua Kim Shua had an abundance of the sticky Bahar Clay Studio), both located at Chu Kang and Bukit Timah, and was community. A major traffic jam remembered selling these prawns mud known as nian tu, which was Lorong Tawas where visitors can also located where Bukit Batok is today. Then, Jurong Road was not like occurred along Jurong Road on the for 40 to 50 cents per kilogram at essential in pottery. This resulted in pick up some ornamental pottery. Today’s Jurong East would have been the arterial roads Singaporeans are day of its opening, rendering the the market. “I was able to earn about a burgeoning industry of brick and a district called Pandan, whereas Boon familiar with today. Consisting of motorway impassable, and took the a few hundred dollars a month just pottery making. The Industrial Story Lay was formally called Peng Kang. only two lanes, a major accident record for the biggest traffic jam selling prawns,” he recalled. “We Most Singaporeans would not find would have rendered the road Singapore experienced then. scooped up the prawns using a pail, Today, people can still travel along a the story of Jurong Industrial Estate However, residents like Ng Lee Kar completely inaccessible. Former and there were many of them then.” remaining stretch of the old Jurong unfamiliar. Often weaved into the remembered a different Jurong, one resident Francis Mane summed up Like many other parts of Singapore, Road entering from Bukit Batok Road Singapore Story as an example of whose boundary stretched from the this scenario as being “really jialat” Jurong was covered with plantations, Another notable trade in Jurong was or Jurong West Avenue 2. Although how the country adapted to remain 7½ Milestone at ( term that connotes a mainly gambier and rubber. But it its brickworks industry, a prelude to the Pandan Reservoir is no longer a economically resilient, Jurong’s to Tuas at the 18th Milestone. This difficult situation). His words could was the prawn ponds that still evoke Jurong’s industrialisation. Jurong prawn reserve, a slice of mangroves industrialisation shaped the lives of

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many individuals who found work in had to go via Road or wanted to ensure that green spaces its factories and a new home to live in. Jalan Jurong Kechil.” This resulted were integrated to preserve the in many workers sharing rides on beauty of Jurong’s natural landscape. The vast amount of land and its deep pirate taxis, which Woo used to get Jurong was meant to be a self- coastal harbour made Jurong the to work. “The vehicles were actually contained garden industrial estate, ideal location to become Singapore’s meant for transporting vegetables and thus 12 percent of the land was primary industrial centre. The and other produce. It was quite an set aside for public parks, gardens, first bulldozer entered Jurong in uncomfortable ride.” and open spaces. September 1961, and its landscape has been altered permanently since. Others whose companies provided The Jurong Lake area is one such In spite of the government’s high free transport regarded themselves green lung planned to separate the expectations, only around 24 factories lucky. As Haji Saleh bin Abdul Wahab industrial from the residential. The were set up by 1963 — Singapore was recalled, “The company provided lake was formed after the Jurong far from solving her problems of private buses from the 7th Milestone. River was dammed in 1971, creating growing unemployment and declining [They] provided transport for you the 81-hectare freshwater reservoir. entrepot trade. It was only through even if you lived very far away like Three islands were shaped, housing supplying tax incentives, establishing in Geylang.” Food centres were also the Chinese Garden, Japanese good labour relations, and creating scarce. Lim Sak Lan, who worked in Garden, and the golf course of the a sense of security for investors did JTC in the late 1960s shared: “When Jurong Country Club. When it first factories finally sprout. By 1970, we were at worksites, we made opened, the Chinese Garden and Jurong boasted 264 factories with do with site canteens. There were Japanese Garden attracted immense 32,000 workers. places away from the sites, but they attention, the former receiving half a were shabby little coffee shops and million visitors within eight months Formerly under the purview of restaurants.” of its opening in April 1975. the Economic Development Board The Jurong Town Hall today (EDB), the management of Jurong Despite such discomforts, many of Jurong Hill is another point of Courtesy of JTC Corporation Industrial Estate was handed over them nevertheless took pride in their attraction. Formerly called Bukit to a new statutory board, Jurong work and over time, formed close Peropok, the hill is the tallest peak in Town Corporation (JTC), in 1968. friendships with their colleagues. Jurong today. It was converted into A new headquarters was built for Karen Lee, who worked in a spinning a park in 1968, and a Lookout Tower JTC: Jurong Town Hall. The five- mill, reminisced fondly: “When we was constructed at the top of the hill. storey building cuts an impressive worked the night shift we would Residents might remember dining at presence, reflecting a Brutalist style go to the hawker centre to buy food the Japanese teppanyaki restaurant of architecture that emphasises the we liked and bring it [back] to the when it opened in 1970, or spending imposing bulkiness of the concrete factories for our working colleagues. a leisurely day with the family structure. The building’s design When we stayed in the company exploring the hill’s Garden of Fame. was from a winning entry of an hostel, we were very close… I can The tower offers visitors a sweeping architectural design competition by a [still] remember these people now, view of the industrial estate, and was local firm, Architects Team 3, and it even those who came from Malaysia.” a stop point for many visiting heads was most recently gazetted a national of states. monument for its significance as In the present day, Jurong Town a symbol of Singapore’s economic Hall still stands along Jurong Town Today, the Chinese Garden and progress. Hall Road. In 2000, JTC moved Japanese Garden are open for public across the road into a larger building, visits. Jurong Hill is also accessible, The memories of those who and the Town Hall is now a space although the restaurant has since worked in Jurong reveal the unique for start-up companies. You can closed. challenges of working in the estate also take a stroll in the Garden of in its early years. Distance was a Fame next to the building, which big issue for those who did not live commemorates the visits of many in Jurong, particularly because of dignitaries to Jurong’s Industrial limited public transport services in Estate over the years. the area. Woo Lee Tuan remembered To find out more about Jurong’s the difficulty of getting to work: Green Lungs history, visit www.nhb.gov.sg/ NHBPortal/Places/Trails/Jurong or “Back then, there [was] still no In the process of conceiving the pick up the Jurong Heritage Trail road leading to the estate, and we industrial estate, urban planners booklet at NHB’s museums. Jurong Hill with its Lookout Tower

44 45 MUSE SG | N• 30 The Dragon kiln breathes Thow Kwang Dragon Kiln

Text and photos by Carolyn Lim

Anyone who tires of the towering kilns. However, the pottery industry humps of bricks spaced at intervals glass-steel offices at Raffles City, or declined, and by the mid-1990s, with along the kiln’s length support the the shop-till-you-drop malls along the demolition of the Sam Mui Kuang kiln structure. Visitors enter the tree-lined , can head dragon kiln at the Jalan Hwi Yoh, the 27-metre long kiln through one of the to the west of Singapore and explore two other kilns in Jurong — the Thow two arched doorways. The doorways a hidden cultural treasure: a dragon Kwang and Guan Huat dragon kilns — are lined with bricks with names like kiln. Tucked away at the western end ceased commercial production. Thow Nanyang, Bee Kiow and Jurong — of the island, next to the Nanyang Kwang changed its business model reminders of Singapore’s past when Technological University, there are to the import and export of ceramics. factories produced bricks for local not one but two septuagenarian The “dragons” went into a slumber. use. Alongside the kiln are 17 pairs of dragon kilns that transport visitors stoke holes, where wood is added and back in time to a once-thriving Thow Kwang Dragon Kiln the firers monitor the temperature pottery industry in Singapore. In Built in the 1940s, Thow Kwang inside during the firing process. the early 1960s, there were about 10 Dragon Kiln is one of only two kilns in Jurong producing functional surviving kilns in Singapore. The Firing the Dragon wares, such as earthenware jars and other kiln, Guan Huat Dragon Kiln, A wood firing can take from 25 to 36 latex cups. The kilns were located in is located a stone’s throw away. The hours or more to complete, and this Jurong because of the area’s white dragon kiln (long yao in Mandarin), does not include the time needed to sedimentary clay, which is well- is a long hollow semi-circular tunnel pack and load the pieces in the kiln. suited for the production of these made of bricks, and resembles the Why then would anyone want to use wares. body of the mythical beast. The kiln this traditional method to fire clay was built on a sloping terrain to take pieces, when today’s commercial The Early Pottery Industry advantage of the updraft during the electric and gas kilns require much From the 1950s to the early 1990s, firing process. less time and effort? dragon kilns were central to the pottery industry when earthenware The Thow Kwang Dragon Kiln is Many potters yearn for the unique pots were produced using methods less than a metre wide in the front combination of wood ash and salt on such as coiling, throwing and chambers, and widens to about two their pieces, which gives them a one- plaster moulding. Other utilitarian metres at the back. At the back of the of-a-kind result. When using a wood wares, such as latex cups for the kiln is a nine-hole brick damper wall, kiln, potters rarely get pieces that are rubber plantations, and ceramic where the smoke and heat escape the same. The unpredictability and souvenirs were also fired in these via a chimney. At the sides, circular uncertainty of not knowing how the

Back: Height: 1.97 metres | Width: 2 metres Middle: Height: 1.95 metres | Width: 2.05 metres

Overall dimensions: Length of kiln: 27 metres

Front: Height: 0.80 metres | Width: 0.77 metres 46 47 MUSE SG | N• 30

pieces will turn out gives potters an 1,250 degrees Celsius, the front pit artistic edge. It is also an experiential is sealed — amid shouts of relief and process — perhaps potters experience joy — and the firers move to the stoke a feeling of being transported to the holes on both sides of the kiln. The past when they see the burning wood process of feeding the kiln continues. and the glowing flames licking the Through the stoke holes, the firers clay pieces. look for the pyrometric cones which bend at a particular temperature, Indeed, this unique wood firing signalling to the firers to move to experience is achieved only through the next pair of stoke holes. Almost great effort. Work begins long before always, salt is thrown into the kiln at the firing. Hours of preparation are this stage. Salt reacts with the silica needed to set up the kiln shelves and in the clay body, and this chemical load the pieces into the kiln. Each reaction forms an attractive glaze. piece is carried into the kiln and This continues until each chamber carefully placed on the kiln shelves. in the kiln is fed. When the last The pieces are strategically arranged stoke holes are sealed, the remaining to ensure a smooth flow of heat and glowing embers are left to extinguish fire through the kiln. Once all the as the dragon draws its final breath pieces are packed, the stoke holes and and is left to cool. The Thow Kwang doorways are sealed, and the kiln is Dragon Kiln is fired about two to ready for firing. three times a year. To witness or participate in a wood firing process is A wood firing usually begins in the truly an unforgettable experience. morning with offerings and prayers at the fire box. Sticks of wood are One-of-a-kind Wood-fired Pieces thrown into the fire box to feed the The kiln is left to cool, and days later “dragon”, and the temperature is the unpacking begins. This is often a slowly raised. As day turns to night, moment of apprehension and curiosity the temperature rises and the heat as the potters can finally see the gets more intense. pieces. Each piece is knocked loose from the kiln shelves and carried out Standing in front of the kiln, a person to be examined. The uniqueness of may be overwhelmed by the heat, a wood-fired piece results from the the glowing flames and the crackling combination of wood ash and salt that of burning wood in the kiln. The coat the pieces. It is unpredictable, firers, working in shifts, are all erratic and what gives a wood-fired flushed and sweaty — but the work pot its uniqueness and beauty. only gets tougher from here. When the temperature in the kiln finally Weekend Clay Experience reaches 800 to 1,000 degrees Celsius, On weekends, Thow Kwang Dragon Interested to know more about wood-firing? Now there’s a free lots more effort and wood are needed Kiln is a bustle of activity. In one interactive app, DragonFire Singapore, supported by the NHB Grant to feed the kiln. There are anxious area, a group of potters are throwing Scheme. It gives a close-up look at wood-firing in action, available for iPad on iTunes: http://goo.gl/dAeXVI moments when the temperature or glazing their work; in another, drops instead of going up, and the children and adults are trying their Check out Thow Kwang’s facebook page www.facebook.com/ firers have to feed more wood into hands at being potters. For a small tkpotteryjungle for a schedule of its weekend workshops. the fire box. Everyone watches the fee, anyone can have a hands-on Thow Kwang Dragon Kiln, 85 Lorong Tawas, S639823 thermocouple readings eagerly to see experience working with clay, if the temperature will rise again. making and firing a small piece to Guan Huat Dragon Kiln, 97 Lorong Tawas, S639824 bring home. Sometimes, a throwing Firers ensure that the temperature of 1,250 degrees Celsius If you would like to learn more about the NHB Grant Scheme, After 12 hours or more, and when the demonstration on the kicking wheel is reached at each pair of stoke holes before moving to the please visit www.nhb.gov.sg/NHBPortal/AboutUs/Grants/Overview temperature at the fire box reaches by one of the potters can be seen. next chamber or email [email protected]

48 49 MUSE SG | N• 30 PROFILE // Raja Mohamad How did you come to be interested in the heritage of PROFILE // Lim Chen Sian How and when did you begin as an archaeologist? your community? I started out liking history as a child and wanted to be a My interest in the Indian Muslim community was piqued military historian. But at some point, I wondered what through two incidents. The first incident was when I led to World War II? The more questions I asked, the was asked to be involved in the development of Nagore further back in time I went and at some point, you run Dargah Indian Muslim Heritage Centre wherein I realised out of documentation. I became a little dissatisfied with Heritage the Indian Muslim community has some very profound Digging for the discipline of history and moved into archaeology, a and rich heritage that I felt was worth sharing with rest discipline that tells us about the past not only through of Singapore. The second incident was when another documents but material culture (i.e. artefacts). production company was researching Indian Muslims and lamented the lack of materials in print, media or any form What skills does an archaeologist need to have? in Singapore. Answers Archaeology is multidisciplinary. You need to know a bit on Film Lim Chen Sian is a familiar face in the local Speaking from the heart of the Indian about everything because you deal with objects and their heritage scene who continues to boldly dig Muslim community, Raja MohamAd is Why was documentary the form chosen to promote context; there’s history, art history, chemistry, biology, this heritage? for answers to uncover Singapore’s past. geology, anthropology, ethnology, all thrown in. It’s a study a NHB grant recipient who set out to As the old adage says, “a picture is worth a thousand about context. film Barakath: Our Pioneering Spirit to words”. We wanted to document a colourful tapestry of document their compelling heritage. the Indian Muslim community and for the individuals Can you tell us a little about your work? presented in the documentary to speak from their hearts I originally trained as a Mayanist and as an Egyptologist. and in a language they felt comfortable in. We were very Today, I’m a historical archaeologist. I’m interested in fortunate to have Former President S. R. Nathan and post-European contact in colonial Southeast Asia and Minister Yaacob Ibrahim take part. Soon, we will be study how colonialists interacted with the indigenous starting work on a coffee table book. population. We also do a lot of work on Ancient Temasek. What I’m interested in is the connection; although we may What was the most memorable part of making this not be linked directly by blood to our distant predecessors, documentary? we are linked by space. We all share the same space as Several! For example, that non-Tamil speaking Indian the people 200 years, or 700 years ago did. It gives you an Muslims such as Haji Allauddin of Masjid Khalid and understanding of your own identity and it’s right beneath Samad Allapitchay (who was National Soccer Team’s your feet. I think it adds soul to Singapore. captain) still related back to their Indian Muslim heritage with fondness and affirmed their Indian Muslim roots. What happens when you discover artefacts? Who owns Having heavyweights such as Former President S. R. them and what is usually done with the finds? Nathan, Minister Yaacob Ibrahim and Former Senior The objects belong to the state. Archaeological ethics Minister of State Haji Zainul Abidin Rasheed featured in dictate that I’m obliged to not keep any of these items this documentary was encouraging since this is a private and we don’t appraise the value. It’s the information we project and not something done for national TV and yet want; historical data from the artefacts is invaluable. had support from such luminaries. Archaeologists are custodians of the artefacts but the objects belong to the country and the people. What would you tell other heritage enthusiasts about documenting and preserving history? Can you share with us an exciting discovery? Having one’s heritage recorded in some form is very In 2002, I came back for summer vacation and volunteered critical to one’s identity and knowing oneself. As an at the Old Parliament House dig for a day. Right under the individual who is not into film-making or research, I elephant statue, I discovered that the entire site was full of treated this project as my duty to tell Singapore and the artefacts. And I wondered to myself, why am I digging up world at large the story of my forefathers and the Indian America’s backyard? Why am I not digging up Singapore? Muslim community. I hope this project will be a catalyst To find out that half a metre below my feet, there was for others to come on board and embark on a larger and treasure everywhere, all this forgotten material in my own better documentary in the future. I wanted to showcase country, was incredible. It made me decide to stay. the illustrious individuals we have had amongst us both in the past and recent times. The heritage centre, the What advice do you have for budding archaeologists? documentary and hopefully the coffee table book will help First, you’ll need to be interested in the past. Be inquisitive us to do just that. and have a sense of curiosity. Keep asking questions and have a great sense of humour! Archaeology is in its infancy The Barakath: Our Pioneering Spirit documentary, supported in Singapore, so it’s tough but it is very rewarding work. by the NHB Grant Scheme, can be viewed at the Nagore Dargah Indian Muslim Heritage Centre, 140 Telok Ayer Street. If you would like to learn more about the NHB Grant Scheme, please Learn about the Archaeology Unit of the Nalanda-Sriwijaya visit www.nhb.gov.sg/NHBPortal/AboutUs/Grants/Overview or Centre at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies where Lim is a email [email protected] visiting fellow at nsc.iseas.edu.sg 50 51 MUSE SG | N• 30 The dark age of temasek Rediscovering our Origins

1 | Gold coin — Kupang — 15th century 2 | Fragment of stoneware storage jar with Lim inscription — 14th century 3 | Celadon (greenware) censer (incense burner) from Long Quang imperial kiln 4 | Erotic porcelain — 14th century

*Items are not presented to scale

Text by Dr John Kwok

The “Dark Ages” was once used “Temasek Age”; Singapore was known was stopped by the sea. Raja Suran They also said that they had been of Singapore begins. Temasek, if it described as an “excavation jackpot”. to describe Europe in the sixth to as Temasek until the arrival of the ordered hundreds of boats to be young boys when they left China. is mentioned at all, is presented as a The archaeology team, led by eleventh centuries when it was British in the nineteenth century. constructed at Temasek to ferry his Alarmed that the voyage to China myth or in a footnote. archaeologist Lim Chen Sian from believed that civilised life had army to China. But the Chief Minister would take so long that he and his the Nalanda-Sriwijaya Centre of the disappeared following the end of There are no written records of to the Chinese Emperor sent an army would not survive it, Raja Suran Archaeological research in Singapore Institute of Southeast Asian Studies Rome. Archaeological excavations Temasek and the people of Temasek old ship to Temasek with a crew of turned his army around. Centuries over the last 31 years has contributed Archaeological Unit, recovered a across Europe have uncovered the left no records for us. The histories toothless old men who could barely later, a descendant of Raja Suran immensely to research on Temasek number of notable artefacts which remains of towns, ports, temples of empires in the region hint at the walk, and filled the cargo hold with later became king of Palembang and and the “Temasek Age”. The most shed more light on the “Temasek Age”. and markets — evidence that Europe existence of Temasek. For example, potted trees and rusted needles. After the father of Sang Nila Utama, who recent archaeological excavation after Rome was anything but “dark”. the Sejarah Melayu (Malaya Annuals) arriving at Temasek, the crew told would visit Temasek and form the at Empress Place, also Singapore’s Among them were 16 figurines Historians and archaeologists now mentions Temasek during an Raja Suran that their ship carried settlement Singapura on the island. largest archaeological excavation shaped like Buddhist devotees, no longer use the term “Dark Ages” invasion of China led by Raja Suran, a cargo of iron bars but the long to date, unearthed an estimated suggesting that either Buddhism was to describe Europe after Rome. a powerful ruler in India. His army voyage had reduced them to the size The British arrived at Singapura three tonnes of artefacts. It was widespread in Temasek or Temasek There is a time period in Singapore’s rampaged across what are now of rusted needles and the trees on in 1819 and founded the port city the biggest-ever haul in Singapore was frequently visited by traders or past that resembles Europe’s “Dark Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia the ship had grown from seeds that of Singapore. 1819 is traditionally from a single excavation project, pilgrims from Buddhist kingdoms. Ages”. This time period is called the before arriving at Temasek, where it were planted when they left China. marked as the year when the history which the National Heritage Board There was also a large shard from

52 53 MUSE SG | N• 30

a Chinese imperial-grade Celadon extended beyond the traditional painstakingly slow but important and incense burner, which suggests trade hubs around China’s southern necessary. The processed artefacts that an organised society existed coastal provinces of Guangdong and will be studied by archaeologists in Temasek — Chinese emperors Fujian. There was also the surprising and historians in an effort to answer would bestow imperial-grade pottery discovery of a pottery lid featuring questions on the “Dark Age” of to the heads of states of kingdoms an intricate miniature sculpture Temasek: How was Temasek society as an acknowledgement of their of an embracing couple on its organised and ruled? What kind subservience to China, and as a sign underside, suggesting that Temasek of lives did Temasek people live? that trading privileges with China society may have had a more playful What happened to Temasek? Close had been granted. and liberal side. collaboration between historians and archaeologists researching Also uncovered at Empress Place Every recovered artefact must be these recovered artefacts, together was a pottery cup produced at carefully cleaned, sorted, tagged, with archaeological data compiled the Jingdezhen kiln complex in and catalogued. This post-excavation from excavations and archaeological Jiangxi province, implying that work, which takes about 23 days artefacts, will one day help us answer trade between Temasek and China for every one day of excavation, is these questions and many more.

5| Glazed stoneware jarlet — 14th century 6 | Qing Bai tea or wine cup — 13th to 14th century 7 | Qing Bai baby figurine — 13th to 14th century 8 | Porcelain Buddhist devotee figurines — 13th to 14th century *Items are not presented to scale

54 55 MUSE SG | N• 30 One City, Two Photographers A book review Text by Ian Tan

Two substantial volumes of Through the Lens of Lee Kip Lin they also had the advantage over architectural photography, presents the results of Dr Lai’s colour film of offering a stronger documenting changes in Singapore’s extensive research into more than contrast and clearer rendition. urban landscape, were published 14,500 slides and negatives from the recently. The rich historical content, photography portfolio of the late Lee Our Modern Past offers a rich coupled with detailed and meticulous Kip Lin. The images, taken between visual exposition on distinctive research and photography processes, 1965 and 1995, represent part of the modern buildings constructed make these two books a befitting Lee Kip Lin collection donated by during the 1920s to 1970s. It spans visual tribute to the country’s Lee’s family to the National Library three distinct time periods: the progress. They showcase Singapore’s Board in 2009. They include images inter-war period, the post-war physical development from a colony of landscapes, streets and buildings years, and the post-independence to a nation within half a century. taken all over Singapore. phase. The photographs, many Dr Lai Chee Kien. Through the Lens of Lee Kip Lin: Photographs of Singapore 1965 – 1995. Singapore: , 2015. Although the premises of the two occupying full-page spreads, render books differ significantly, their What sets this collection apart from the architectural details of building narratives are complementary, and a run-of-the-mill coffee table book exteriors and interiors in vivid hues A VISUAL SURVEY OF can even be read sequentially as is the systematic approach Lee took and tones. They are the work of the SINGAPORE ARCHITECTURE some buildings are featured in both in documenting his subjects, as well renowned late photographer Jeremy OUR 1920s–1970s books but during different eras. as his meticulous record-keeping. San, whose keen eye for capturing VOLUME ONE Lee would take multiple images of lighting changes and deep sense PART ONE MODERN Through the Lens of Lee Kip Lin, each building or street, starting from of appreciation for unique designs written by architectural historian Dr larger contexts before moving into enable his photographs to breathe life INTERWAR PERIOD Lai Chee Kien, offers a rare glimpse details — such as from streets to into the modern buildings we pass PAST 1919–1942 into the late Lee Kip Lin’s lifelong buildings, and, where possible, from by without a second glance. We often passion of recording the changing exterior to interior views. Notebooks take for granted the familiar spaces urban landscape of Singapore in the Lee Kip Lin Collection contain in which we live, work, and play. Yet during a period of rapid economic hand-written information about the when they disappear or are replaced, development and building renewal. locations and dates of the photographs the feeling of loss and yearning Readers may feel a tinge of regret taken, as well as notes tracing the lingers for a long time. leafing through the photographic history of places, which were copied records of many demolished from notices, letters, and reports Through the Lens of Lee Kip Lin buildings and erased streets. The from archives around the world. This and Our Modern Past join other second book, Our Modern Past, rare compendium of streetscape and seminal architectural tomes in represents an effort to survey the architectural photography allows generating awareness for overlooked diverse forms of local modern future researchers to gain first- buildings around us. Many are still architectural works and to highlight hand insights into a crucial period standing today, some with extensive the pertinent need to recognise of development in Singapore’s early modifications and others with the role these buildings played in independence years. Most of the completely new functions; however WRITTEN BY HO WENG HIN, nation-building. It leaves readers featured photographs were shot on their heritage and legacies remain DINESH NAIDU & TAN KAR LIN with a sense of optimism as many of black and white film; Dr Lai postulates and are waiting for us to uncover and PHOTOGRAPHY BY the buildings it features have since that not only were monochrome films appreciate. JEREMY SAN been given new leases of life after probably more affordable for Lee’s restoration. extensive documentation style, but Both books are available at all major Ho Weng Hin, Dinesh Naidu, Tan Kar Lin and Jeremy San. Our Modern Past: A Visual Survey of Singapore Architecture 1920s – 1970s. bookstores. Singapore: Singapore Heritage Society and SIA Press Pte Ltd, 2015.

56 57 1 2 MUSE SG | N• 30 Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia An Oasis of Islamic Arts

3 4

Text by Maggie Tan Photos courtesy of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Located amidst lush greenery, the for the physical building it is housed glorification of the written word and and non-fiction books and children Currently, you can catch the Holy 1 | Inverted Dome Pavilion Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia in: a structure that has features high level of artistry is bedazzling; can register to become a member Month of Ramadan: A Visual 2 | Ceramic Gallery 3 | Children’s Library (IAMM) is off the beaten path for inspired by Iranian and Central Asian you can spend hours just poring over by obtaining a Children’s Library Celebration exhibition at IAMM, 4 | Architecture Gallery most tour groups but nevertheless architecture yet remains modern, the high degree of ornamentation and Passport. The Scholar’s Library was which runs until August 31. The a must-visit destination on any trip airy, and light, giving the impression ponder the time and skill devoted to established as an education centre for exhibition’s message is a cross- to Kuala Lumpur. Opened in 1998, it of tremendous space. The artefacts each page. scholars and researchers; it houses cultural and inter-faith portrayal of is Southeast Asia’s largest museum are exhibited in galleries according to more than 16,000 titles including the essence of the spiritual Ramadan The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is open of Islamic arts and is committed to their geographical origin and along IAMM aims to provide lifelong nineteenth and early twentieth month; 66 photographs from from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, including creating a collection that represents the following themes: Architecture, learning for children, students, and century publications such as Plans, aspiring amateurs to professional public holidays. Admission fees are RM14 the global Islamic world. The building Quran and Manuscripts, Jewellery, adults, as do most leading museums Elevations, Sections and Details of the photographers from over 60 countries for adults and RM7 for students. The museum also offers a virtual tour on its houses more than 7,000 artefacts Arms and Armour, Textiles, in the world today. It offers a range of Alhambra by Pascual de Gayangos are on display. website at www.iamm.org.my/ Hungry from all over the Middle East, China, Living with Wood, Coins and educational programmes that allow (1842) and the Malay Sketches by visitors can check out the Museum India, and Southeast Asia. Seals, Metalwork, and Ceramics. participants to discover their artistic Sir Frank Althelstane Swettenham Restaurant (+603 2270 5152), which offers One section that was particularly abilities, thereby learning while (1913). the rich flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine in an elegant space overlooking the The museum is notable not only for impressive was the display of having fun. The Children’s Library fountain. Remember to save some space the collection it contains but also beautiful miniature Qurans. The in the museum holds both fiction for the homemade bakhlava!

58 59 MUSE SG | N• 30

Yishun Museum visits

Sembawang Guiding questions to ask your child or ward: Fun with Heritage Trail: A Q1. Where do you think it was found?

trail about Q2. What do you see on it? pioneers HEnjoyinge museumsr and heitaritage trails withg young childeren Q3. What is the language of the writing? Yishun Text by Nurliyana Halid Did you know that Yishun is Q4. Who do you think inscribed it? named after Lim Nee Soon, who Thinking of interesting places During the Outing was known as the “rubber and to visit during the weekends or Singapore Stone Engage in an active dialogue with pineapple king” for making his holidays? Look no further: drop by This piece of coarse sandstone slab is a fragment of When the stone was first discovered in 1819, no one your children or wards during the fortune from these crops? Many one of Singapore’s museums or go the Singapore Stone. The original stone was about could decipher the 50 or more lines of inscription outing. Allow them to discover their of his plantations were located on a heritage trail and discover more three metres high by three metres wide, and stood at found on it. Scholars have different views on the interests while asking questions to stir where Yishun and Sembawang about our culture and heritage. Spend the mouth of the at what is known date the stone was carved, ranging from the tenth their imagination. Apart from asking are today. Born in Singapore, Lim some quality time with your family as Rocky Point. The engravings on the fragment are to thirteenth century; the language of the script — questions, each family member can Nee Soon was also a community through these interactive activities the earliest inscriptions found on the island, and are possibly Sumatran or old Javanese. The stone was identify one favourite object from the leader and philanthropist. that can be enjoyed by all. museum collections or one favourite evidence of human inhabitation in ancient Singapore. blown up in 1843 to build Fort Fullerton. site on the heritage trail and tell the Khoo Teck Puat What is Family Time? rest of the family why he or she likes Did you know Khoo Teck Family Time, a new feature it. If your children or wards love to Puat Hospital is named after introduced by the Ministry of draw, you can bring blank papers billionaire Khoo Teck Puat, Education (MOE) in its Character and and pencils and do simple sketches whose foundation donated $125 Citizenship Education (CCE) lessons of your favourite artefacts or sites million for this cause? In 1981, Museum visits for primary schools, offers families together. You can also take “we-fies” Khoo Teck Puat set up the Khoo opportunities to bond. In support of with your loved ones and upload them Foundation, a legacy which CCE, the National Heritage Board Guiding questions to ask your child or ward: on Facebook and Instagram — with continues to benefit numerous has compiled a series of activities the tag #funwithheritage — to capture social welfare and educational that families can consider when memorable moments. causes in Singapore. planning their outings at www. Q1. What do you think the object is? nhb.gov.sg/NHBPortal/Education/ After the Visit ResourcesforFamilies Guiding questions to ask your Keep the conversation going and ask Q2. What do you think it was used for? your children or wards about their child or ward: Before Your Visit museum or trail experience, their Build up excitement by digging out favourite artefacts, interesting facts Q3. What designs can you see on it? What are some of the values some old photographs, personal Q1. they have learnt, and other things portrayed by the pioneers? belongings with sentimental value or they would like to learn about. You family heirlooms at home. Interest can also ask your children or wards to Q4. Why do you think dragons are your children or wards in the outing draw the most memorable moment of important symbols to the Chinese? Q2. Are you inspired by their by discussing with them what they their visit. stories? Why? can expect to see and experience at a museum or on a heritage trail. Dynamic Dragon You can download and print Family For more information on Family Time, please visit www.nhb. Q3. How would you demonstrate The exterior design of this blue and white stem cup cup’s interior. This stem cup would not have qualified Time Activity Sheets from the gov.sg/NHBPortal/Education/ the values of resilience, generosity, features a dragon with two horns and three claws as imperial ware as only dragons with two horns and ResourcesforFamilies and care to those around you? aforementioned website and consider chasing a flaming pearl. Around the rim of the cup five claws were used in court designs. Hence, this packing some light snacks and drinks For more information on heritage runs a classic scroll, while another flaming pearl — stem cup was most likely used as a drinking vessel for for your family excursion. trails, please visit www.nhb.gov.sg/ a characteristic Yuan dynasty motif — appears in the daily domestic use. NHBPortal/Places/Trails

60 61 MUSE SG | N• 30

What’s on july – september 2015

Daily comfort of their seats to any stones), and many more. This English Guided Tours | Ancient Religions destination. Visit other parts Let’s Play! Traditional 45-minute session will also Every Saturday | 11:30 a.m. and Claymation Workshop Asian Civilisation Museum of the Earth or even go into Malay Games invite participants to use their Every Sunday | 5 p.m. ArtScience Museum All day free admission space for an out-of-this-world Malay Heritage Centre creativity as they invent new Public holiday tours on July 17, Workshop space, B2 visual experience. The powerful Every Tuesday | and fun games with new-found August 7 and 10, September 24, Saturday | July 18 and 25, August The Asian Civilisations Museum visualisation software, which 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. items. 2:30 p.m. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, September 5, September school holidays | has launched a new permanent allows particle systems to be 12 and 19, 2:30 p.m. September 11, 2:30 p.m. gallery. The Ancient Religions rendered in stunning detail, Come and learn more about September school holidays | Chinese Guided Tours | September 8, 4:30 p.m. Gallery traces the spread of also enables science educators traditional Malay games at The Deep Guided Tours the Malay Heritage Centre. September 7 and 11 $5 for each person. Purchase religions out of India into China, to conduct live lectures on ArtScience Museum Every Saturday and Sunday | Learn skills you will need tickets on the day from the Sri Lanka, and Southeast space science, astronomy, and ArtScience Museum, B2 4 p.m. Public holiday tours museum retail store, B2. Asia. A thousand years of other topics. to play capteh, main lereng Complimentary to exhibition on July 17, August 7 and 10, (wheel spinning), congkak ticket-holders sculpture shows the change September 24, 4 p.m. Understand first-hand this (traditional Malay board Family Friday Guided Tours | in art from early cults to For showtimes, please go to intriguing form of animation game), batu seremban (five Every Friday | 3:30 p.m. international forms of Hinduism www.omnitheatre.com.sg Why are some sea creatures and create a short film by and Buddhism. The displays transparent, and why are moulding a clay character. demonstrate how the cultures others bioluminescent? How Suitable for all ages. of Gandhara, Kushan, Tang Guided Tour of Malay do animals survive at extreme WE: Defining Stories China, and Sriwijaya gave new Heritage Centre depths? Learn about the Up to 20 visitors on a first- expression to these systems of Malay Heritage Centre extraordinary creatures of the come-first-served basis. Travelling Exhibition belief. Tuesday to Friday | 11 a.m. abyss in this fact-filled tour. Registration begins fifteen Library opening hours. Free admission. Saturday to Sunday | 2 p.m. minutes before workshop Tour duration: 1 hour 15 minutes. For more information, please begins. PLAY @ National Museum Registration and starting point Central Public Library (Jul) visit www.marinabaysands. of Singapore for free guided tours are at the Let’s Play! Traditional Malay Games (Aug) com/museum/exhibitions-and- Visitor Services Counter Tours (Sep) National Museum of Singapore events/the-deep.html DREAMWORKS Guided Tour are conducted in English. Limited Tampines Regional Library (Oct) Level 3, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ArtScience Museum to 20 people per tour. Saturday | August 22, September All day free admission Jurong West Public Library (Nov) ArtScience Museum, B2 5 and 19, 4:30 p.m. MARANTAU: Dima Bumi Public Library (Dec) Make Your Own Glowing Saturday | from June 13 to Jul 19, Join our free guided tours of Sunday | July 26, August 23, and Dipijak Di Sinan Langik PLAY @ National Museum of 5 p.m. MHC’s permanent galleries and September 20, 4:30 p.m. Dijunjuang Migration Angler Fish Workshop Singapore (NMS) is the first Sunday | from June 14 to July 19, learn more about Kampong September school holidays | and Integration of the ArtScience Museum dedicated area for young Workshop space, B2 11:30 a.m. Glam as well as its significance September 7 and public holiday | Minangkabau Community children to take their first steps Friday | July 17 and 31, August 14 Complimentary to ticket holders September 24, 4:30 p.m. in Singapore towards enjoying museums, to the Malay community from and 28, September 25, 4:30 p.m. $5 for each person. Purchase Malay Heritage Centre featuring interactive exhibits our museum docents. Saturday | August 8, 15 and 29, tickets on the day from the Ongoing to April 3, 2016 Enjoy insights into the September 12, 4:30 p.m. and special activities that museum retail store, B2. Every Tuesday | 10 a.m. and creation of Dreamworks’s star For groups of more than Sunday | July 19, August 9, 16 and encourage learning through 3 p.m. characters in this entertaining 20 people, it is advisable to 30, September 13 and 27, play. Come join us at the Plastic is one of the biggest and informative tour. (English book your tours two weeks 4:30 p.m. three spaces of PLAY@NMS man-made killers of maritime As part of the Se-Nusantara language only) in advance. For corporate or September school holidays | — EXPLORE, CREATE and life. Learn about the different (Of the Same Archipelago) special needs tours, please September 11, 4:30 p.m. PERFORM! types of plastic and their series, MHC presents email your request to NHB_ $5 for each person. Purchase impact on our oceans, and MARANTAU, a community Printing from the [email protected] tickets on the day from the For more information, please then upcycle a plastic object co-curated exhibition museum retail store, B2. Past: Letterpress: and go to www.nationalmuseum.sg to create deep-sea creatures. organised in partnership with Typesetting Workshop * The availability of the Suitable for all ages. the Singapore Minangkabau ArtScience Museum guided tours is subject to the Use a UV LED light and a Association, featuring the ArtScience Museum, Level 3 availability of our volunteer battery to decorate an Angler New Omni Up to 20 visitors on a first- heritage and history of the fish template and create Saturday | July 18, August 15, Omni-Theatre docents. September 9, 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m. come, first-served basis. local Minangkabau community a simple circuit to make it and 5 p.m. IMAX Movie - $12 whose ancestral home lies light up. Learn all about this Digital Movie or Live Show - $14 Weekly $15 for each person. Purchase For more information, please among highlands in Padang, Revisit Singapore’s turbulent march towards independence fascinating creature and other From May 30 tickets in advance online or from go to www.marinabaysands. West Sumatra. Accompanying and appreciate the quirks that define us as Singaporean bioluminescent life forms in Upcycle Art Workshop today in this exhibition featuring photographs from the the Marina Bay Sands Box Office The Omni-Theatre, Asia’s ArtScience Museum com/museum/exhibitions-and- the exhibition will be a host of the ocean depths. Suitable for outlets events/the-deep.html exciting cultural programmes archives of The Straits Times and the National Museum children aged four and up. Up largest seamless dome screen, Monday | August 10, 4:30 p.m. of Singapore Collection. This travelling visual exhibition of from music, dance, textile- to 20 visitors on a first-come- This hands-on workshop is now fitted with digital Friday | July 10 and 24, August 7 headline photographs documents significant moments of weaving demonstrations and first-served basis. Registration provides an introduction to planetarium technology to and 21, September 4 and 18, Singapore’s history, and forms a pictorial story of home and 4:30 p.m. public lectures. begins 15 minutes before letterpress printing and basic transport audiences from the identity 50 years since independence. workshop begins. typesetting, introducing tools For more information, please go to http://bit.ly/wedefining of the trade and the basics of

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typography. Participants will Public holiday tours on August 7 evening? Why not make a trip For more information about learn the stages of typesetting, and 10, and September 24, 2 p.m. to the Zhongshan Park with the sessions or registration, SINGAPURA: 700 Years Counting Sheep, Dreaming including layout, lockup, Free admission your family and friends for please call 6391 0450 (Tuesday National Museum of Singapore Goats make-ready, ink and colour some entertainment under to Sunday | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) Exhibition Galleries 1 and 2, Singapore Philatelic Museum and packing, and will also get Journey through 170 years of the stars? Bring along your or email your contact details to Basement Ongoing to September 27, the chance to operate the Singapore’s history through the picnic mat and join us as we NHB_MHC_Programmes@nhb. Ongoing to August 10 Monday | 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. press, and print their own card pages of The Straits Times to bring to you different themed gov.sg. Daily | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday | 9:30 a.m. to in letterpress metal types. consider where we have been, performances each month. Free admission for Singapore 7 p.m. Citizens, Permanent Residents, Suitable for adults and children how we got here, and where we $6 for adults and $4 for might be heading. and visitors aged six years and children (3 to 12 years old). Free aged eight and up. Classes of For more information, please Singapore Maritime below admission for Singapore Citizens 12, with tickets purchased in visit www.wanqingyuan.org.sg Trail 2 For more information, please and Permanent Residents advance. Maritime and Port Authority of Experience Singapore’s visit www.marinabaysands. Singapore transformation through the Celebrate the Year of the com/museum/singapore- Every 2nd Saturday of the month For more information, please Galleries Alive!: ages from a humble fishing Goat/Sheep at Singapore visit www.marinabaysands. stories.html Traditional Malay Music/ 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Free admission village to the pride of an Philatelic Museum with this com/museum/singapore- Wayang Kulit empire, before finally becoming fun and interactive exhibition stories.html Malay Heritage Centre the modern, independent city- for children. Learn about Weekend Guided Tour The Singapore Maritime Trail Traditional Malay Music | Every state it is today. This immersive interesting facts and discover (Land of Gold and Spices) third Wednesday of the month 2 takes visitors on a journey that maps out the progress exhibition takes visitors on an the importance of sheep and The Magic of Animation National Library, Singapore Wayang Kulit | Every third Outside the Gallery, Level 10 Thursday of the month and advancement of our port, exploration of Singapore’s rich goats in our everyday life and Workshop history and its key defining culture such as in food, clothes, ArtScience Museum Weekends | July 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 focusing on its history and and 19 Watch the Malay Heritage the stories of the people in moments. and musical instruments. Enjoy Workshop space, B2 hands-on and multisensory Sunday | August 9 and 23, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Conducted in Centre’s permanent the maritime sector who have English), 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. galleries come alive with live Free guided tours on the exhibits, and admire more than September 13, 20 and 27, contributed to the nation’s Children’s Season: Masak Masak 2015 2:30 p.m. (Conducted in Mandarin) performances of traditional maritime success. Launched exhibition are provided in 300 beautiful goat and sheep- September school holidays | Malay music or enjoy a wayang in May 2015, this second trail English, Mandarin, Japanese, themed stamps from around September 10, 4:30 p.m. Join our guided tours, led by kulit performance as our dalang is an extension of the 2014 Now On and French. Visit www. the world. $5 for each person. Purchase librarians and volunteers, tells the stories of Sang Kancil Singapore Maritime Trail 1, nationalmuseum.sg for a series tickets on the day from the and explore the early maps and his adventures. which included a tour of local Stories from the Sea Children’s Season: Masak of SINGAPURA: 700 Years For more information, please museum retail store, B2. of Singapore and Southeast maritime heritage sites. ArtScience Museum Masak 2015 programmes and resources. visit www.spm.org.sg Asia. Tours are limited to 20 All programmes are free but Workshop space, B2 National Heritage Board and Learn about the beginnings participants for each session, admission charges to the The guided tours are open Sunday | July 12, August 2, and Museum Roundtable of animation through on a first-come-first-served permanent galleries may to the public and spaces are September 6, 2:30 p.m., National Museum of Singapore SINGAPURA: 700 Years 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Ongoing to August 10 | Daily, zoetrope demonstrations, basis. The first 10 participants apply to international visitors. limited. For registration or and the opportunity to create of each session will receive Citizens and Permanent Complimentary to exhibition from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. enquiries, please email ticket-holders Free admission thaumathropes or flip-books to a complimentary copy of Residents enjoy free admission [email protected] or take home. Suitable for all ages. the exclusive publication, to the Malay Heritage Centre. call +65 6836 6466 (Monday to Be enchanted by master Children’s Season at the Visualising Space: Maps of Friday | 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.). Up to 20 visitors on a first- Singapore and the Region. storyteller Kamini National Museum of Singapore come-first-served basis. Ramachandran as she takes returns with another fun- Registration begins 15 minutes For more information, Galleries Alive!: Traditional Malay Music/Wayang Kulit visitors to kingdoms below filled festival to celebrate the before workshop begins. please visit www.nlb.gov.sg/ the seas. Listen to stories June school holidays. Join us exhibitions/ about creatures, both real and at Masak Masak 2015 which mythical, who live in the deep. features familiar playgrounds Singapore STories: Then, Monthly A special storytelling session and interactive installations by Now, Tomorrow in conjunction with The Deep Singaporean and international ArtScience Museum Night Under the Stars exhibition. Attendance is on a artists, including Jeremy Hiah, ArtScience Museum, Level 3 Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial first-come, first-served basis. Mademoiselle Maurice, and Curator Guided Tours | Friday July Hall Recommended for family Crystal Wagner. Don’t miss the 17, Saturday July 18, and Sunday, Zhongshan Park (16 Ah Hood audiences with children four to engaging performances and July 19, 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Road, Singapore 329982) eight years old. family-oriented activities as English Guided Tour | July 4 and August 8 well. Let your young ones play Every Sunday | 11:30 a.m. from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, please at the museum and have fun! July 26 Free admission visit www.marinabaysands. Suitable for children aged three Chinese Guided Tours | com/museum/exhibitions-and- to seven. Every Saturday and Sunday, Thinking of what to do and events/the-deep.html 2 p.m. from July 25 where to go on a Saturday For more information, please visit www.nationalmuseum.sg

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10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Great Peranakans: Fifty Free admission Dr Sun Yat Sen and His #MY SINGAPORE — Ours to Coolie Currency Remarkable Lives Recommended for 5 to 12 Family CREATE Exhibition Exhibition and Talk* Peranakan Museum years old Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial S’pore Discovery Centre Loh Ah Keong and Patsy Lee Ongoing to April 3, 2016 Hall Ongoing to January 3, 2016, Level 10, Promenade, National Free admission for Singaporeans Come play with us and explore Ongoing to October 18 Tuesday to Sunday | Library Building and Permanent Residents with all five senses. Have fun Tuesday to Sunday | from 10 a.m. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m July 6 to 28, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and make some art of your to 5 p.m. (Closed on Mondays) Free admission (Exhibition), Great Peranakans celebrates own to take home. Discover Free admission Level 1, Visitors’ Briefing Room, the achievements of 50 men interesting animal facts using (For Singapore Citizens and The S’pore Discovery Centre National Library Building and women who have shaped the five senses — from learning Permanent Residents) SG50 Exhibition features July 26, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Talk) Singaporean life and culture about animal poop to exploring Singapore as a nation and her Free admission over the past two centuries. the symbolism of animals in The exhibition will provide transformation from a third- These pioneers made other Asian traditions through insights into Dr Sun Yat Sen’s world country to a global city. A long time ago, clan houses important contributions in art, stories. family with a special focus It also highlights Singaporeans and triads in Singapore and culture, education, business, on his parents, siblings, coming together to celebrate other parts of Southeast governance, and public service. This specially-curated wives and children, and their 50 years of nationhood and Asia paid coolies in a special Collectively, their stories and exhibition for children and unstinting support which was their collective wishes for currency made of Chinese the more than 100 objects the young at heart features crucial to both his personal Singapore’s future. porcelain. Retrace the history from their lives invite greater interactive ensembles inspired achievements as well as the of Singapore’s coolie migrants contemplation of evolving by objects in the collection of success of the revolution. More For more information, please and their social culture through Peranakan and Singaporean the Asian Civilisations Museum than 170 artefacts ranging from visit www.sdc.com.sg the use of this unique currency identities. that draw on artists’ visions photographs and documents in the book Coolie Currency, of animals in art across many to personal belongings of July which features the most complete collection of coolie Curator’s Tour Part 1 (Land of Gold and Spices) Great Peranakans: Fifty cultures. This exhibition is Dr Sun and his family will be currency for the first time. Curator’s Tour Part 2 (Island of Stories) Remarkable Lives Once Upon a Time in Asia: supported by Science Centre showcased. Tapestry of Lives The Animal Race Singapore. Exhibition, Tour, and *Talk is conducted in Mandarin. registration basis. Register STEM. Be prepared for a range An Interactive Exhibition For more information, please Artist Talks RETURN TO SENDER — An at nlb.gov.sg/golibrary/ of exciting hands-on activities, for Children and the visit www.wanqingyuan.org.sg Singapore Memory Project Visit iremember.sg to register. Exhibition programme/Tours.aspx events, workshops, and unique Young at Heart Level 1, The Plaza, National Singapore Philatelic Museum Asian Civilisations Museum Library Building In conjunction with the guest performances. Ongoing to November 15 Ongoing to August 16 July 3 to 28, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Curator’s Tour Part 1 Geo|Graphic Festival. Monday | 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Exhibition) (Land of Gold and Spices) For more information, please Tuesday to Sunday | 9:30 a.m. to Level 5, Possibility Room, Curator’s Tour Part 2 For more information, please visit www.sciencefest.sg 7 p.m. National Library Building (Island of Stories) visit nlb.gov.sg/golibrary/ $6 for adults and $4 for Treasures from Asia’s Oldest Museum: July 18, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. National Library, Singapore programme/Tours.aspx children (3 to 12 years old). Free Buddhist Art from the Indian Museum, Kolkata (Exhibition, Tour, and Artist] Gallery, Level 10 & Lee Kong admission for Singapore Citizens In-gallery Storytelling Free admission Chian Reference Library, Level 11 and Permanent Residents Asian Civilisations Museum Sessions Friday | July 10 Ongoing to August 16 Singapore Science National Museum of Singapore Enter a woven quilt of 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Come learn about the life of a Free admission Festival SINGAPURA: 700 Years homespun tales that define (Land of Gold and Spices), A*Star & Science Centre Exhibition, Basement man who defined a new music Singapore, where threads of 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday | July 11 and 25; genre through his passion for The exhibition presents the evolution of Buddhism through Singapore lives are spun together through (Island of Stories) Various locations around August 7, 8 and 9, 12 noon and singing. RETURN TO SENDER the art of India. Important sculptures and paintings from our mutual communal ties. Free admission 12:30 p.m. (Each session lasts 30 the Indian Museum in Kolkata will trace the Jataka stories Singapore — An Exhibition celebrates July 10 to August 2 minutes) Elvis Presley, the King of Rock (past life stories of the Buddha), scenes from the life of the Tapestry of Lives comprise the Participate in these tours led by Free admission. Each session is ‘n’ Roll, who captured the Buddha, and symbols used to represent Buddhist concepts. following exhibitions: On The our curators and be intrigued The Singapore Science Festival limited to 20 children from ages hearts of millions around the Representations of bodhisattvas and the Buddha will be on Road, Our Story That Binds, by the concept of maps and (SSF) is an annual celebration four to eight, on a first-come, world with his unique musical display. The exhibition features striking sculptures from the Public Conversations, Trades mapping. of everything Science, first-served basis. Please register on-site in advance. style. On display are items Pala and Gandhara cultures. by Postal Code, and Singapore Meeting point for Land of Engineering, Technology, and from a private collector who Gold and Spices | Outside the Mathematics (STEM). Jointly Farmers. Let our storytellers inspire your started the collection around The Indian Museum, Kolkata, is the oldest museum in Asia, Gallery, Level 10 organised by the Agency young ones with intriguing the same time as Elvis’s and greatly influenced the founding of other institutions in Meeting point for Island of for Science, Technology & For more information, please and colourful tales from the discovery till today. They the region. Singapore’s strong historic ties to Kolkata give Stories | Outside the Lee Kong Research (A*STAR) and the visit nlb.gov.sg/golibrary/ past. Featuring engaging include vinyl records, song this exhibition a special resonance, especially during 2015, Chian Reference Library, , SSF programme/Singapore.aspx dramatisation and interaction, sheets, movie posters, fan which signifies both Singapore’s 50th anniversary as well Level 11 aims to cultivate the public’s these sessions are a wonderful magazines, commemorative as the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Buddha preaching Tours are limited to 20 interest in STEM from an early introduction to Singapore’s rich books, philatelic materials, and India and Singapore. Seen outside the ACM is the obelisk India, Gandhara, ca 2nd century participants for each session, age, to build the foundation for history. memorabilia. commemorating Indian viceroy Lord Dalhousie’s visit from Schist, height 79 cm on a first-come-first-served Singapore to grow as a hub for Kolkata in 1850. Photo courtesy of the Indian Museum, Kolkata

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Singapore fiction. Lee, who a camera lens. Picturing by actor Edmund Chen, Ah industry, the Hainanese have In the book Kala Manjari, the The Politics of Defeat often transforms his sustained Chinatown by the Singapore Cai La Kopi is a 20-episode Plant Power! found regional fame through Singapore Indian Fine Arts The Singapore Journey: Talk interests in urban memory Heritage Society exhibits multilingual talk show that National Museum of Singapore one of our national past times. Society commemorates the 50 Years Through Stamps Margaret Thomas and fiction into architectural the intimate photo essays features the personal journeys CREATE Space at PLAY@NMS Gain a fresh perspective on history of Indian performing Friday | July 17 Level 5, Possibility Room, models and drawings, has of Chinatown, as created by and experiences of Singapore’s our nation’s history through arts over the last fifty years Singapore Philatelic Museum Saturday | August 1 National Library Building decided to respond to the participants in a series of top local celebrities, the eyes of Tai Sun and nine in Singapore, revisiting the 21 July 2015 to April 2016 1:30 p.m. (Each session lasts two Saturday | July 11 commission by striving to mine community workshops. The personalities, businessmen, other successful Hainanese memories of artistic pioneers Monday | 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. hours) 10 a.m. to 12 noon the “Singaporean psyche” different stories told through and professionals. businesses, from their early and collaborators woven into a Tuesday to Sunday | Free admission Free admission through reviewing a selection these photographs invite days to Singapore’s struggle for compelling story. 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. of fictional works by three local the public to take part in independence. $6 for adults and $4 for As a founding member of the The interactive learning authors: Catherine Lim, and the conversation about our Straits Family Sunday: children (3 to 12 years old). Labour Party of Singapore in session is facilitated by Adrian Tan. In conjunction with discrepant national memories, Bead by Bead For more information, please Malayalees as the Free admission for Singapore 1948, the late Francis Thomas HandsOnLearning and is the Geo|Graphic Festival. divergent social experiences, Peranakan Museum visit nlb.gov.sg/golibrary/ Building Blocks of Citizens and Permanent played a critical role in shaping recommended for children aged Residents and a sense of dislocation. July 12, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. programme/Singapore.aspx Singapore Screening the destiny of our nation. 4 to 12. Craft activity is limited Register at nlb.gov.sg/ Free admission Singapore Malayalee Hindu Catch a glimpse of Singapore’s to 80 families on a first-come, Singapore stamps document golibrary/programme/Arts.aspx Samajam history and its struggle for first-served basis. Registration the growth of the nation, Ah Cai La Kopi Did you know that the largest Gema Dikir Barat Di Level 5, Imagination Room, independence through Thomas’ required. Please register on-site archiving trials, tribulations, Edmund Chen beadwork object in the Singapura National Library Building papers and secret diaries as in advance. achievements, and Picturing Chinatown Level 1, Visitors’ Briefing Room, museum was made with about Izuan Bin Mohamed Rais Saturday | July 18 compiled by his daughter, aspirations. Journey through Workshop National Library Building 1 million beads? Come and find library@esplanade 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Margaret. For more information, please Free admission 50 years of our nation’s Singapore Heritage Society Sunday | July 12 out more about these beaded Saturday | July 18 visit www.nationalmuseum.sg library@chinatown 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. artworks, bead by bead, when 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. progress with specially Sunday | July 12 Free admission you visit this Sunday. Then Free admission Hailing from the Indian state of selected stamps, philatelic Life Beyond The Big Top 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. create a unique craft inspired Kerala and the Union Territory materials, and rarely seen Book Launch Free admission There is nothing quite like by this colourful collection. Cyanotype Creatures From the distinctive rhythms to of Lakshadweep, Malayalee original stamp artworks. BOOK LAUNCH & TALK catching up with friends, ArtScience Museum their heavy drumbeats, learn settlers now form the second Level 5, Possibility Room, The evolution of a landmark is old and new, over a piping Workshop space, B2 more about dikir barat, a Malay largest ethnic group within the For more information, please National Library Building often best captured through hot cup of coffee. Anchored Saturday | July 18 and 25, performance art form native Indian community here. go to www.spm.org.sg Saturday | July 11 4:30 p.m. to the Malay Peninsula. Gema $5 for each person. Purchase 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dikir Barat Di Singapura is a Discover how the pioneer Free admission Straits family sunday tickets on the day from the generation of Malayalees in museum retail store, B2. coffee-table book accompanied Minang Songs & Dance II Singapore was involved in From the 1950s to the 1970s, by a 20-minute film that by Sumbar Talenta Create magical underwater reveals the fascinating history the struggle of building our Malay Heritage Centre the Tai Thean Kew Circus nation in Malayalees as the toured Malaya and Singapore, artwork through the early of this traditional musical form. Friday | July 24, 8:30 p.m. photographic process Building Blocks of Singapore, entertaining people of all a documentary featuring creeds and races. In this coffee- cyanotype, featuring Don’t miss out on a musical extraordinary creatures from Kala Manjari: 50 Years of interviews with members of the evening with Sumbar Talenta table book, the author recounts community. the storied journey of these The Deep. Up to 20 participants Indian Classical Music & as they bring to you various Chinese circus performers on a first-come, first-served Dance in Singapore traditional Minangkabau Singapore Indian Fine Arts using memories from her family basis. Recommended for songs and dances like the tari visitors aged five and above. Society Fun with Photograms pasambahan and tari piring. and fans of the circus. library@esplanade ArtScience Museum Saturday | July 18 B1 Education Space For more information, please 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday | July 19 and 26 CONVERSATIONS Bibliotopia Talk by visit www.marinabaysands. Free admission 2:30 p.m. Michael Lee com/museum/exhibitions-and- $5 for each person. Purchase Creating new realities: National Library, Singapore events/the-deep.html Raga and Rasa — melodies tickets on the day from the Animation now and next ArtScience Museum Possibility Room, Level 5, and emotions expressed in museum retail store, B2. National Library Building Expression Gallery, Level 4 the lively art forms of Indian Saturday | July 25 Saturday | July 11 Project Singapore Book Use silhouettes of the amazing classical music and dance 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 3 p.m. to 4 p.m Launch — have been the bedrock of ocean creatures from The Deep Free admission Free admission Tai Sun Indian identity across the placed on photographic paper Level 5, Imagination Room, in a darkroom environment to In this talk-and-tour event, centuries and around the A day of engaging National Library Building world. These art forms have create artwork to take home. artist Michael Lee revisits Saturday | July 18, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. presentations given by thrived and intertwined with Up to 20 participants on a animators and animation his research and creative Free admission first-come, first-served basis. processes for Bibliotopia, other Asian cultures, helping thought leaders that explore Indians maintain a distinctive Recommended for visitors aged animation today and in the a new series of three LED- Often associated with five and above. lit mind maps inspired by Singapore’s food and beverage cultural identity in multicultural future. Singapore.

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humorous jaunt down memory fashion lovers out there should This exhibition tells the story $6 for adults and $4 for children lane. not miss out on this parade of The Way We Were of modern Singapore from its Festivities: Barayo di (3 to 12 years). colourful traditional costumes Exhibition founding in 1819 to present Rumah Gadang (Hari Free admission for Singapore from the various regions of Tan Zixi (MessyMsxi) and day through a collection of Raya Celebrations at the Citizens and Permanent Sree Narayana Mission West Sumatra. Lua Aiwei authentic historical medals. A Rumah Gadang) Residents Sree Narayana Mission Level 1, Lobby, National Library journey through four distinct Malay Heritage Centre Level 5, Possibility Room, Building periods, it showcases critical MHC Auditorium The first stamp club in National Library Building BUAL Screening August 1 to 28, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. events and heroic individuals Sunday | August 2, 5 p.m. Singapore, Singapore Stamp Saturday | July 25 Tweeq Free admission who have been a part of this Club, celebrates its 75th 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Level 5, Possibility Room, legendary history. Celebrate this festive Hari Raya anniversary this year with Free admission National Library Building Gain a rare and precious season Minangkabau-style with an exhibition of personal glimpse into the memories of Friday | July 31 For more information, please songs and dances that are sure collections from its members. From a diverse group with Singapore and its forgotten 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. visit www.elm.com.sg to uplift your mood. Take a peek into materials varying backgrounds to Free admission practices, including kampong dating from the Straits a respectable charitable scenes, childhood games, Settlements era to today. organisation, trace the Comprising around 13 percent mama shops, multicultural Seminar: Rivers Philatelic Gems: Topics include postcards, development of Sree Narayana of our nation’s population as festivals, and practices. The & Footpaths As A Singapore Stamp Club airmails, crash mails, stamp Mission from its humble the country’s second largest Way We Were by Tan Zixi Motivating Factor of 75th Anniversary essays, proofs, errors, artworks, beginnings to the success ethnic group, the Malays (MessyMsxi) and Lua Aiwei Minangkabau Migration Singapore Philatelic Museum sub post offices, island post it is today. Through this are the original settlers of presents a visually impactful August 4 to November 14 To Malay Peninsula Until offices of Syonan and more! documentary, the charity Singapore. project creating merchandise Monday | 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Early 20th Century shares the advances it has adorned with Toile de Jouy Tuesday to Sunday | For more information, please Malay Heritage Centre 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. made in meeting the needs of BUAL (meaning “speak” illustrations. MHC Auditorium visit www.spm.org.sg the Sembawang community in Malay) is an inspiring Sunday | August 2, 11 a.m. Geylang Serai Foot and Food Heritage Trails and Singapore. documentary series that captures the stories and TracingSG Exhibition Speaker: Prof Dr Gusti Asnan Saturday | July 25 contributions of trailblazers ONO Creates Geylang Serai Foot and 11 a.m. to 12 noon Seminar by Distinguished in the local Malay Muslim Level 1, Lobby, National Library This seminar by Prof Dr Gusti Food Heritage Trails Free admission Speaker, Tan Sri Dr Rais community, and encourages Building Asnan will look into the factors August 1 to 28 Geylang Serai Integration & Yatim youths to contribute to the that motivated the migration Nationalisation Champions Bold, adventurous, and Malay Heritage Centre larger community, fostering a 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free admission of the Minangkabau people to Committee courageous. These are but MHC Auditorium strong sense of belonging to the Malay Peninsula from the July 25, August 29, and some of the words to describe Saturday | July 25 our nation. social, political, and economic 2:30 p.m. TracingSG draws its patterns September 26 these 10 Malay pioneers aspects. 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and personalities who have August from the visually rich range of August 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. contributed to the progress For this Distinguished Speaker icons seen in Singapore over the past 50 years. Showcasing Registration is required. Free admission of Singapore since its humble Seminar, we will be inviting Tan Hearts & Craft Exhibition, five local places of gathering fishing village days. Malay Sri Dr Rais Yatim, a prominent Tour, and Artist Talks The trails highlight various political Minangkabau figure — the Void Deck, Coffeeshop, Pioneers of Early Singapore Hansen Khoo, TINKR, and Dan Seminar: Tadarus Cinta places of worship and is a series of articles and in Malaysia, who is currently Wong Provision Shop, Public favourite food haunts of the President of International Transport Space, and Play Buya Pujangga webisodes celebrating Level 1, The Plaza (Exhibition and Malay Heritage Centre locals; when combined Islamic University of Malaysia. Area — each set of collective and commemorating the Tour), Level 5, Possibility Room MHC Auditorium Play at TJ — Our Memories of Recreational Sites in with stories of residents, icons evokes vivid memories contributions of these daring August 1 to 28, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday | August 2, 2:30 p.m. Taman Jurong Exhibition Open House these trails showcase the role models. Registration is required. (Exhibition) of nostalgia and community August 8, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Tour traced into timeless line art by hamonious, multi-religious and Speaker: Akmal Nasery Basral National Heritage Board and Artist Talks) multi-cultural nature of the ONO Creates. Our Museum @ Taman Jurong and Taman Jurong Community Club Free admission In Bahasa Indonesia neighbourhood. Lingo Lingo Where You Go Minang Fashion Show by August 7, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Tour and Artist Talks) Screening and Talk Sumbar Talenta For this seminar, writer and Free admission To register, go to www.one. Malay Heritage Centre Led by the desire to give TO SERVE WITH HONOUR J Team Productions shape to our greatest past literary figure Akmal Nasery pa.gov.sg, or visit www. Level 5, Imagination Room, Bussorah Mall AND PRIDE: 200 YEARS OF Basral will discuss his novel, Play at TJ — Our Memories of Recreational Sites in Taman Jurong facebook.com/gsheritagetrail National Library Building Saturday | July 25 times, these forward-thinking SINGAPORE MEDALS AND is a selected showcase of popular recreational sites belonging 7:30 p.m. minds spared no effort turning Tadarus Cinta Buya Pujangga, Saturday | July 25, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. MEDALLIONS which is a fictional book that to Taman Jurong’s heritage, and how they reflect the SG50 Free admission yesteryear’s inspirations into 57 Eng Leong Medallic Industries spirit of community and family bonding through the memories As part of Aliwal Night Crawl, today’s creations. Hearts & Yishun Industrial Park A, traces the life of well-known Malay Pioneers of Early Indonesian literary figure of of its residents. In conjunction with this exciting launch, join us Explore the origins of Singlish Malay Heritage Centre presents Crafts comprise the following Singapore 768730 Singapore Minangkabau descent, Hamka, for an Open House and Jubilee celebration as we usher in our Siti Nafisah with Shawn Tan, as well as a Minang Fashion Show exhibitions: The Little Red From August 1 to December 31 or also known as Haji Abdul nation’s 50th birthday with a host of fun performances and an Level 5, Imagination Room, words used in the past with J which will showcase the rich Brick, 3D Printing Singapura Monday to Friday | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Malik Karim Amrullah. exciting street party organised by Taman Jurong Grassroots National Library Building Team Productions’ charmingly Minangkabau textile tradition Stories, and The Singapore Organisations. like the songket. Textile and March. Free Admission Registration is required.

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centre that encourages visitors darkest years of the Japanese are welcome to sign up for Toa Payoh Public Library, Enjoy this unique randai Heritage Grant Schemes to reminisce about their school Occupation from 1942 to 1945. My Favourite 70’s Show these fun and interactive craft Programme Zone (Meeting point) performance by the Indojati days as they tour the galleries, National Museum of Singapore workshops with their little ones. Saturday | August 15 group from West Sumatra, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Singapore’s thriving heritage scene continues to grow with enjoy traditional games For more information, please CREATE Space at PLAY@NMS Each session is limited to a which combines songs, dance, Saturday | August 8, 2 p.m. and Free admission (Please register a variety of publications, events and exhibitions that help to and snacks, play spin-the- visit www.nas.gov.sg/moff maximum of 30 participants. drama and silat (traditional wheel, and take home special 3:30 p.m. (Each session lasts one at library eKiosks or at www.nlb. Malay martial arts). cultivate an appreciation of our heritage. gov.sg/golibrary/programme/ souvenirs. Guided tours are hour) For more information, please Arts.aspx) available for groups with nine National Museum of Free admission visit www.wanqingyuan.org.sg Registration is required. The Heritage Participation Grant aims to support and enable a to fifteen people. Please email Singapore Jubilee The workshop is conducted Join our volunteers as they wide range of participants to step forth and take the initiative MOE_Heritage_Centre@moe. Weekend Celebrations by The Amazing Art Shuttle explore different heritage to promote and foster a deeper sense of appreciation of our gov.sg by July 24, to arrange for National Museum of Singapore Straits Family Sunday- Seminar: Prominent and is limited to 30 pairs of sites, learn the stories behind shared heritage. group visits. Friday to Monday | August 7 to Supersized: Majulah Minangkabaus in 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (opening parent and child (aged 4 to 12). historical buildings, and hunt for Singapura famous eating spots in Singapore: Zubir Said, Concurrently, the Heritage Project Grant aims to provide a hours extended until 10 p.m. on Registration required. Please For more information, please Peranakan Museum where the Memorial Hall is Yusof and Rahim Ishak Friday and Saturday) register on-site in advance. August 9, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. higher level of support for projects with the potential to make visit www.moeheritagecentre.sg located. Transportation will be Malay Heritage Centre a significant and lasting contribution to Singapore’s heritage Free admission MHC Auditorium Commemorate our 50th For more information, please provided to and fro the Sun Yat scene. Saturday | August 15, 2:30 p.m. National Day at the National visit www.nationalmuseum.sg Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall and Memories at Old Ford Get to know your Peranakan Museum with free entry to pioneers this National Day! Join the library. This trail is suitable Speakers: Associate Prof Lily If you are interested in learning more about the Heritage Grant Factory Open House all our galleries this Golden a guided tour in the galleries for parents with children eight Zubaidah Rahim and Puan Sri scheme, please visit www.nhb.gov.sg/NHBPortal/AboutUs/ National Archives of Singapore years old and above. Memories at Old Ford Factory, Jubilee Weekend. Celebrate Hand Drawn Nation exploring life stories, or make Datin Dr Rohana Zubir Grants/Overview or email [email protected] for 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, how far the nation has come Documentary art inspired by the collection. more information. Singapore 588192 at the SINGAPURA: 700 Years Lydia Shah Dress up in a batik shirt or Registration is required This seminar will give August 7 to 9 exhibition, and enjoy late-night Level 5, Possibility Room, sarong kebaya and take a and each trail is limited to a audiences a rare glimpse into The Maritime Heritage Fund, jointly administered by the Friday and Saturday | 9 a.m. to admission with free outdoor National Library Building commemorative photo with the maximum of 30 participants the lives of two very prominent 5:30 p.m. film screenings on Friday and Saturday | August 8 (split into two groups of 15 Maritime Port of Authority and National Heritage Board, aims 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. whole family. local Minangkabau figures: to foster a deeper appreciation of Singapore’s rich maritime Sunday | 12 noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Plus, join us at our participants, one group for Yusof Ishak (first President of Free admission Free admission each language). heritage and encourage community-led maritime themed Children’s Season exhibition, Singapore) and Zubir Said (the Masak Masak 2015, and take The Little Red Brick Lego lauded composer who wrote projects including exhibitions, programmes, events or others Old Ford Factory was the site Trace the background of that are engaging, original and innovative. part in a series of fun, hands- pioneering illustrators who Building Workshop Singapore’s national anthem). where the British surrendered on family activities on August Hansen Khoo Dance-Theatre: Sauik Associate Prof Lily Zubaidah to the Japanese on February penned the drawings behind Randai Manjalang Rang 8 and 9. memorable publications and Level 1, Visitors’ Briefing Room, and Dr Rohana will be talking For those who are interested in learning more about MHF and 15, 1942. Come and visit its National Library Building Rantau Mandakekan Hati campaigns from the 80s and about their families, their how you can play a part in preserving our maritime heritage, permanent exhibition, where Monday | August 10 by Indojati For more information, please 90s. Hand Drawn Nation lineage and legacy, as well please visit www.mpa.gov/sites/maritime_singapore/mhf/ you will learn about the lives visit www.nationalmuseum.sg 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Malay Heritage Centre as bringing us through some maritime-heritage-fund.page or contact Adeline_Niah@mpa. of those who lived through the documents the indelible mark Free admission MHC Auditorium these illustrators’ breakout episodes of both men’s lives gov.sg for more information. Saturday | August 15, 5 p.m. publications (Vinny the The humble LEGO brick is a Registration is required. Memories at Old Ford Factory Open House Vampire, PETS coursebooks, simple yet infinitely versatile and Young Generation art medium that can be used magazines) left on Singapore to build intricate structures, tell For enquiries and further then and today, marking colourful stories, and connect Hari Raya Open House and details, call 6391 0450 SINGAPORE 2015 World Stamp Exhibition the progress of our nation’s communities. Watch top Racial Harmony Day (Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to illustration scene. builders from the local Adult Hosted by Association of Singapore Philatelists with full support Malay Heritage Centre 6 p.m.) or email NHB_MHC_ Fans of LEGO commemorate from Singapore Post and Singapore Philatelic Museum August 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. [email protected] Free admission fifty uniquely Singapore Sands Expo® and Convention Centre Let’s Celebrate SG50! memories through their 14, 17, 18 August, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial creations at the SG50 edition 15 August, 12 noon to 8 p.m. This August, the Malay Heritage Ministry of Education Hall of The Little Red Brick Show. 16 August, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Centre together with Sun Yat Heritage Centre — Open August 8 and 9, TBC Be inspired to build a story of 19 August, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall House Free admission Free admission and the Indian Heritage Centre Ministry of Education Heritage your own too at one of their will be celebrating Hari Raya Centre Come join us at the Sun Yat workshops. SINGAPORE 2015 World Stamp Exhibition offers a rare Aidilfitri and Racial Harmony 402 Commonwealth Drive, Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall opportunity for people of all ages to immerse themselves in Day in a one-day event., There Singapore 149599 to celebrate Singapore’s 50th the fascinating world of philately. Highlights include over 2,000 will be cultural showcases, August 7 and 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. birthday. Let your creative Walk with Us: Balestier stamp exhibits, more than 110 trade booths, and the Special craft activities, food stations Free admission juices flow as you create your Heritage and Food Trail Attractions gallery. The President of the Republic of Singapore, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial and games that are commonly own unique decorations on the Dr Tony Tan, is the Patron of the exhibition. Learn about the Singapore Hall in collaboration with shared among all the races in craft works and express your Education story in this heritage National Library Board Singapore. love for our nation. Parents For more information, please visit www.singapore2015.com

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For more information, please get a chance to sample the rich Kopi Culture Exhibition, visit nlb.gov.sg/golibrary/ NADI Singapura — Yok Malay culture presented in the Mid-Autumn Festival 2015 Pop-Up Stall, and Book programme/Singapore.aspx Sembang Gendang! style of street performances. Launch Malay Heritage Centre From martial arts to songs Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Invasion Studios MHC Compound of worship, Neighbourhood Tuesday to Sunday | September 19 to 27, Level 1, Lobby (Exhibition and Rambun Pamenan by Tuah August 25 and September 26 Sketches will have something from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pop-Up Stall), Level 1, Visitors’ Serantau 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. for every type of culture (Closed on Mondays) Briefing Room (Book Launch), Malay Heritage Centre vulture. Free admission National Library Building MHC Auditorium Yok Sembang Gendang! July 18 to 28, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday | August 22, 5 p.m. is a monthly community September Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at Wan Qing Yuan with (Exhibition), engagement avenue dedicated your family and friends this September. Catch the display July 26, 10 a.m. to 12 noon This randai performance tells to sharing rhythms, grooves, of light sculptures at the Zhongshan Park and have fun (Pop-Up Stall and Book Launch) Tari Sumarak Rumah the story of Rambun Pamenan, and drums of the Malayan Gadang by Giring-giring taking part in activities such as lantern riddles, Chinese a chivalrous young man who Archipelago. NADI Singapura arts and crafts demonstrations, workshops, and many Before coffee mega-chains Bambu faced many challenges in his welcomes enthusiasts of all Malay Heritage Centre other activities. landed on our shores, effort to save his widowed ages and anyone who wishes Singaporeans were already MHC Auditorium mother, the beautiful Linduang to participate and experience Saturday | September 5 discerning coffee connoisseurs. Bulan, from the clutches of the the unique, vibrant drumming 2:30 p.m. In the book Singapore Kopi evil king, Raja Angek Garang. style originating from this Culture, Jahan Loh recounts region. In this dance, the important how early migrants turned the Neighbourhood Sketches Re-opening of the Women’s Action Registration is required. role of Bundo Kanduang (or National Museum of Association of Women for Action colonial habit of afternoon tea Mother) in the Minangkabau Minangkabau culture. This Sema Stone sites which Singapore Permanent & Research (AWARE) into our own coffee-drinking Neighbourhood Sketches society is highlighted in that Level 5, Imagination Room, lecture will highlight the demarcate sacred Buddhist Galleries culture, complete with unique Talk/Demo: Koto Gadang: Malay Heritage Centre all activities under the roof are National Library Building different techniques of spaces, however, are also National Museum of Singapore coffee roasting and brewing Sulam, Tenun, Renda Bussorah Mall managed by her. This section September | visit iremember.sg embroidery, weaving, and located at Kulen — some Saturday and Sunday | techniques. This fascinating dan Keunikannya (Koto August 28 and 29, September 25 will also feature other dance September 12 and 13 for the updated schedule lace-making (or edge-making), possibly related to Dvaravati account of local coffee comes Gadang: Embroidery, and 26 and musical performances 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission which are characteristic of the influence. Fieldwork in 2015 complete with its own pop-up Weaving, Lace & Their From 8:30 p.m. (after Isya’ uniquely from the West Free admission Koto Gadang region. There will investigates Sema sites to prayers) coffee stall where visitors can Uniqueness) Sumatra region. The modern Singaporean view old coffee paraphernalia. Malay Heritage Centre also be a demonstration of further understand cultural Come visit the new permanent woman’s lifestyle — educated, diversity. Set along the vibrant esplanade MHC Auditorium these techniques at the end of Registration is required. galleries at the National healthy, and having equal Venue: Level 1, Lobby Saturday | August 22, 2:30 p.m. the seminar. of Bussorah Street, visitors will Museum. Refreshed with access to job opportunities — (Exhibition and Pop-Up Stall), For more information, please updated stories and content on owes much to the women’s Level 1, Visitors’ Briefing Room Speaker: Sita Dewi Razai visit http://nsc.iseas.edu.sg Singapore’s post-independence movement. AWARE pays (Book Launch), National Library PUBLIC LECTURE ON the National Museum of Singapore history, the new galleries tribute to the historic Building Rich and luxurious textiles “ANGKOR, DIVERSITY, recapture the nation’s defining struggles and triumphs in are often associated with AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL The Dialectic Vernacular moments, challenges, and the fight for women’s rights, EXPLORATIONS AT PHNOM Exhibition achievements from its earliest and commemorates its own KULEN, CAMBODIA: Ang Song Nian beginnings 700 years ago to pioneering role in the online Level 1, Visitors’ Briefing Room, Singapore Night Festival 2015 UNDERSTANDING THE SEMA the independent, modern city- interactive exhibition, Women’s SITE ENIGMA” BY DR KYLE National Library Building Action. July 25 to August 15, state it is today. National Museum of Singapore LATINIS (NSC, ISEAS) AND DR STEPHEN MURPHY (ACM) 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Exhibition), Bras Basah.Bugis Precinct Level 5, Imagination Room, For more information, please August 21, 22, 28 and 29 Nalanda-Sriwijaya Centre at visit www.nationalmuseum.sg the Institute of Southeast Asian National Library Building 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. July 25, 10 a.m. to 12 noon (Talk) Free admission Studies (NSC, ISEAS) and Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) Every time we speak in our The eighth installation of the iconic night-time extravaganza Malay Heritage Centre, 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501 dialects, we express a part of arts, culture, and revelry returns to the Bras Basah. Bugis of our cultural history. With precinct with spectacular performances, light installations, Tuesday, August 25, 7 p.m. Free admission the use of dialects slowly and a multitude of activities for all to enjoy. In celebration declining among the younger of Singapore’s 50th birthday, visitors can look forward to an Phnom Kulen, Cambodia, generation, the exhibition The If you wish to feature your events, please email us at exciting line-up that will transform the festival grounds into a relates to the origin of Dialectic Vernacular brings our [email protected] constellation of glittering local and international acts against Angkorian civilisation (9th to attention to the accompanying the night sky. 15th centuries CE). Existing disappearance of our All details and information were correct at time of publishing data indicates a dominance heritage and encourages the but could be subject to change. You may wish to check For more information, please visit www.nightfest.sg of Hindu influence. Enigmatic revitalization of dialect use. with event organisers before setting off. NHB cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.

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The Museum Roundtable (MR) The Army Museum Chinese Heritage Centre2 Grassroots Heritage Centre1 Lee Kong Chian Natural National Museum of Republic of Singapore Navy Singapore Maritime Gallery1 is an initiative led by National of Singapore2 Nanyang Technological National Community Leaders History Museum Singapore2 Museum1 Marina South Pier Heritage Board since 1996. It 520 Upper Jurong Road University Institute 2 Conservatory Drive 93 Stamford Road 112 Tanah Merah Coast Road Level 2 represents and comprises a Singapore 638367 12 Nanyang Drive 70 South Road Singapore 117377 Singapore 178897 Singapore 498794 31 Marina Coastal Drive collective of public and private +65 6861 3651 Singapore 637721 Singapore 118176 +65 6516 5082 +65 6332 3659 +65 6544 5147 Singapore 018988 +65 6513 8157 +65 6672 5200 lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg nationalmuseum.sg mindef.gov.sg/content/imindef/ +65 6325 5707 museums, heritage galleries, 1 and unique attractions of Art Retreat Museum* chc.ntu.edu.sg nacli.pa.gov.sg/grassroots- mindef_websites/atozlistings/ maritimegallery.sg 10 Ubi Crescent heritage-centre.html 1 science and discovery in NEWater Visitor Centre navymuseum/home.html Lobby C Civil Defence Heritage Singapore Philatelic Museum2 Singapore. With more than fifty 20 Koh Sek Lim Road #01-45/47 Gallery1 Malay Heritage Centre2 Singapore 486593 Republic of Singapore Air 23-B Coleman Street members currently, the MR Ubi Techpark 62 Hill Street 85 Sultan Gate +65 6546 7874 Force Museum1 Singapore 179807 strives to develop a stronger Singapore 498564 Singapore 179367 HDB Gallery1 Singapore 198501 www.pub.gov.sg/water/newater/ 400 Airport Road +65 6337 3888 museum-going culture in +65 6749 0880 +65 6332 2996 HDB Hub +65 6391 0450 visitors/Pages/default.aspx Paya Lebar Airbase spm.org.sg Singapore while positioning artretreatmuseum.com www.scdf.gov.sg/community- Basement 1 malayheritage.org.sg Singapore 534234 museums as unique and volunteers/visit-scdf- 480 Toa Payoh Lorong 6 Ngee Ann Cultural Centre1 +65 6461 8507 Singapore Sports Museum2 fascinating destinations. Please ArtScience Museum establishments/cd-heritage- Singapore 310480 Marina Barrage1 97 Tank Road mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_ 6 Stadium Walk visit www.museums.com.sg for 10 Bayfront Avenue gallery hdb.gov.sg/hdbgallery 8 Marina Gardens Drive Teochew Building websites/atozlistings/air_force/ Singapore 397698 more information. Singapore 018956 Singapore 018951 Singapore 238066 about/museum.html +65 6653 9710 +65 6688 8826 The Changi Museum1 HealthZone +65 6514 5959 +65 6737 9555 sportshub.com.sg/venues/ marinabaysands.com/museum. 1000 Upper Changi Road North Level 2 pub.gov.sg/Marina/Pages/ ngeeann.com.sg/en/ngee-ann- Pages/singapore-sports- html Singapore 507707 Health Promotion Board Sustainable-Singapore-Gallery. cultural-centre museum.aspx +65 6214 2451 3 Second Hospital Avenue aspx Science Centre Singapore2 Asian Civilisations Museum2 changimuseum.com.sg Singapore 168937 NUS Museum1 15 Science Centre Road Sun Yat Sen Nanyang 1 Empress Place 1800 435 3616 Memories at Old Ford University Cultural Centre Singapore 609081 Memorial Hall2 Singapore 179555 hpb.gov.sg/healthzone/ Factory2 50 Kent Ridge Crescent +65 6425 2500 12 Tai Gin Road +65 6332 7798 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road Singapore 119279 science.edu.sg Singapore 327874 acm.org.sg Eurasian Heritage Centre Home Team Gallery*1 Singapore 588192 +65 6516 8817 +65 6256 7377 139 Ceylon Road 501 Old Road +65 6462 6724 nus.edu.sg/museum The SGH Museum1 wanqingyuan.org.sg Singapore 429744 Singapore 698928 nas.gov.sg/moff Bowyer Block +65 6447 1578 +65 6465 3726 11 Third Hospital Avenue Baba House*1 eurasians.org.sg/eurasians-in- Ministry of Education Singapore 168751 157 Neil Road singapore/eurasian-heritage- Heritage Centre Peranakan Museum2 +65 6326 5294 Tan Tock Seng Hospital Singapore 088883 centre/ 402 Commonwealth Drive 39 Armenian Street sgh.com.sg/about-us/sgh- Heritage Museum1 +65 6227 5731 iExperience Centre Singapore 149599 Singapore 179941 museum/Pages/SGH-Museum. 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng nus.edu.sg/museum/baba B1-10/19 Esplanade Xchange +65 6838 1614 +65 6332 7591 aspx Level 1 90 moeheritagecentre.sg/ peranakanmuseum.org.sg Singapore 308433 The Battle Box3 Singapore 189562 Singapore Art Museum2 +65 6357 8266 2 Cox Terrace Sentosa Island +65 6820 6880 MINT Museum of Toys Police Heritage Centre*1 71 Bras Basah Road ttsh.com.sg/TTSH-Heritage- Singapore 179622 Siloso Point iexperience.sg 26 Seah Street Police Headquarters Singapore 189555 Museum +65 6338 6144 Singapore 099981 Singapore 188382 New Phoenix Park +65 6589 9580 1 1800 736 8672 The Intan* +65 6339 0660 28 Irrawaddy Road singaporeartmuseum.sg The Building & Construction sentosa.com.sg 69 Joo Chiat Terrace emint.com Singapore 329560 Authority Gallery*3 Singapore 427231 +65 6478 2123 Singapore City Gallery1 Woodbridge Museum1 200 Braddell Road Fu Tak Chi Museum2,3 +65 6440 1148 police.gov.sg/spfheritage 45 Maxwell Road 10 Buangkok Green Singapore 579700 76 Telok Ayer Street the-intan.com The URA Centre Buangkok Green Medical Park +65 6248 9930 Singapore 048464 National Healthcare Group Singapore 069118 Singapore 539747 1 bcaa.edu.sg/learning-journey- +65 6580 2888 IRAS Gallery Polyclinics’ Gallery of +65 6321 8321 +65 6389 2000 1 sites/bca-gallery fareastsquare.com.sg Revenue House Level 1 Memories1 Red Dot Design Museum ura.gov.sg/uol/citygallery 55 Newton Road Level 3 of Bukit Batok Polyclinic Ground Floor Singapore 307987 50 Bukit Batok West Avenue 3 Red Dot Traffic Building Singapore Coins and Notes C +65 6351 2076 28 Maxwell Road Museum 1 Singapore 659164 Chinatown Heritage Centre3 Gan Heritage Centre* iras.gov.sg/irashome/irasgallery. +65 6355 3000 Singapore 069120 20 Teban Gardens Crescent 48 Pagoda Street 18 Bukit Pasoh Road aspx nhgp.com.sg +65 6327 8027 Singapore 608928 Singapore 059207 Singapore 089832 museum.red-dot.sg +65 6895 0288 +65 6534 8942 +65 6223 0739 National Library Gallery1 scnm.com.sg chinatownheritagecentre.sg ganclan.sg Reflections at Bukit Chandu2 1 100 Victoria Street Land Transport Gallery Singapore 188064 31-K Pepys Road Singapore Discovery Centre 1 Hampshire Road +65 6332 3255 Singapore 118458 510 Upper Jurong Road *By Appointment Only Block 1 Level 1 nlb.gov.sg/golibrary/exhibitions. +65 6375 2510 Singapore 638365 1 Free Singapore 219428 aspx www.nhb.gov.sg/ +65 6792 6188 2 Free for Singapore Citizens +65 6396 2550 NHBPortal/Museums/ sdc.com.sg lta.gov.sg/ltgallery/index.html ReflectionsatBukitChandu and Permanent Residents 3 Opening soon

76 77 Save the Date! Friday & Saturday 21 & 22 Aug 2015 28 & 29 Aug 2015 7pm – 2am

Bras Basah.Bugis Precinct

Free Admission

William Close at Singapore Night Festival 2014 www.nightfest.sg | #sgnightfest 78