Street Corner Heritage Galleries Scheme

For those who might not be too familiar or heard about Street Corner Heritage Galleries previously. What is the Street Corner Heritage Galleries Scheme all about?

The Street Corner Heritage Galleries scheme by the National Heritage Board (NHB) started off in Balestier in 2020, followed by Kampong Gelam in 2021, Little India in 2022 and Chinatown in 2022. The Street Corner Heritage Galleries scheme is an excellent way to celebrate and document the rich experiences of heritage businesses, this scheme aims to foster a deeper appreciation for heritage in everyday spaces.

Under this scheme, NHB works closely with interested owners of heritage businesses with at least 30 years of history to co-create “mini-museums” to showcase the history, heritage, culture and stories of their businesses and trades, through the displays of historical documents, photographs and artefacts.

A brief history of Katong-Joo Chiat district

You would probably know Katong-Joo Chiat from pictures of the colourful pre-war Peranakan shophouses, that attracts not only locals to head there for a photo shoot. Our international friends have also make their way into Katong-Joo Chiat district for its charm, beauty and colourful blend of old and new, from its colourful pre-war shophouses in the neighbourhood, the diverse communities co-existing with modern shopping malls and hip cafes. 

There are rich history, heritage and culture elements in Katong-Joo Chiat, waiting for you to discover them behind those heritage businesses in Katong-Joo Chiat. Each has their own story of resilience, innovation and intergenerational piety. What are some of the stories and insights into heritage businesses in this vibrant Katong-Joo Chiat precinct? What are some of the lesser-known anecdotes behind those classic delicacies to inspirational tales of intergenerational support and cooperation? 

Why not take a walk and explore Street Corner Heritage Galleries: Katong-Joo Chiat, discover and find out more about them?

Six Participating Businesses for Street Corner Heritage Galleries: Katong-Joo Chiat

NHB is launching Street Corner Heritage Galleries: Katong-Joo Chiat with six participating businesses: 

• Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah
• Joo Chiat Fei Fei Wanton Noodle House
• Kim Choo Kueh Chang
• Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant
• Sin Heng Claypot Bak Koot Teh
• D’Bun

Our SG Heritage Plan 2.0 – Empowering the Community 

This Street Corner Heritage Galleries: Katong-Joo Chiat is an expansion of the scheme, as part of the NHB’s ongoing efforts under the Our SG Heritage Plan 2.0, to empower more Singaporeans to get involved with the celebration of our heritage and support heritage businesses and crafts. The Street Corner Heritage Galleries scheme provides curatorial support and assistance in terms of research and content development, and funding for the fabrication of showcases. 

NHB will also work closely with the heritage businesses to develop programmes that complement the showcases, and provide opportunities for them to participate in key NHB events to increase awareness of their businesses and offerings. 

What can the public look forward to? From guided trails and workshops that will showcase the Street Corner Heritage Galleries: Katong-Joo Chiat during NHB’s inaugural Heritage Activation Nodes (HAN), that will be launched in Katong-Joo Chiat district and various precincts from this year as part of NHB Our SG Heritage Plan 2.0. The HAN provides opportunities for the community to develop and implement projects that will increase the number of heritage touchpoint in the heartlands and celebrate the distinctive heritage of their neighbourhoods. 

Mr Gerald Wee, Director, Education and Community Outreach, NHB said: “We have been encouraged by the success of the pilot Street Corner Heritage Galleries scheme over the past three years. Feedback from the business owners has been positive and we hope this expansion of the scheme will allow more heritage businesses to showcase their stories and heritage, and to benefit from increased public awareness and support.”

A short tour of Street Corner Heritage Galleries: Katong-Joo Chiat

During the media session, we took a short tour of the Street Corner Heritage Galleries: Katong-Joo Chiat district. Starting off at Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant, next was Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah, Joo Chiat Fei Fei Wanton Noodle House and Kim Choo Kueh Chang.

Although it was a short session at each location due to time constraints, we heard stories from the  people behind the those heritage businesses. Although I had explored Katong-Joo Chiat quite a fair bit over the years for heritage, history and arts related events and activities, as well as doing photography shoots at various locations in the iconic Katong-Joo Chiat, hanging out at the Katong Square Lifestyle & Vintage Market by The Retro Factory, there were still many stories that I am hearing it for the first time about Katong-Joo Chiat district. 

As I don’t stay in the east side of Singapore, and I am not too knowledgable about Peranakan cuisine, I didn’t know about the history and legacy of Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant until that day when I stepped into the premises for the start of the media event for Street Corner Heritage Galleries: Katong-Joo Chiat. I would love to visit and try their authentic Peranakan cuisine after trying out some of their delicious kueh and light bites that they prepared for the media event. 

Next up was Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah. I heard about them previously, now I got to visit their store and hearing them share their history, stories and journeys. I love to eat popiah, I am going to check out their website, see which popiah skin or popiah sets to order, and plan a popiah eating gathering.

Visiting Kim Choo Kueh Chang at Joo Chiat Place, the original location and also its main factory, it was not the same as their East Coast Branch where I visited a few times over the years whenever there were events held in the Katong-Joo Chiat district. We were given a tour of their factory during our media tour, hearing them share about KIm Choo Kueh Chang history, stories and journeys. 

On a personal note, it was good to meet Mr Lim of Joo Chiat Fei Fei Wanton Noodle House again, I met him a few years back, thanks to Victor, a senior in Scouting, also a heritage enthusiast that I met at Katong Square Lifestyle & Vintage Market, for introducing him. 

The four Street Corner Heritage Galleries in Katong-Joo Chiat district that we visited, all had their own unique history, stories and journeys, from one generation to the next. I would like to invite you to explore and check them out during your exploration of Street Corner Heritage Galleries: Katong-Joo Chiat, whereby you can learn more about their origins, how they continued to thrive and grow over the years.

For more information on Street Corner Heritage Galleries: Katong-Joo Chiat

If you like to know more information on Street Corner Heritage Galleries: Katong-Joo Chiat, please visit https://go.gov.sg/schgkatongjoochiat 

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I want to collect the NHB Museum Roundtable Hongbao, how should I go about doing it?

From 12th January to 9th February 2024, visitors can collect a set of exclusive red packets at any of the 43 participating museums, heritage institutions, and galleries. Each visitor is entitled to one set of high red packets from any of the venues, while stocks last.

The Char Yong (Dabu) Association Heritage Hall, a new member of the Museum Roundtable (MR) will also be participating in the campaign for the first time. Four other MR members will also be returning this year, the Republic of Singapore Air Force Museum, the Singapore Navy Museum, the Singapore Maritime Gallery, and the Singapore  Sports Museum. 

Limited Edition Collector’s Box Set

There is a popular limited edition Collector’s Box Set! It’s back again! It comes as a large gift box with its own custom-designed bag. Each box contains 2 complete sets of the 43 red packet designs presenting the participating MR members, as well as en exclusive design from the National Heritage Board, making a total of 88 (Huat ah!) pieces of hongbaos! The red packet designs in the box set also have a distinct orange background and feature dragons with subtle colour differences.

The Collector’s Box Sets are priced at $108 (nett) and will be available for purchase only at the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. Interested collectors can

1.  pre-register to purchase at a specified time slot on 20th and 21st January 2024, which is encouraged, or
2. walk-in to purchase on a first-come, first-served basis on 27th January 2024. Pre-registration opens on 10th January 2024, 10.00am, at mrhongbao.eventbrite.com.

There will be 450 Collector’s Box Sets available for sale, with the majority reserved for pre-registered sales on 20th and 21st January 2024, and the remainder for walk-in purchases on 27th January 2024. Regardless of the mode of purchase, each member of the public is limited to the purchase of one box set per NRIC number, on a first-come, first-served basis.

I Love Museums’ Facebook Page Giveaways

There are two online giveaways that will be held on the “I Love Museums” Facebook Page (https://www.facebook/com/ILoveMuseums), offering members of the public an opportunity to win the Collector’s Box Set or a set of the red packets.

First giveaway (Between 12th and 22nd January 2024)

The first giveaway will be held between 12th and 22nd January 2024, and will require participants to visit participating venues and take a photograph of themselves with the red packets they collected at the museum. Participants are required to share these photographs in the comments section of the giveaway post and leave a comment on which exhibit/artefact they found interesting during their visit. A total of 10 winners will be selected at random the receive  the Collector’s Box Set.

Second giveaway (Between 30th January and 6th February 2024)

The second giveaway will held between 30th January and 6th February 2024, and requires participants to leave a comment on the “I Love Museums” Facebook Page on their favourite aspect of this year’s Museum Roundtable Hongbao Campaign. There will be 50 winners selected at random to receive a full set of all 43 Museum Roundtable red packets.

Check out the passion and support of hongbao collectors!

At the recent NHB media announcement for the Museum Roundtable Hongbao Campaign 2024, we met passionate hongbao collectors with their hongabo collections, their stories behind their  loyal support for NHB Museum Roundtable Hongbao.

Ms Yap Siew Luan, a red packet collector from Johor Bahru, Malaysia said: “I have been collecting red packets since 2003 and have participated in the Museum Roundtable Lunar New Year Hongbao Campaign since 2015. I first learned about the campaign through friends and have been very fortunate to have also developed long-lasting friendships with other collectors throughout the years. 2024 is also a special year as it is my Zodiac year. While it is a challenge to collect all the different red packets from the various participating museums, I typically aim to collect as many red packets as I can during my short visits to Singapore on weekends.” 

Who’s behind the cute Dragon design for Museum Roundtable Hongbao Campaign 2024?

You saw the cute and unique Dragon designs on the hongbaos for this MR Hongbao Campaign 2024. Who’s the artist/designer behind this? 

Meet Carlos Puentes, 36 year-old designer from Barranquilla, Colombia who has designed and illustrated for many national and international brands and clients, the designer for Museum Roundtable Hongbao Campaign 2024. He said: “Through working on this campaign, I have learnt much more about Singapore’s museum sector and am impressed with its diversity!” (His Instagram account is @cpuentesdesign).

Mr Goh Chour Thong, Director (International and Museum Relations), NHB, said: “NHB has truly enjoyed 10 years of partnering with Museum Roundtable members for the Hongbao Campaign, and working with them to adapt the design of the Chinese zodiac animal for the year to reflect each of their unique characteristics. We are very encouraged that the hongbaos as well as the limited collectors’ editions have continued to be popular with the public and sought after by collectors, and helped grow visitorship and appreciation of the offerings at each of the participating Museum Roundtable members. We certainly hope this year’s hongbaos featuring the cute and versatile dragons designed by Colombian artist Carlos Puentes will be no different!”

For more information on the Museum Roundtable Hongbao Campaign 2024, you can visit the following link: go.gov.sg/MRHongbao2024. 

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Before we take our trail adventure exploring, discovering and rediscovering AMK town via he refreshed NHB Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail, let’s start with a bird’s eye view of AMK town and its surroundings from Blk 710. How different would the landscapes and surroundings of AMK, the nearby neighbouring towns, were like as compared to the 1989 when Queen Elizabeth II visited on her tour of Ang Mo Kio at Block 710? 

New stories of AMK’s town history and heritage 

The NHB refreshed Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail tells new stories of AMK town’s history and heritage. Through fresh research and community interviews, these have allowed the refreshed trail to delve deeper into AMK’s transformation from an area of plantations and farming land to a thriving residential and commercial hub.

This refreshed trail has reveal lesser-known facts about its landmarks, and uncover more tales of the men and women who live and work in AMK. The Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail was first launched in 2011, it is part of NHB’s ongoing efforts to document and promote distinct histories and memories of different areas in which Singaporeans live, work and play, deepening our understanding of the Singapore story.

New marked sites and thematic routes

The refreshed Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail covers 40 heritage sites and features 10 heritage markers. These include 13 new sites, as well as two new markers at the 

1. Church of Christ the King – the only Catholic church in AMK
2. Liuxun Sanhemiao, a joint temple formed by three temples – Sam Ann Fu, Longxuyuan Jinsuiguan, and Hong San Chin Huat Temple Association – which originated rom the former Lak Xun Village in Yio Chu Kang. 

This trail also features three newly curated thematic routes exploring different aspects of AMK’s heritage, including Iconic Landmarks, Hidden Heartland Gems, and Scenic Fringes. 

These new markers join a list of sites that are a part of AMK’s unique story, including the 21-hectare AMK Town Garden West, the largest town garden project by the Housing & Development Board (HDB) at the time of its completion in 1983. The AMK Town Council was the first such council in Singapore that was established in 1986, and Block 259, also known as the “Clover Block”. the first and only block of circular HDB flats.

Mr Gerald Wee, Director (Education and Community Outreach), NHB, said: “Since the Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail was launched in 2011, we’ve been working closely with the Ang Mo Kio community, and have uncovered interesting new facts and stories about the town’s history and heritage, such as the cache of artworks by Chinese artist Xu Beihong which was hidden in Chong Boon Chinese School in Lelong Pah village, near today’s Serangoon Garden, during the Japanese Occupation. By refreshing the trail, we hope that Singaporeans will gain a deeper appreciation of this quintessential Singaporean heartland, and residents will be imbued with a greater sense of pride and belonging.”

The AMK Community Spirit

This refreshed Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail incorporates contributions from former and current residents of AMK to showcase the diverse aspects of the town through the perspectives of people from different walks of life, cultural backgrounds and faiths. AMK in its early days has been known for its strong kampong spirit of neighbourliness. 

Karen Albuquerque, a long-time resident of Ang Mo Kio who contributed to the refreshed trail, recalled: “The neighbourly relations were very strong and close. During festivals, we would visit each other and kept a look out for one another. My mother even left a set of our keys with one of my neighbours!”

From a rural area to an iconic heartland town

AMK became a town of many firsts as it evolved from its rural origins. It was one of the first estates built by HDB, this made AMK an ideal testing ground for different architectural styles, building methods, and pilot initiatives. Block 259 in AMK, is also known as the “Clover Block” for its resemblance to the plant when viewed from above, resulted from this. This block stands as the only block of circular public housing flats in Singapore, and is now an icon in the neighbourhood. 

AMK also served as a pioneer for the concept of town councils, a name that we are familiar in today’s Singapore. This idea was first raised by Lim Boon Heng, then Member of Parliament for Kebun Baru in 1984, with the goal of providing residents greater autonomy over how their estates are managed, and to nurture a stronger sense of ownership and identity. 

Launched in 1986, AMK Town Council became the first of its kind after a successful pilot programme, leading to the passing of the Town Council Act in 1988.

Hidden gems in AMK

There are hidden gems in AMK neighbourhood that the locals in AMK would know. This refreshed NHB trail brings visitors on a journey to explore them, revealing new stories and information about the town’s landmarks. 

Church of Christ the King

One such institution is the Church of Christ the King, the first and only Catholic church in AMK. Officially opened on 26th September 1982, the church houses two significant religious objects, an icon of the Mother of Perpetual Help on its facade, and a start of Christ the King, sculpted in 1956 in Kerala, India on its front balcony.

Ang Mo Kio Joint Temple

The Ang Mo Kio Joint Temple was constructed in 2011, unites the heritage of three temples from former villages in AMK: Gao Lin Gong, Kim Eang Tong and Leng San Giam. 

With the redevelopment of AMK in the 1970s, the three temples came together to establish a joint temple to secure the lease for the site it currently stands on. When you visit the Ang Mo Kio Joint Temple, keep a lookout for the intricate carvings on the building’s pillars and facade that were handcrafted by artisans in China, and a carved wooden stand within the Gao Lin Gong temple commissioned in 1888 to mark the temple’s founding. 

It is one of the two joint temples in AMK that houses temples from different kampongs in the area, the other being the aforementioned Liuxun Sanhemiao.

A closer look at AMK community stories

Kebun Baru Bird Singing Club

The locals would know this place, in more recent decades, an iconic spot well-loved by many is the Kebun Baru Bird Singing Club. This location serves as the a community gathering spot for bird keepers and enthusiasts from all over Singapore. Known as Singapore’s largest bird singing and display arena, the Kebun Baru Bird Singing Club was originally established by three Zebra Dove enthusiasts residing in AMK. 

In 1987, they applied to erect poles to expand the club’s capacity for more bird enthusiasts to join them. At the present moment, this venue can accommodate more than 1,000 cages and regularly hosts bird singing competitions. Among the club’s founders is Mr Teng Leng Foo, who also operates a traditional bird cage making business at Block 159, located next to the arena.  

Hidden cache of artworks by Chinese artist Xu Beihong

In the refreshed Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail, lesser-known stories of AMK town, such as the hidden cache of artworks by Chinese artist Xu Beihong, which used to be located in Chong Boon Chinese School in Lelong Pah. He was renowned for his ink paintings of horses and birds, Artist Xu had organised an exhibition to raise funds for the Sino-Japanese war when the Japanese invaded Malaya in 1941. 

To evade surveillance, Artist Xu’s associates, active in anti-Japanese efforts, arranged for him to take shelter at Lelong Pah. His collection of art tools and artworks were carefully sealed in ceramic vats and buried near the school. After the Japanese Occupation, these vats were retrieved and left to air-dry for over two months in the school before being returned to Artist Xu.

When you embark on your refreshed NHB Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail, you can expect to dive deeper into such stories like these inside the companion guide.

How can I discover/rediscover Ang Mo Kio? 

NHB’s various heritage trails are excellent, informative, friendly and easy to use travel guides for both locals and overseas visitors who would like to explore the Singapore heartlands of living, history, heritage, culture and living. If you like to embark on your NHB AMK Heritage Trail (refreshed), here are three newly curated thematic routes that you choose from.

(1) Iconic Landmarks (1.5 hours with public transport, 5.5km)

Taking public transport in AMK district, this route brings you to the iconic buildings and sites of AMK new town, the 7th housing town built by HDB – which range from distinctive blocks to landscaped parks.

(2) Hidden Heartland Gems (1 hour and 45 minutes with public transport, 7.5km)

This route brings you to explore overlooked gems in AMK, and relates interesting facts about them and lesser-known community stories.

(3) Scenic Fringes (2.5 hours with public transport, 12km)

For this scenic route, it brings you to explore the outskirts of AMK, revealing another side of the new town and its surroundings.  

Where can I find more information on Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail? 

If you like to embark on your very own Ang Mo Kio rediscovery adventure, you can download the Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail companion guide and map from NHB’s heritage portal, roots.gov.sg. 

For those who prefer a printed copy of the guide and map, they will also be available in limited quantities at various locations, including Asian Civilisations Museum, Cheng San-Seletar Community Club, Teck Ghee Community Club, Kebun Baru Community Club, Yio Chu Kang Community Club, and NHB HQ at Stamford Court.

Check out this video highlights of the Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail here: https://go.gov.sg/angmokioheritagetrail 

Explore Singapore’s History, Heritage, Culture, and Stories with NHB Heritage Trails

Whether you are a local or an overseas visiting Singapore, I would like to invite you to check out NHB’s curation and collection of Heritage Trails that you can embark on to explore a different, unique and engaging travel experiences in Singapore that you might not know about.

Visit NHB’s heritage portal, ROOTS – https://www.roots.gov.sg/nhb/trails, for more information and collections of NHB Heritage Trails. 

Happy exploring Singapore through NHB’s Heritage Trails collection!

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There are a wide variety of multi-cultural programmes and interracial experiences at NHB’s Heritage Institutions, visitors are invited to participate and immerse themselves in another person’s shoes to understand and appreciate another’s culture, diving deeper into the unique customs and traditions of our diverse communities in Singapore.

Here are some key festival programmes for Let’s Walk – Celebrating Harmony! 

Same Same But Different: A Theatrical Experience for Families 

(Presented by Malay Heritage Centre, supported by The Solitude Movement)

• Dates: 22nd & 23rd July 2023
• Time: 11am to 1pm
• Venue: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (SYSNMH) and Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) 
• Starting point: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
• Admission: $24 per parent-child pair
• Tickets: https://malayheritagecentre.peatix.com 

A theatre experience conducted in English, ideal and suitable for parents with children aged 5 to 10 years old. 

Same Same But Different is a story about uncovering one’s uniqueness and the beautiful power of friendship. Participants would be brought through a journey of self-discovery, Siti and Yong find out what makes them special. In the process, both of them learnt more about each other, cherishing their friendship with each other even more.

During this interactive and fun storytelling session, participants will get to have hands on at various activities such as creating their own hand mirror, henna art and other activities. Each parent-child pair will also get to visit two Heritage Institutions within the same day, with a one-way bus ride taking them from SYSNMH to IHC. 

On the bus ride from SYSNMH to IHC, there would be an interesting storytelling segment taking place on the bus! Therefore, participants are highly recommended to take public transport, taxis, or private hire vehicles to the starting point. 

Special Programme

Soundscapes of Religions in Singapore (Presented by Dialogue Centre & partners)

• Date: 22nd July 2023
• Time: 10am to 5pm
• Venue: Indian Heritage Centre
• Admission: Free, with a refundable deposit of $10.
• Tickets: Reserve via https://ihc-programmes.peatix.com 

Have you thought of this questions before, “What does religion sound like?”

A special, unique and immersive programme for participants to step into the vibrant and diverse world and sound of religions in Singapore. You can experience the quietude of meditation and encounter a variety of religious sounds such as Christian hymns and Sikh kirtan, and unravel the cultural and religious significance behind these sounds. 

This is a multi-sensory journey to discover what religion truly sounds like and uncover the unity that lies within the diverse symphony of soundscapes of religions in Singapore.

Happenings at Indian Heritage Centre

Here are some of the activities that visitors can enjoy at IHC:

Live Performances at IHC

• Date: 22nd & 23rd July 2023
• Time:10am to 5pm

Performers’ Lineup:

22nd July 2023

• 10am Mass Zumba!
• 11am Kids Chinese Dance by We Chinese Dance Tech
• 1130am Bharatanatyam Dance by Soo Mei Fei
• 4pm Malay Cultural Dance by Sri Warisan
• 415pm Multi-ethnic Music Performance by yIN Harmony
• 430pm Dikir Barat by Kelana Purba

23rd July 2023

• 330pm Cultural Performance by Eurasian Association

Harmony Afternoon Tea

• Date: 23rd July 2023
• Time: 11am & 2pm
• Admission: $15 per pax
• Tickets: Purchase via https://ihc-programmes.peatix.com 

Drop-in Craft Station: Perfumed Hanging Shoe Craft

• Date: 22nd & 23rd July 2023
• Time:10am to 5pm

Drop-in Activity Station: Ethnic Attire Dress-Up

• Date: 22nd & 23rd July 2023
• Time:10am to 5pm

Drop-in Activity Station: Traditional Games & Free Snacks

• Date: 22nd & 23rd July 2023
• Time:10am to 5pm

Happenings at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Here are some of the activities that visitors can enjoy at SYSNMH:

Titik Temu – Meeting Point (Presented by Malay Heritage Centre, supported by Kaum Collective)

• Date: 22nd & 23rd July 2023
• Time: 5pm to 530pm

Titik Temu brings together a collective of Minang Malay body percussionists and traditional Chinese and Indian musicians in this collaboration to create a new repertoire of sound and movement that is Uniquely Singapore. 

Drop-in Craft Station: Decorate your own paper fan

• Date: 22nd & 23rd July 2023
• TIme: 1030am to 530pm

Drop-In Activity Station: Traditional Games & Free Snacks

• Date: 22nd & 23rd July 2023
• TIme: 1030am to 530pm

Many more exciting and interesting activities 

There are many more exciting and interesting activities taking place during “Let’s Walk – Celebrating Harmony” at NHB Racial Harmony Day Open House 2023. For more information, please visit the websites and social media pages: 

• Indian Heritage Centre: Website | Facebook | Instagram |
• Malay Heritage Centre: Website | Facebook | Instagram |
• Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall: Website | Facebook | Instagram |

A Constant Reminder to Everyone here in Singapore

A personal note from myself, also a constant reminder to everyone here in Singapore. We must not take our peace, stability and harmony for granted. We must not let racial differences divide us, we need to do more, to learn, understand and know more about other religions in Singapore.

“Let’s Walk – Celebrating Harmony”. We all need to put on a different lens, let’s learn to see, learn and know more through this different lens and gain a deeper understanding of Singapore’s multi-cultural roots. 

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production * 

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Battle for Singapore 2023 will take participants on a journey through time and Singapore’s history, heritage, and hidden stories about various WWII sites, a journey tracing the roots of Singapore’s wartime past. Participants can embark on tours of sites such as Bukit Brown and Fort Canning Hill. They can also dive and learn deeper into Singapore’s history, courage and resilience of Singapore’s war heroes and pioneers during the Japanese Occupation from NHB’s Museum Roundtable (MR) partners, such as Battlebox, Eurasian Heritage Centre, MINT Museum of Toys, Navy Museum, as well as National Museum of Singapore (NMS), the Changi Chapel and Museum and Reflections at Bukit Chandu, they are WWII Interpretative centres under NMS. 

Mr Gerald Wee, Director of International & Museum Relations, NHB, said, “The Fall of Singapore may have been an event from 81 years ago, but the experiences of our forefathers and the lessons learnt during that tumultuous period continue to have an important role in shaping our nation’s identity and charting our course ahead. Through Battle for Singapore 2023, we hope that Singaporeans will gain a deeper understanding of our WWII history and how it has impacted our lives today and be inspired by the spirit of resilience and solidarity of our war pioneers” 

Battle for Singapore 2023 Programmes

There is a wide range of programmes on offer during Battle for Singapore 2023 taking place from 10th February to 5th March 2023. NHB together with MR members, academics, heritage enthusiasts and interest groups, is offering more than 30 unique programmes and over 100 tour runs that cover various aspects of Singapore’s WWII history. 

The Battle for Singapore 2023 programmes diverse line-up also includes 19 new programmes, including

• Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour (NEW)
• Second World War Vintage Toy Collection Guided Tour with Special Feature on General MacArthur (New)
• Exclusive Sneak Peek Tour of the Revamped Navy Museum (NEW)
• Special Twinned Tour: Changi Chapel and Museum and Eurasian Heritage Gallery (NEW)
• Special Twinned Tour: Kent Ridge Nature Walk and Reflections at Bukit Chandu (NEW)
• Defence and Fall of Singapore – From the 14th Century to 1945: A Fort Canning Hill and Battlebox Walking Tour (NEW)

Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour (NEW)

For this year 2023, participants will get a chance to explore the grounds of Fort Connaught through a special access tour. This is the first-ever public tour since Fort Connaught was constructed in 1878 for the defence of Keppel Harbour, a crucial ship-building and ship-repair facility in Singapore. 

Fort Connaught was armed with 9.2-inch guns, they were the largest on Sentosa, and were used to engage invading Japanese troops during the Battle for Singapore. Through this Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour (NEW), participants can get a glimpse into the abandoned Fort Connaught history, construction and its role in Singapore’s defence during the Japanese invasion of Singapore during WWII.

How much do you know about the history of the guns of Singapore’s military forts? How often have you heard about that quip that the guns of Singapore’s military first were pointed “the wrong way” during the Battle of Singapore? During WWII, was Singapore’s guns pointing the wrong direction? Where is Fort Connaught located on Sentosa? Did Fort Connaught see WWII military action against the Japanese armed forces? 

When you go on the Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour, you can get the answers to the questions above. This tour is presented in partnership with Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC).

Here are some of the remains that you can see today during this special access Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour. 

One of the three 9.2-inch gun emplacements 

Battery observation post

Tips/Things to take note

• Be careful and be safe when trekking up Fort Connaught 
• Wear sturdy shoes (hiking boots highly recommended)
• Wear long pants and long sleeve shirt
• Bring a hat
• Bring your water bottle and stay hydrated
• Mosquito/Insect repellent is highly recommended 
• Please do not visit on your own as it is a restricted site and it’s for your own safety as well

Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour Information

Dates: 11 February; 12 February; 19 February; 25 February; 26 February 2023

Time: 9am to 1130am; 1pm to 330pm 

Tickets are priced at $20 per participant, you can find ticketing and more details here at https://bsg2023.peatix.com 

Notes:

• The Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour is recommended for ages 13 and up. Minors under the age of 16 have to be accompanied by an adult/guardian.
• Transport will be provided from Harbourfront MRT station to the site and back. Further details on the gathering point will be sent to participants upon registration.

For more information on Battle of Singapore 2023 

Please visit https://go.gov.sg/bsg2023 for more information and details on to sign up for Battle for Singapore 2023 programmes.

Registration for tours and programmes commences on Wednesday 8th February 2023, at 10am, on a first-come first-served basis. 

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Over the weekend, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (SYSNMH) organised Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2018 with many fun activities and events on 22^nd and 23^rd September 2018!

Mid-Autumn Festival is one of my favourite festivals, with the colourful lanterns and getting an opportunity to taste different mooncakes (although I don’t really eat a lot!) with Chinese tea, catching up with family, relatives and friends. At the Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival, we can see extended families coming down together to soak in and enjoy the Mid-Autumn festivities and activities at SYSNMH.

今天是中秋节，祝全家团团圆圆，幸福快乐！

Looking at the multi-generational families coming down to SYSNMH for Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival, it was heart warming to see the families bonding together, enjoying themselves and having fun!

Visitors also took the opportunity to visit the permanent galleries and learn more about the history of Dr Sun Yat Sen revolutionary activities in Southeast Asia as well as the contributions of the Singapore Chinese to the 1911 Revolution, the impact of the revolution on Singapore and the Chinese community in Singapore.

For Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2018, there is something very big and delicious that stood out for this year’s celebration! They unveiled Singapore’s largest mooncake sponsored by Kwong Cheong Thye, measuring approximately 1.8m in diameter and 20cm in height! I was glad to be part of this historic moment, up close and personal with the largest mooncake in Singapore!

Oh yes, they had tea appreciation for this year’s Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival and it was really good! Pek Sin Choon Pte Ltd and Lion City Nanyang Tea Society provided the Chinese tea appreciation. I haven’t tasted such excellent tea for quite a while!

Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival has many interesting and fun activities for everybody during the two-day weekend event, attracting the young kids and adults coming together for family fun and bonding time, while enjoying the Mid-Autumn Festival. Although I didn’t sign up for any of the activities, you can check out their Facebook Page for more photos of their activities and fun time!

My favourite segment from the evening concert at SYSNMH Lawn was the LED Dragon Dance, a regular feature at SYSNMH! I reckon they are always a crowd favourite there at SYSNMH! The compound of SYSNMH was packed with visitors watching and enjoying the evening concert at the lawn! More photographs of Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2018 can be viewed inside my Flickr photo album!

If you haven’t visit Wan Qing Yuan – Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, check out their website and social media pages for more information and updates on their events:

Website: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Facebook Page: Wan Qing Yuan – Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall 晚晴园-孙中山南洋纪念馆

Instagram: Wan Qing Yuan (晚晴园)

I would like to wish everybody 中秋节快乐！Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! Have a good bonding and fun time with your family and loved ones, with your lanterns, mooncakes and Chinese tea under the bright lunar 15th day full moon of the Chinese 8^th lunar month!

The post Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2018 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.