MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release

BATTLE FOR 2018 National Heritage Board commemorates the 76h anniversary of the Battle for Singapore

Singapore, 7 February 2018 – This February, commemorate the 76th anniversary of the Fall of Singapore through special programmes at Museum Roundtable (MR) museums and institutions, and a series of World War II guided tours, as part of the National Heritage Board’s (NHB) annual Battle for Singapore initiative.

2 Held from 15 February to 4 March 2018, highlight programmes include free entry to the Witness To War: Remembering 1942 special exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore, talks, guided tours, and outdoor walking trails that showcase Singapore’s history during the occupation years, organised in partnership with heritage community groups. Participants can learn more about the historical significance of World War II sites such as the Former Command House, Bukit Brown and Fort Serapong, and hear stories of the resilience and tenacity displayed by our forefathers during the war years.

3 Ms Angelita Teo, Director of the MR division at NHB, said, “Decades may have passed since the Battle for Singapore, but this pivotal chapter in our history has had a profound impact on who we are today. Through meaningful programmes, we hope to keep these stories – whether of World War II sites around Singapore, or the struggles and triumphs of people during the war – alive for future generations, as a reminder of the fragility of peace, and the importance of staying resilient as a nation.”

Special Activities at Museum Roundtable Museums and Institutions 4 Six MR members, namely the National Museum of Singapore, Changi Chapel & Museum, the Battlebox, Singapore Discovery Centre, and Former Ford Factory, have come on board with special programmes for Battle for Singapore 2018. From 15 to 18 February, visitors can enjoy free admission to Witness To War at the National Museum. This international exhibition is a rare chance to see World War II artefacts loaned from 10 overseas museum partners, including the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington. Highlights include the samurai sword of General Tomoyuki Yamashita and a 25-Pounder Field Gun which features in a 2.5 minute immersive gallery experience.

5 The Singapore Discovery Centre will present The Power of 1, a special exhibition which aims to bolster community resilience amid today’s evolving security landscape. There will also be an exclusive Singapore Civil Defence Force vehicular display and interactive activity stations held on certain days in February, to complement the exhibition. In addition, the Battlebox will be having a special promotion for its 1-hour guided tour titled A Story of Strategy & Surrender™, which shares more on the tactics and strategies that led to the decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese during WWII, as well as the roles and functions the Battlebox played during the war. Singapore citizens and permanent residents may enjoy a special discount of 50% on the 9.45am tour slot on selected days over three weeks. Please see Annex A for details on these special programmes.

Heritage Tours to World War II Sites 6 As part of Battle for Singapore 2018, NHB will offer more than 20 tour runs to numerous World War II sites around Singapore, from 24 February to 4 March 2018. These tours, led by heritage groups and volunteer guides, include the Former Command House, a stately building which is an important part of Singapore’s military history; National Monuments and historic sites in the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct, such as The Cathay, which were once occupied by the Japanese; and Bukit Brown, which was a pivotal WWII battleground. A full list of the guided tours may be found in Annex B.

7 Members of the public may visit https://bsg2018.peatix.com for more information and to sign-up for the heritage tours, on a first-come-first-served basis.

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About the National Heritage Board The National Heritage Board (NHB) was formed on 1 August 1993. As the custodian of Singapore’s heritage, NHB is responsible for telling the Singapore story, sharing the Singaporean experience and imparting our Singapore spirit.

NHB’s mission is to preserve and celebrate the shared heritage of our diverse communities, for the purpose of education, nation-building and cultural understanding. It manages the national museums and heritage institutions, and sets policies relating to heritage sites, monuments and the national collection. Through the national collection, NHB curates heritage programmes and presents exhibitions to connect the past, present and future generations of Singaporeans. NHB is a statutory board under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. Please visit www.nhb.gov.sg for more information.

For media enquiries, please contact: Elizabeth Tang Manager, Strategic Communications & Digital National Heritage Board Office: 6332 3921 Mobile: 9176 9182 Email: [email protected]

ANNEX A

MUSEUM ROUNDTABLE SPECIAL PROGRAMMES

Museum Roundtable Activities Member

National Free Admissions to Witness To War: Remembering 1942 special Museum of exhibition Singapore Dates: 15 – 18 February 2018

Witness to War: Remembering 1942 explores how Singapore's fall was part of a wider campaign waged by the Japanese Empire across the Pacific, and invites visitors to uncover the rich and complex world of untold stories centered on the fall of Singapore. The narrative also complements the current World War Two narrative that is presented in the National Museum’s permanent galleries, which largely focuses on the battle for Singapore and the Japanese Occupation.

Changi Chapel Battle for Singapore Promotion on Audio Guided Tours & Museum Address: The Changi Museum, 1000, Upper Changi Road North, Singapore 507707 Opening hours: 9:30am – 5:00pm daily, last admission at 4.30pm (Including Sundays and Public Holidays) Tel: 6214 2451 Website: www.changimuseum.sg

Promotion dates: 16 to 18 February, 23 to 25 February, and 2 to 4 March 2018

About: In honouring the spirit and commitment of those who rose from the depths of adversity, the Museum inspires future generations to come and deepen their appreciation of the heroic and inspirational stories that unfolded in Changi during the war. The Changi Museum is dedicated to all those who lived and died in Singapore, in particular the Changi area, during the dark years of World War II.

Through documentation of significant events of the Japanese Occupation, the Museum also serves as an important educational institution and resource centre. As for the Prisoners-of-War (POWs) and their families, it is a site that allows for closure of the many emotional scars inflicted by the war years. Visitors can go on our Audio tours and listen to the experiences of men and women who were imprisoned in Changi during the Second World War.

Battle for Singapore Promotion: Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents can enjoy a 50% discount on the Audio Guided Tour at the Changi Chapel & Museum over three weekends (16 to 18 February, 23 to 25 February, and 2 to 4 March 2018). Visitors intending to redeem the discount should show their IC at the Audio Guide counter of the Museum. No pre-registration required.

*Usual price: S$8.00 per adult and S$4.00 per child

Singapore The Power of 1 Discovery Dates: 30 January – 25 March 2018 Centre In commemoration of Total Defence Day 2018, Singapore Discovery Centre (SDC) has curated a special exhibition with an aim to bolster the psychological defence and resilience of visitors to face challenges in an evolving security landscape.

The exhibition highlights key complex challenges and geostrategic issues that may impact Singapore’s survival. It will urge visitors to reflect on their readiness and play active roles in protecting and defending Singapore. Visitors will also be encouraged to support this Whole of Nation approach because Together We Keep Singapore Strong.

SCDF Special Showcase and Vehicular Display Dates: 13, 14, 20 – 23, 27, 28 February 2018

Learn the roles and capabilities of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and experience them up-close through a special showcase with an exclusive vehicular display and interactive activity stations that highlight the importance of community resilience. Visitors will learn valuable skills such as the “Triangle of Life” (TOL and “Improvised First Aid Skills” (IFAS) that will aid them during times of crisis.

Fort Siloso Battle For Singapore Tour @ Fort Siloso Date: 15 February 2018 Time: 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm Admission: Free

Terms & Conditions:  Guided tour is limited to 20 pax per tour.  Prior registration is required on a first-come-first served basis. Please email history@.com.sg and indicate “Battle For Singapore Tour” in your email registration.  The tour will be conducted in English only, and is recommended for age 7 years and above.

Built in the late 19th century as an important installation for protecting Singapore’s coastline, Fort Siloso is now home to a wealth of WWII memorabilia, including the largest collection of coastal guns in Singapore, and the remains of fortified military structures and tunnels.

Begin your exploration from the Fort Siloso Skywalk, a treetop trail set 11- storey above ground. You may also choose to explore the fort by the Heritage Trail or the Gun Trail, both of which are sure to take you on an unforgettable journey back in time. The Heritage Trail highlights the buildings and structures of the fort, while telling the stories of soldiers and prisoners of war during WWII in Singapore. The Gun Trail provides insights into the military guns and defence weapons used by the British during WWII. Conclude your tour at the newly revamped Surrender Chambers, where you will be guided through six interactive zones, from the fall of Singapore till the eventual surrender of the Japanese at the end of WWII.

In commemoration of the Fall of Singapore, join our passionate guides on a special edition of the Battle For Singapore Tour @ Fort Siloso, as they journey with you back in time with stories of yesteryears.

Please visit the Fort Siloso website for more information on visiting Fort Siloso.

Battlebox Battle for Singapore Promotion Address: The Battlebox, 2 Cox Terrace Singapore 179622 Opening Hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm (including public holidays) Tel: 6338 6133 Email: [email protected] Website: www.battlebox.com.sg

Promotion dates: 14 to 16 February, 21 to 23 February, 28 February, and 1 to 2 March 2018 Promotional tour timing: 9.45am – 11am

About: The momentous decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942 was made inside the Battlebox, an underground command centre in the heart of Singapore City. The Battlebox was part of the headquarters of Malaya Command, the army which defended Malaya and Singapore in WWII.

The surrender marked the beginning of the end of the British Empire in the Far East, and the start of the darkest chapter in Singapore’s modern history.

Learn about the tactics and strategies that led to the decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese during WWII by joining The Battlebox Tour: A Story of Strategy & Surrender™.

The tour tells two stories: one story covers the primary causes of defeat surrounding what British Prime Minister Winston Churchill later dubbed the “worst disaster and largest capitulation in British history”. It shows visitors how Malaya and Singapore fell to the Japanese in just 70 days.

The other story covers the roles and functions the Battlebox played in the running of the war, taking visitors to key rooms used by generals and officers during WWII.

Battle for Singapore Promotion: To commemorate the Fall of Singapore in World War II, the Battlebox is having a special promotion for its 1-hour guided tour titled A Story of Strategy & Surrender™. Singapore citizens and permanent residents may enjoy a special discount of 50% on the 9.45am tour slot on selected days over three weeks.

Visitors can redeem this special discount for the 9.45am tour on the following dates: 14 to 16 February, 21 to 23 February, 28 February, and 1 to 2 March 2018. Visitors joining the promotional tour will also receive a postcard with compliments of the Battlebox.

Simply email [email protected] and include the phrase “BFS2018” to enjoy the promotion. This promotion is open to all Singapore Citizens and PRs. Once you have registered, bring your confirmation email and show your IC at the ticketing counter of the Battlebox Visitor Centre. Spaces are limited, so register today!

*Usual price $18 for adults and $9 for children aged 7 – 12 years old

Former Ford Repercussions at Home and Abroad: Significance of the Fall of Factory Singapore in 1942 Date: 24 February 2018 Time: 2.30 to 3.30pm Admission: Free* Registration is via GoLibrary (https://nlb.gov.sg/golibrary)

The fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942 was an event of great significance on the international stage, its reverberations felt across the region. It also resulted in large numbers of civilians being uprooted, forced to flee the war- stricken colonial territories.

Starting from the early British defence preparations to their eventual surrender, this talk explores the fall of Singapore within the larger geopolitical context, taking a closer look at the people who were impacted by this event. This talk is organised by the National Archives of Singapore and held in conjunction with Witness to War: Remembering 1942, a special international exhibition that the National Museum of Singapore curated to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore.

About the Speaker Priscilla is a curator with the National Museum of Singapore. She joined the museum in 2008, where she has curated a number of Singapore-themed exhibitions, including EDB’s 50th anniversary exhibition, Transforming Landscapes, Improving Lives: 50 Years of Economic Development and We: Defining Stories. Priscilla is part of the team that worked on the 2015 revamp of the Singapore History Gallery, where she focused on the post-war sections of the gallery. She is also part of the team that curated Witness to War: Remembering 1942 (2017), the special international exhibition that is held in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore.

Terms & Conditions:  Only 50 seats available on a first come first served basis.  *Free admission is applicable only to the talk. For visitors who wish to visit the exhibition gallery, admission fees apply as follows: . Free for Singaporeans & PRs . Foreigners: S$3 per entry

Guided tour of Former Ford Factory Date: 24 February 2018 Time: 3.30pm to 4.30pm Admission: . Free for Singaporeans & PRs . Foreigners: S$3 per entry

Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and its Legacies is a permanent World War Two exhibition presented by the National Archives of Singapore at the historic Former Ford Factory. This is the place where the British forces surrendered unconditionally to the imperial Japanese Army on 15 February 1942. The exhibition presents the events and memories surrounding the British surrender, the Japanese Occupation of Singapore, and the legacies of war. Through oral history accounts, archival records and published materials, the exhibition highlights the diverse experiences of the people in Singapore during this period in our history.

ANNEX B

WORLD WAR II GUIDED TOURS

TOUR 1A: WW II @ BUKIT BROWN Tour date: 24 February 2018 Timings: 9.00 am – 12.00 pm Meeting point: Please refer to the maps & directions at http://bukitbrown.com/main/?p=10124 Free

Synopsis One day after the Japanese aerial attack on Pearl Harbour on 7 December 1941, 17 Japanese warplanes raided Singapore in the first of many attacks to come. More than just a pivotal WWII battleground, Bukit Brown also became a resting place for numerous civilians and brave souls who had participated in anti-Japanese resistance. Relive their stories of tragedy, shame and innocence lost in this WWII tour.

Guides: Fabian Tee, All Things Bukit Brown

TOUR 1B: WW II @ BUKIT BROWN Tour date: 3 March 2018 Timings: 9.00 am – 12.00 pm Meeting point: Please refer to the maps & directions at http://bukitbrown.com/main/?p=10124 Free

Synopsis Bukit Brown Cemetery is one of the largest insitu burial ground for the war dead from WWII which includes civilians, war heroes and the volunteer forces, and the official burial registry also records mass burials. The volunteer guides will share stories on how the civilian victims of the war were buried in the aftermath of intense bombing in the city in the first few weeks of the war. There will also be harrowing stories of evacuation by sea and lives of the people leading up to the war and its immediate aftermath.

Guides: Peter Pak and Simone Lee, All Things Bukit Brown

TOUR 2: BOTANIC GARDENS TO BUKIT BROWN – A WWII TRAIL Tour date: 24 February 2018 Timing: 8.00 am – 12.00 pm Meeting point: Botanic Gardens - Cluny Court entrance gates, next to the MRT exit. Free

Synopsis Led by Claire and Bianca from All Things Bukit Brown, walk through the heritage corridor from the Botanic Gardens to Bukit Brown cemetery. Hear the brownies share stories of WWII heroes and prominent personalities at heritage landmarks, including the Jacob Ballas Garden, old Raffles College as well as Former Command House, and a selection of the stories of Bukit Brown cemetery that took place during the war in Singapore.

Guides: Claire Leow and Bianca Polak, All Things Bukit Brown

TOUR 3: WAR FOOD TRAIL AT BUKIT BROWN Tour dates: 25 February; 4 March 2018 Timing: 9.00 am – 12.00 pm Free

In 1941-42, as the Japanese army advanced down Malaya, refugees fleeing from them swelled the civilian population of Singapore to over a million. The increase in Singapore’s population led to severe food shortages during the Japanese Occupation. Food was rationed and became very expensive to buy. The Japanese authorities tried to get local people to grow their own food via the Grow More Food Campaign, which met with limited success. They also resettled many people to farming settlements in Endau and Bahau across the Causeway. This trail looks at some of the vegetables and fruits that people planted, and foraged during the Japanese Occupation.

Guides: Beng Tang and Claire Leow, All Things Bukit Brown

TOUR 4: SINGAPORE OCCUPIED Tour dates: 24 February; 3 March 2018 Timings: 1st tour | 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm (only for 24 February) 2nd tour | 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm 3rd tour | 4.00 pm – 5.30 pm 4th tour | 4.30 pm – 6.00 pm Meeting point: Entrance of The Cathay (2 Handy Road, Singapore 229233) Free

Synopsis 76 years ago, Singapore burned. Its people lived under Japanese rule for more than three years, from February 1942 to September 1945.

The events have passed, but the memories remain.

Find out how they lived during those tumultuous days, through a visit to the buildings and sites that held the Japanese Broadcasting Department, the Kempeitai (Japanese Military Police) Headquarters, Syonan Museum, and Bras Basah Boys’ School. Uncover stories of survival and courage, and be inspired by the resilience of the human spirit in “Singapore Occupied” tours.

Guides: Preservation of Sites and Monuments Volunteer Guides

TOUR 5: TOUR OF CHANGI PRISON ENTRANCE GATE, WALL AND TURRETS TOURS Tour dates: 24 February 2018 Timings: 1st tour | 10.00 am – 10.45 am 2nd tour | 11.00 am – 11.45 am Meeting point: Main Entrance, Changi Prison Complex (990 Upper Changi Road North, Singapore 506906) Free

Synopsis Singapore’s latest National Monument, Changi Prison Entrance Gate, Wall and Turrets is an enduring symbol of the suffering and hardship felt by Prisoners-of-War during the Japanese Occupation (1942-45). Hear stories of Singapore’s war-time experience, and gain exclusive access to this Monument on this special tour.

Guides: Preservation of Sites and Monuments Volunteer Guides

TOUR 6: FORT SERAPONG @ FORT SILOSO Tour dates: 25 February; 4 March 2018 Timings: 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm Meeting point: Starting point of Fort Serapong trail Free

Synopsis Fort Serapong was one of the three forts that were built at Pulau Blakang Mati to defend Singapore’s waterways. It was originally listed as a redoubt in 1881 and later upgraded into a fort in 1885. By 1941, Serapong had a tunnel complex and barracks built into the hill. Due to its height, Serapong was later designated the Port War Signal Station, the main control station Centre investigating the harbour’s traffic. Come and discover the fascinating structure of the former Fort Serapong.

Guides: Alvin Chia, Sentosa Development Corporation

TOUR 7: TOUR OF FORMER COMMAND HOUSE Tour dates: 24 February; 3 March 2018 Timings: 1st tour | 9.00 am – 10.00 am 2nd tour | 10.30 am – 11.30 am 3rd tour | 12.00 pm – 1.00 pm

Meeting point: Front Porch, Former Command House (17 Kheam Hock Road, Singapore 298791) Free

Synopsis Hidden on a hill, this stately building is an important part of Singapore’s military history. Discover the stories behind the building, and the people who lived there through the different stages of Singapore’s history. Explore the unique architecture of this “Arts and Crafts” building, and more, on this exclusive tour to the Former Command House!

Guides: Preservation of Sites and Monuments Volunteer Guides

TOUR 8: LABRADOR & ALEXANDRA HERITAGE TOUR Tour date: 24 February 2018 Timings: 8.15am – 12.45pm Meeting point: Labrador Park MRT Station Free

Synopsis Labrador & Alexandra Heritage Tour visits key military installations constructed by the British to defend the naval outpost in Singapore and recounts the series of battles in Labrador and Alexandra prior to the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942. Participants will hear a first-hand account of the war from the ex-villagers and visit former military installations such as Labrador battery, Gillman Barracks and Alexandra Barracks.

Guides: MyCommunity