Explore ! returns with a heritage hop, skip and jump!

Mark: 21, 4, 20, 17, 27. 21, 4, 20, 17, 27. 21, 4, 20, 17, 27…

Suhaimi: Hey Mark! What are you muttering there to yourself? Buying TOTO numbers is it?

Mark: Not Toto! I‟m trying to remember these important numbers! 21 November to 4 December. 20 activities, 17 museums and….

Suhaimi: 27 National Monuments! I know too! Mark, are you an ambassador for Explore Singapore! 2011 organised by the National Heritage Board?

Mark: Yes I am!

Suhaimi: Ha ha, we are both good friends so we will be good ambassadors! But why must you memorise all the numbers?

Mark: I want to be an outstanding ambassador! I must remember all the important dates! Plus I‟m leading tours for the Monument Open House and hosting for the Asian Civilisations Museum and Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall!

Suhaimi: Don‟t forget I‟ll also be doing the Monument Open House tours and hosting at the ACM! But Mark, memorising numbers and information is not the point of Explore Singapore!. Explore Singapore! is all about families and friends having fun in our museums and monuments while learning about our culture and heritage, not to be stressed with numbers and information!

Mark: Really? Oh! Is that why the theme this year is “Heritage Hop-about”? It‟s quite cute, right? I imagine people all hopping from one museum to another to learn about heritage! Correct?

Suhaimi: Yes! Actually I want to bring my family to quite a few of the Explore Singapore! 2011 events. They all sound interesting! Come brother, let‟s go drink „kopi‟ and talk about Explore Singapore! …

Singapore, 16 November 2011 – Join our ambassadors, Mark Lee and Suhaimi Yusof and head on out to our museums and other heritage venues as Explore Singapore! returns once again! This year, the annual campaign organised by the National Heritage Board (NHB) carries the theme Heritage Hop-about, and with over 20 activities held at 44 venues including NHB museums, Museum Roundtable members, heritage institutions and National Monuments, there will be something for both the young and old to enjoy. Held over two weeks from 21 November to 4 December 2011, there‟s no better time to round up your loved ones and embark on an adventure island-wide!

Says Cheryl Koh, Director, Marketing and Corporate Communications, NHB: “Explore Singapore! 2011 offers a good sampling of events and activities that provide an insight to the blend of cultures that make Singapore as colourful and varied as it is today. Members of the public will be spoilt for choice as our Museum Roundtable members, heritage institutions and national monuments come on board along with our NHB museums to offer a variety of programmes suitable for both adults and children. We invite everyone, young and old to come and celebrate the year-end holiday with a Heritage Hop-About!”

6 Heritage “Hops” to look out for:

Hop #1: The inaugural Monument Open House will have 27 National Monuments open to the public, with free tours conducted by guides from the Preservation of Monuments Board and some by monument owners themselves! These include privately-owned monuments such as House of Tan Yeok Nee (Former Salvation Army Headquarters) and the Chesed El-Synagogue. Don‟t miss a special tour of the monuments along Telok Ayer Street by Mark and Suhaimi.

Hop #2: For the first time, an immersive guided night tour of will provide members of the public with a glimpse into the trials and deprivations of World War II conditions with SYONAN- TO, 1942.

Hop #3: Journey through Clans in Chinatown, organised by the Urban Redevelopment Authority Singapore City Gallery, will give an overview of some of the oldest clan associations in Singapore, and introduce them to the architecture of the historic buildings they are located in.

Hop #4: Movie buffs, pack your picnic baskets and join Mark and Suhaimi at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) for a screening of “It‟s a Great Great World” at It‟s a Great, Great Weekend at ACM!.

Hop #5: Children will love the I‟m a Singapore History Explorer interactive tour at the National Museum of Singapore, which will see them following the adventures of Italian journalist Luisa Contini as they learn about Singapore‟s history together!

Hop #6: Join Mark Lee at the newly re-opened Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall for Down the Memory Lane – History, Food and Fun! where visitors get to learn about Dr Sun through traditional food, games and performances.

Please refer to Annex A for information and dates of all the “hops” of Explore Singapore! 2011.

For more information and updates on Explore Singapore! 2011, please visit www.museums.com.sg/es11

-End-

About Explore Singapore! Explore Singapore!, championed by the National Heritage Board, encourages members of the public to embark on fun and fascinating journeys to discover our colourful past, rich heritage, exciting art and vibrant cultures. Aimed at making heritage and museums accessible and enjoyable, Explore Singapore! features an eclectic and unique brew of enriching yet entertaining activities happening at our island‟s museums and heritage attractions. For more information, please visit www.museums.com.sg.

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

For media queries, please contact: Rachel Lo Associate Account Director, Fulford Public Relations DID: (65) 6327 6177 Mobile: (65) 9847 8839 Email: [email protected]

Annex A - Explore Singapore! 2011 Programmes

Explore Singapore! 2011 Heritage Hop-about 21 Nov to 4 Dec 2011

This year, Explore Singapore! Heritage Hop-about promises to up the excitement with an eclectic and unique array of enriching yet entertaining activities. Be prepared to have a whale of a time at our museums and heritage attractions as you learn more about Singapore‟s colourful past and vibrant cultures. Look out for a movie screening, performances, gallery hunts, arts and crafts workshops, exclusive giveaways, and many more activities island wide! Or embark on an expedition back in time to discover the unique aspects of Singapore‟s society and our built heritage with special tours and activities at monuments organised by the Preservation of Monuments Board. So be sure to bring your family and friends to visit the museums this November!

Visit museums.com.sg/es11 for more details.

I am a Sports Champion! YOG Gallery @ the Singapore Sports Museum 21 Nov to 4 Dec 2011 (excluding weekends & Public Holidays) For ages 6 and up Free admission

Get an insight into the world of sports and experience it yourself through our gallery tour, craft making activities and Let's Play Sports Clinics. Learn the right way to play one of these sports at our clinics – Silat, Boxing, Fencing and Weightlifting with our experts and find out their winning formulas.

Let's Play Sports Clinics schedule: Saturdays, 26 Nov & 3 Dec 2011 | 10am & 11am Sundays, 27 Nov & 4 Dec 2011 | 10am & 11am Minimum 25 participants per session (Limited to 50 participants per session)

Pre-registration is required for Sports Clinics. To register, call 6471 4430/7639 or email [email protected].

Neighbourhood Sketches (Episode 1: Traditional Malay Music) Bussorah Mall Fridays, 11 & 25 Nov 2011 | 9-10pm Saturdays, 12 & 26 Nov 2011 | 3-3.30pm & 9-9.30pm Free admission

Traditional Malay Music covers various genres including Asli, Zapin, Inang, Dondang Sayang and Joget. These genres are performed with the gambus, violin, and accordion and in modern times with guitars and bass. Join the along the streets of Kampung Gelam and explore the various melodies and beats of these genres, and discover the different influences from the region that have made Traditional Malay Music a unique cultural icon in Singapore.

Weekend Festival Fashion & Fusion: Sarong Kebaya 19 & 20 Nov 2011 9am-7pm (Activities are from 12 noon – 5pm) Free admission

Enjoy a weekend of enticing cultural performances and exciting activities that celebrate the Sarong Kebaya exhibition. Catch live performances of gambang kromong (fusion music from Indonesia) and hear the Orkestar Trio mix traditional music from the Malay archipelago with modern sounds. Try your hand at batik painting or make your own paper crafts. Watch demonstrations of kebaya sewing and colourful Peranakan beading. Actors stationed in the galleries will entertain you and reveal fascinating facts about objects on display. See talented iPad artists create digital drawings and request a softcopy souvenir. Gather your family and friends and join us for a weekend full of fun!  Free ice cream for the first 500 visitors each day*  Free goodie bags for the first 200 children each day* *From 12 noon onwards. While supplies last. Terms and conditions apply.

For enquiries, please call 6336-2983 or visit www.peranakanmuseum.sg for more details.

I’m a Singapore History Explorer – An Interactive Tour National Museum of Singapore Fridays, 25 Nov & 2 Dec 2011 | 11.30am & 2.30pm Saturdays, 19 Nov, 26 Nov & 3 Dec | 10.30am, 12.30pm & 3pm Sundays, 20 Nov, 27 Nov & 4 Dec | 10.30am, 12.30pm & 3pm

Explore Singapore‟s history in a fun and interactive way through the National Museum‟s signature interactive tours! Join and help Miss Luisa Contini, a journalist, as she investigates Singapore‟s colourful past, and embark on an exciting journey of discovery in the Singapore History Gallery.

Meeting point: Entrance to Singapore History Gallery (Level 2) For children aged 7 – 12 years old Free on a first come, first served basis (Limited to 30 participants per session)*. Registration begins 30 minutes before the commencement of each interactive tour. *Admission fee to the Singapore History Gallery applies.

I’m a Singapore History Explorer – A Discovery Trail National Museum of Singapore 19 Nov to 4 Dec 2011 Pick-up point: Entrance to Singapore History Gallery (Level 2) Free *Admission fee to the Singapore History Gallery applies

Pick up a copy of the Singapore History Discovery Trail and start your quest through the Singapore History Gallery to unravel Singapore‟s past and redeem a free pin badge^ upon completion.

^Exclusively for participants who complete the Singapore History Discovery Trail. Limited to the first 3,000 participants on a first-come-first-served basis.

Journey from Yester-year to the Future Infocomm Experience Centre (iExperience) 21 Nov to 4 Dec 2011 10am-8pm daily Free admission Special tours are available at 11am, 1pm, 3pm & 5pm

During Explore Singapore! 2011, visitors to iExperience may choose to join the guided tours or walk in and explore the differences between yester-year lifestyle and the next gen lifestyle. Get in touch with yester-year gadgets and understand how technology has transformed our lives in the various aspects such as work, living, learning and interaction. Visitors can also look forward to playing heritage games in both the traditional and new generation forms.

To register, call 6820 6880 or email [email protected].

Explore Singapore's Land Transport History and System! Land Transport Gallery 22 Nov to 4 Dec 2011 (excluding Mondays & Public Holidays) Tuesdays to Fridays: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm Saturdays & Sundays: 10am, 2pm & 4pm Limited to 40 participants per session Free admission

Come visit the Land Transport Gallery for a multi-sensory journey from 21 November to 4 December! Travel through 6 zones and gain insights into the evolution of Singapore's Land Transport system. What's more, visit us during this period and enjoy exciting and educational board games and stand to win limited edition Land Transport Gallery souvenirs! Younger children can enjoy the craft making activities available. Admission and all activities are free!

To register, call 6396 2550 or email [email protected].

SYONAN-TO, 1942 Fort Siloso night tours at Fridays, 25 Nov & 2 Dec 2011 Saturdays, 26 Nov & 3 Dec 2011 (Reservation begins from 1 – 20 Nov)

Guided tour starts punctually at 7pm, 8pm & 9pm (rain or shine event) Limited to 20 participants per tour Highly recommended for ages 9 and up $28 per pax* (price applicable to both adult and child). *Event charge is inclusive of Sentosa Island admission and One-way Cable Car ride from Harbourfront Tower 2 station to Sentosa. Guests for this event have to arrive via the Cable Car.

A breathtaking view of Sentosa island on the Singapore Cable Car, then begin the tour on a tram ride from to Fort Silosos, to a time when Singapore was renamed „Syonan- to‟ during the Japanese Occupation in 1942-45.Meet characters from the past and hear their resourceful and creative efforts to supplement their food rations and to remain upbeat despite the trials and deprivations of wartime conditions. A reflective moment on what war has to teach us and to be appreciative of the peace and plenty we have today.

To reserve, email [email protected] with your name, NRIC, age and contact number. Reserved tickets if not collected by 23 Nov, 9pm, will be released for public sale at Singapore Cable Car Station at Harbourfront Tower2, from 24 Nov to 3 Dec 2011.

For enquiries, please call 1800 736 8672.

Term & Conditions: - Singapore Cable Car Ticket purchase and collection before 5pm entitles to free admission into Singapore Cable Car Museum on the same day. - Singapore Cable Car Museum Operating Hours: 8.30am – 5.30pm Daily - Singapore Cable Car Operating Hours: 8.30am – 10pm daily - This promotion is not valid with other ongoing and on-site promotions and discounts.

Ol’ School Fun at HealthZone HealthZone, Health Promotion Board Saturday, 26 Nov 2011 9.30am-12.30pm For children aged 4 to 12 years old $10 per child, inclusive of 2 adult admissions

Experience games played in the 'kampung' fun way like never before. Children will have a great time playing nostalgic games such as 'pick-up sticks', coconut bowling and 'milk can walk' that are rarely seen these days. Or personalise and keep a sand-art craftwork as a reminder to always lead a healthy lifestyle.

To register, call HealthZone at 1800 435 3616.

IRAS Performance – ‘Ang Teng Beh Tau’ to Revenue House! Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore Level 5, Auditorium Level 1, IRAS Gallery – The Singapore Tax Story Saturday, 26 Nov 2011 10am-12pm Free admission

Want to know how IRAS officers used to handle tax matters? Ever imagined what IRAS would be like in another 20 years? Come and watch an exclusive debut performance by the tax(wo)men! What‟s more, our tax investigator will share insights into how they uncovered tax evasions!

To register, call 6351 2076 or visit www.iras.gov.sg.

Journey through Clans in Chinatown Singapore City Gallery, URA

Saturdays, 26 Nov & 3 Dec 2011 9.30am-12 pm Adult: $6, Student/Senior Citizen: $4

Did you know that Chinatown has some of the oldest clan associations in Singapore? Clan associations are an important part of Singapore's heritage and continue to play significant roles today. Join URA's planner on a journey through the rich culture and history of various clan associations in Chinatown. Learn more about the historic buildings they are located in and their unique architecture. Listen to delightful stories including those of a clan related to the famous martial arts master, Wong Fei Hong. This tour is brought to you by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (Singapore City Gallery), with support from the and the Chinatown Business Association.

Limited spaces available on a first come first served basis. To register, email [email protected] with your name, NRIC, age and contact number. For enquiries, please call 6321 8250.

Monument Open House 2011 At 27 national monuments 26 & 27 Nov 2011, Walking tours at 10am & 3pm (registration starts first week of Nov) * Exclusive premiums and movie tickets await those who visit any 5 monuments (while stocks last) Free admission

Be a part of the inaugural Monument Open House 2011 as 27 national monuments welcome the public for visitation over the weekend! Grab the chance to explore and shuttle between the monuments, or join a tour to learn more about these beautiful buildings. Sign up for exclusive guided tours by our campaign ambassadors Mark Lee and Suhaimi Yusof*!

*Exclusive guided tours will be held on 27 Nov, at 9.30am & 11.30am. Limited to two participants per registration, on a first–come, first–served basis.

Free Shuttle Bus Service (to participating monuments) operates from 11 am to 5pm on both days, and is limited to 40 passengers at any point in time (first–come, first–served).

Visit www.pmb.sg for full details. You can download the Monument Open House 2011 brochure at http://www.museums.com.sg/es11/media/moh_brochure.pdf

‘Blast from the Past!’ Open Houses @ SPM Singapore Philatelic Museum Sundays, 27 Nov & 4 Dec 2011 9am-7pm Free admission

Inspired by Great World amusement park, the museum's fair brings you fun and games like the good ol' days. Children and parents can challenge each other to traditional games of Singapore, including tikam-tikam, gasing and spin-the-wheel. Winners get to take home prizes! Treat your taste buds to nostalgic snacks, catch a wayang performance, or pose with rare vintage cars from Singapore Heritage Car Club. Come dressed in retro fashion and get a free goodie bag! (while stocks last)

Visit www.spm.org.sg for details today.

For enquiries, please call 6337 3888 or email [email protected].

Stories Behind Singapore Streets Central Public Library Thursday, 1 Dec 2011, 3-4pm Bukit Merah Public Library Saturday, 3 Dec 2011, 2.30-3.30pm Limited to 25 participants For ages 4 to 12 $2 per participant

Do you know how Bukit Merah, Radin Mas and other streets in Singapore get their names? Find out more in this interactive session and tell us how you would name a street if you were asked to do so! Look out also for the “Stories Behind Singapore Streets” Exhibition, to be held at the National Library Building in January 2012.

Please register at http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg or eKiosks available at all public libraries.

It’s A Great Great Weekend at ACM! Asian Civilisations Museum Saturday, 3 Dec 2011, 6-9pm * 6pm – Fun activities, 8pm – Movie screening * Free admission to galleries from 6-11pm Free admission

Pack your picnic baskets, and take a trip to the past at the Asian Civilisations Museum! Enjoy the local blockbuster, “It‟s A Great Great World” under the stars! Set in the 1940s, the movie follows a multitude of characters who had lived, worked, played, and fell in love at Singapore‟s legendary amusement park, Great World. Don‟t miss our latest exhibition, “Patterns of Trade: Indian Textiles for Export, 1400 –1900”, and other fun activities. Look forward to a special programme featuring Mark Lee and Suhaimi Yusof!

For enquiries, please call 6332 3284 or email [email protected]

Batik Painting for the Family NUS Museum Saturday, 3 Dec 2011 2 sessions: 10am-12pm & 2-4pm Limited to 10 pairs of parent and child per session For children aged 5 to 12 years old $5 per pair

To encourage bonding within the family, NUS Museum has designed a fun and interactive batik painting workshop for families to take part in. Parent and child will pair up to learn the history, art and techniques of this traditional Asian art, working together to wax and colour their very own batik creation!

To register, please email [email protected]. For inquiries, please visit www.nus.edu.sg/museum or call 6516 8428.

Photography for Children NUS Museum Sunday, 4 Dec 2011 10am-5pm Limited to 20 participants For children aged 9 to 12 years old $10 per participant, inclusive of 1 adult admission

Photography for Children is a workshop designed for children and their parents to learn the basics of digital photography within the environments of a museum to nurture a new museum- going audience. The workshop will also include a field shoot to the nearby Haw Paw Villa for participants to try out their new skills.

To register, please email [email protected]. For inquiries, please visit www.nus.edu.sg/museum or call 6516 8428.

Open House at SAM: Explore Singapore with Amanda Heng and Singapore Art Museum at 8Q Sunday, 4 Dec 2011, 1pm – 5pm Free admission

Reminisce about the old times of Singapore with all things retro! Come enjoy music performances, art and craft activities and film screenings while savouring snacks and playing games enjoyed by the locals of yesteryear. Explore Singapore's forgotten histories through the contemporary art of Cultural Medallion winner, artist Amanda Heng.

For enquiries, please visit www.singaporeartmuseum.sg or email: [email protected]

Down the Memory Lane – History, Food & Fun! Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Sunday, 4 Dec 2011, 10am-5pm Free admission

Did you know that Dr. Sun Yat Sen and his revolutionary activities have united Chinese across the various dialect groups? His perseverance and determination has inspired the Chinese and all the other races even till today. Learn about this history in a fun and exciting way with food, games and various performances. Watch out for a wide array of traditional cuisines and "old time" games suitable for all ages. Last but not least, end your day with the humorous and witty performance by Mascots and Puppets Specialists and other interesting activities. Look out for an appearance from a special guest too!

For enquiries, please call 6256 7377 or visit www.wanqingyuan.org.sg

Say Cheese to 3Gs!

The Intan

Sunday, 4 Dec 2011, 2-5pm

$5 per family*

Want to learn more about a traditional Peranakan house and discover how the Nonyas and Babas lived? Head on down to The Intan, and enjoy the famed Peranakan hospitality. Come dressed in your sharpest for a professional 'photo shoot' against the elaborate settings of a Peranakan home! So get Kong Kong in his best Batik shirt and Mama in her brightest Sarong Kebaya for a memorable family portrait today!

* Visit is strictly based on appointments. Please go to www.the-intan.com for booking of photo- taking timeslots ** Admission fee allows entry to the museum and one 4R family portrait.

Annex B - Explore Singapore! 2011 Contests and Promotions

STAND A CHANCE TO WIN A SONY PLAYSTATION 3 AND WEEKLY PRIZES! HOW TO WIN?

1. Answer the question posted on Yesterday.sg! (Hint: It is a National Monument.)

2. Upload and post a creative photo of the correct answer on our facebook page!

3. Keep checking back our facebook page for updates as we will select the top creative entries each week to win special prizes.

4. Weekly winners will stand a chance to win

the Sony PlayStation 3.

5. Terms and conditions apply.

Click http://yesterday.sg/announcements/explore-singapore-2011-weekly-online-contest/ to find out more! I Love Museums Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/ILoveMuseums

Terms and Conditions 1. Only one entry per participant.

2. Late entry of photos will not be accepted.

3. All photos submitted must be the original photo of the individual submitting them.

4. Yesterday.sg will not be held responsible for any technical glitch during the course of submitting the photo.

5. Copyrights in all photos submitted remains with the respective participants.

6. By submitting the photo, the participant grants Yesterday.sg the right to use the photo for announcements and blogging purposes on the I Love Museums Facebook page and Yesterday.sg website.

7. All prizes are non-transferable and non-exchangeable.

8. Yesterday.sg reserves the right to change the terms and conditions at any time without giving any prior notice to any party.

9. By participating in the Contest, participants agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions and judges' decisions are final and binding. No correspondence will be entertained.

PICK UP OUR BROCHURE AND REDEEM EXCLUSIVE GIFTS AT THE FOLLOWING MUSEUMS!

Asian Civilisations Museum Land Transport Gallery Singapore Art Museum 1 Empress Place, S(179555) 1 Hampshire Road, Blk 1 Level 1, 71 Bras Basah Road, S(189555) t. 6332 7798 S(219428) SAM at 8Q is located at 8 Queen www.acm.org.sg t. 6396 2550) Street, S(188535) www.lta.gov.sg t. 6332 3222 Fort Siloso www.singaporeartmuseum.sg Sentosa Island, Siloso Point National Museum of t. 1800 SENTOSA (736 8672) Singapore Singapore City Gallery www.sentosa.com.sg 93 Stamford Road, S(178897) 45 Maxwell Road, The URA t. 6332 3659 Centre, S(069118) HealthZone www.nationalmuseum.sg t. 6321 8321 Level 2, Health Promotion Board, www.ura.gov.sg/gallery 3 Second Hospital Avenue, NUS Museum S(168937) National University of Singapore, Singapore Philatelic t. 1800 435 3616 University Cultural Centre, Museum www.hpb.gov.sg/healthzone 50 Kent Ridge Crescent, 23-B Coleman Street, S(179807) S(119279) t. 6337 3888 Infocomm Experience t. 6516 8817 www.spm.org.sg Centre (iExperience) www.nus.edu.sg/museum 90 Bras Basah, #B1-10/18 Singapore Sports Museum Esplanade Xchange, S(189562) Peranakan Museum – YOG Gallery www.iexperience.sg 39 Armenian Street, S(179941) 1 Kay Siang Road, S(248922) t. 6332 7591 Sun Yat Sen Nanyang IRAS Gallery www.peranakanmuseum.sg Memorial Hall 1st Storey, Revenue House, 55 No. 12 Tai Gin Road S(327874) Newton Road S(307987) t. 6256 7377 t. 6351 2076 www.wanqingyuan.org.sg www.iras.gov.sg

Terms and Conditions for Gift Redemption:  Redemption period begins from 21 November till 4 December 2011.  Entitlement to redeem is limited to one gift per person.  Gifts are strictly non-transferable, non-exchangeable and non-replaceable for credit, cash or kind in all cases, whether in whole or in part.  Not to be used with other promotions/discounts/concessions.  Redemptions are applicable while stocks last during the promotion period only.  The National Heritage Board reserves the right to amend privileges, terms and conditions without prior notice.