Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (SYSNMH) will also be participating in CNYFF 2025 for the first time! CNYFF 2025 will take place from 17 to 19 January 2025, offering three out of a total of 22 programmes, performances and activities at SCCC and Singapore Conference Hall (SCH).

According to Mr Alvin Tan, CEO/SCCC, “Together with SCO, we hope to bring festive cheer into the heart of the city, encourage more Singaporeans to join us for family-friendly arts and cultural festivities, and in the process, discover how we celebrate Chinese New Year in uniquely Singaporean ways,” 

Key highlights of SCCC’s CNYFF 2025 

Here are some of the key highlights of SCCC’s CNYFF 2025, come on down and check them out!

蛇prise CNY Art Installation: Don’t miss this! You have to visit SCCC’s CNY rooftop installation, the “蛇prise”, you can find a giant snake lawn installation, that’s also a prosperity pavilion and many more for you to bring your family and children to have fun and learn more about the Year of the Snake, CNY traditions and customs. 

The 蛇prise CNY Art Installation is beautiful in the night too when it’s lighted up! Your family can enjoy your time at SCCC Roof Garden under the stars while learning about CNY traditions, and customs, as well as enjoying the 蛇prise CNY Art Installation!

• Dates: 18 December 2024 to 30 April 2025
• Time: 10am to 10pm 

LED Snake Dance: A giant LED snake dance is going to dazzle visitors to SCCC CNYFF 2025, as they usher in the Year of the Snake at the SCCC Concourse. 

The above LED snake dance photos were shot during SCCC media preview, they would look great in the night when the LED lights up! Catch SCCC CNYFF 2025 LED snake dance at SCCC Concourse, Level 1, on 18 January 2025 at 1815hrs and 19 January 2025 at 1930hrs

Life-sized Snakes and Ladders Game: For those who still remember playing this traditional game “Snakes and Ladders”, time to go back in time with a life-sized larger than life snakes and ladders game at SCCC CNYFF 2025! Play with your family and children, have fun and learn about CNY traditions while playing and competing against your family and friends.

Year of the Snake Zodiac Forecast Exhibition: Are you curious about what’s your 2025 ahead is going to be like in the Year of the Snake? Pop by the Snake Zodiac SCCC’s Zodiac Predictions Exhibition at the Concourse and read about the forecast for your zodiac animal.

The Story of Golden Lions: Discover and learn about the history of the Golden Lions, watch a special performance by the lion dance troupe. You can also get a chance to put on the golden lion masks and try on props. 

CNYFF Signature Offerings

In addition to the key programme highlights of SCCC CNYFF 2025, visitors to SCCC and SCH can look forward to the following CNYFF signature offerings:

Spring Bazaar:Come on down to SCCC’s annual CNY Spring Bazaar, and check out various booths offering CNY snacks, decorations, traditional pastries, accessories and also bubble tea!

Rhapsodies of Spring 2025: Usher in the Year of the Snake with festive melodies in SCO’s CNY concert led by Principal Conductor Quek Ling Kiong.

The SINGAPO人 Style Mahjong Classroom: Mahjong is one of Singapore’s favourite CNY games. Do you know about the origins, and cultural significance, and different styles of mahjong? Sign up for the SINGAPO人 Style Mahjong Classroom workshop for beginners, to learn and discover more about mahjong. 

Do take note the SINGAPO人 Style Mahjong Classroom is a ticketed event. 

Limited Edition SCCC CNY 2025 Red Packets

Visitors to SCCC CNYFF 2025 can redeem a set of limited-edition SCCC CNY 2025 red packets upon completing a survey of SCCC’s 蛇prise CNY Art Installation (limited to one redemption per visitor, while stocks last).

SCCC CNY Family FUN (CNYFF 2025) 2025

Dates: 17 to 19 January 2025

Venues: 

• Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
• Singapore Chinese Orchestra Concert Hall
• Singapore Conference Hall Concourse

For more information and details on CNYFF 2025, please visit https://singaporen.sg/festivals/chinese-new-year/familyfun 

More photos of SCCC CNYFF 2025 can be found on my Flickr photography collections.

The post Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 the SINGAPO人 Way in CBD! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre

Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery 

May the light of the full moon bring happiness and prosperity to you and your loved ones!

The post Happy Mid-Autumn Festival 2024! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

What are the exciting programmes and activities taking place at SYSNMH during Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2024? Let me share more information below:

Prosperity All Year LONG (Supported by local toy designer and artist Ziqi)

• Date: 16 January – 25 February 2024
• Time: 10am – 7pm daily (Last admission at 6:50pm)
• Admission: Free

One of the widely practised and cherished customs by the Chinese community worldwide associated with Chinese Lunar New Year is putting up bright and colourful festive decorations at home and at the workplace to usher in the Lunar New Year. At SYSNMH, they are honouring this cherished tradition by decorating its building and compound with auspicious decorations and plants, as well as its annual lawn installation. When you visit SYSNMH, you can’t miss the big, cute, adorable and colourful Mononoke Dinos! 

Titled “Prosperity All Year LONG”, this year’s lawn installation is a collaboration between SYSNMH and local toy designer and artist Ziqi. This features the designer’s popular character, Dino, reimagined and redesigned in a collaboration with Japanese artist Yasu (EBINEKOYA).

The Monooke Dinos are dressed in auspicious colours, red and orange! They are a modern interpretation of the mythical dragon, and as with dragons, they symbolise success, strength, nobility, abundance and good luck! Moreover, the presence of twin dragons represents a “doubling” of opportunities and good fortune in the year ahead.

Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration 2024 at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Chinese Lunar New Year 2024 falls on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 February. Come on down to SYSNMH and enjoy Lunar New Year Celebration festivities! 

Auspicious Lion & Dragon Dance Performance

• Date: 10 February 2024
• Time: 10am – 11am
• Admission: Free

God of Fortune Visit

• Date: 10 February 2024
• Time: 10am – 12am
• Admission: Free

Lunar New Year Admission

• Date: 10  & 11 February 2024
• Time: 10am – 5pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
• Admission: Free

Wan Qing Festival of Spring Open House

• Date: 17 & 18 February 2024
• Time: 10am – 7pm
• Venue: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
• Admission: Free admission with some ticketed activities 

Workshops

Dragon’s Beard Candy Making Workshop 

• Date: 17 February 2024 
• Time: 10.30am – 11.30am
• Admission: $12 per pax

Parent-Child Mythical Creatures Bag Making Workshop (Supported by A2+rt Studio) 

• Date: 17 February 2024 
• Time: 1pm – 2.30pm 
• Admission: $24 per parent-child pair 

Dragon Lantern Making Workshop (Supported by traditional craftsman, Jimm Wong)

• Date: 18 February 2024 
• Time: 10am – 12.30pm 
• Admission: $18 per pax 

Children Lion Dance Workshop (Supported by Martial House)

• Date: 17 February 2024 
• Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm, 4.30pm – 5.30pm 
• Admission: $12 per pax 

Children Festive Chinese Drums Workshop (Supported by Martial House)

• Date: 18 February 2024 
• Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm, 4.30pm – 5.30pm 
• Admission: $12 per pax 

Purchase tickets for the above workshops via https://wanqingyuan.peatix.com 

Free Activities 

Storytelling Sessions: Tales of Lunar New Year Festival (Supported by Speak Good English Movement and Speak Mandarin Campaign) 

• Date: 17 February 2024 (Mandarin), 18 February 2024 (English) 
• Time: 11.30am – 12.30pm, 2pm – 3pm 
• Admission: Free 

Drop-in Craft Station: Lunar New Year Festival Inspired Crafts (Supported by River Valley High School) 

• Date: 17 & 18 February 2024 
• Time: 10.30am – 6.30pm 
• Admission: Free 

Drop-in Craft Station: Chinese Calligraphy Try-Out 

• Date: 17 & 18 February 2024 
• Time: 10.30am – 6.30pm 
• Admission: Free 

Drop-in Activity Station: CNY Mini Games 

• Date: 17 & 18 February 2024 
• Time: 10.30am – 6.30pm 
• Admission: Free 

Live on the Lawn: Hakka Qilin Dance by Yan Wong Cultural Troupe Singapore 

• Date: 18 February 2024 
• Time: 1.45pm – 2pm 
• Admission: Free 

Live on the Lawn: Lunar New Year Family Fun Contest 

• Date: 17 & 18 February 2024 
• Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm 
• Admission: Free 

Live on the Lawn: SCO goes to Wan Qing Yuan (In collaboration with Singapore Chinese Orchestra) 

• Date: 17 February 2024 
• Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm 
• Admission: Free 

Live on the Lawn: Chinese Wind & Percussion Music by Reverberance (Supported by Reverberance) 

• Date: 18 February 2024 
• Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm 
• Admission: Free 

Festive Snacks, Mandarin Oranges & Tea Tasting 

• Date: 17 & 18 February 2024 
• Time: 10.30am – 6.30pm 
• Admission: Free, limited quantities available. 

Let’s Celebrate with Uncle Ting: Lunar New Year Activity Kit 

• Date: 17 & 18 February 2024 
• Time: 10am – 7pm 

Guided Tours & Trails

Touring Temples: In Search of Dragons and other Mythical Creatures 

• Date: 17 February 2024 
• Time: 10am – 1pm 
• Admission: $20 per pax

Balestier Heritage Food Trail 

• Date: 17 February 2024 
• Time: 10.30am – 11.30am 
• Admission: $12 per pax 

Permanent Galleries Guided Tour 

• Date: 17 & 18 February 2024 
• Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm (Mandarin), 3pm – 4pm (English)
• Admission: Free; limited spaces available. 

Purchase tickets for the above workshops via https://wanqingyuan.peatix.com

Festive Giveaway 

Lunar New Year Hongbao Giveaway (Supported by National Heritage Board)

• Date: From 12 January 2024 onwards
• Time: 10am – 5pm (closed on Mondays)

If you are keen to get hold of the limited edition SYSNMH hongbao for free, simply visit the Memorial Hall, follow the SYSNMH Facebook or Instagram page, and verify at the visitor services counter from 12 January 2024 onwards. Limited to the first 50 visitors per day (1 pack per person) and available whilst stocks last! 

Visit https://go.gov.sg/MRHongbao2024 for more information about the MR Lunar New Year Hongbao campaign 2024. 

For more information and updates about Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2024, please visit SYSNMH’s website (https://www.sysnmh.org.sg/en) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/sysnmh) throughout the festival period.

Wishing all a Happy Chinese Lunar New Year 2024 in advance! May the Year of the Dragon 2024 be a year of great health, wealth and prosperity for you and your family! 

The post Celebrate Year of Dragon at Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2024! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

SYSNMH Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival Open House 2023

SYSNMH Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival Open House 2023 is taking place on the weekend of 23rd and 24th September 2023 from 10am to 6:30pm. There are many exciting programmes and activities line-up for you and family to visit, soak in and enjoy Mid-Autumn Festival 2023 at Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2023!

General Manager of SYSNMH Winston Lim said: “For our well-loved lantern installations, we tap on relatable themes such as this year’s larger-than-life pandas, to appeal to a wide audience and encourage more people to join in our cultural festivities. Through our ongoing special exhibition Connections Across Oceans: Early Chinese Mutual Aid Organisations, we have been working very closely with various clan associations, and are excited to continue to bring onboard more cultural partners to enrich our celebrations. Together, we hope to enliven our offerings for more visitors to learn about Chinese culture.”

An iconic pair of cute Panda Mid-Autumn Paw-trait 

You can’t miss them when you visit SYSNMH! They are an iconic pair of cute Panda Mid-Autumn Paw-trait! This year’s special installation is titled, “A Mid-Autumn Paw-trait”, featuring two big and adorable giant panda lanterns. Just like a typical giant panda, one is sitting down in a relaxed position, while the other is in a stretching stance at SYSNMH lawn from 29th August to 1st October 2023, 10am to 9pm daily.

This is a collaboration made “paw-sible” through a collaboration with toymaker 52TOYS Panda Roll series and World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore (WWF-Singapore). The Mid-Autumn Paw-trait is SYSNM 9th outdoor installation, they convey SYSNMH wish for every Singaporean to enjoy a “panda-stic” Mid-Autumn reunion. 

More importantly, this iconic pair of cute Panda Mid-Autumn lanterns serve as an acknowledgement of past and ongoing wildlife conservation efforts, and also celebrating the reclassification of giant pandas from endangered to vulnerable statues by the IUCN Red List.

Workshops

There is a host of exciting and fun workshops for you and your family to join. Check out the listings below!

Parent-Child Recycled Panda Lantern Making Workshop

• Date: 23rd September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 12pm
• Admission: $24 per parent-child pair

Melodies in Motion: Hokkien Songs & Rhymes Workshop

• Date: 23rd September 2023
• Time: 1pm to 2:30pm
• Admission: $10 per pax.

Tales in Melodies: Teochew Songs & Rhymes Workshop

• Date: 23rd September 2023
• Time: 3:30pm to 5pm
• Admission: $10 per pax

Parent-Child Hakka Abacus Seeds Making Workshop

• Date: 24th September 2023
• Time: 3:30pm to 5pm
• Admission: $38 per parent-child pair

Escape Game Activity

• Lost in Time: The Case of the Missing Researcher
• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 11:30am to 1pm, 1pm to 2:30pm (Sunday only), 2:30pm to 4pm, 4pm to 5:30pm
• Admission: $8 per pax, group of 4-5 recommended

Check out my story that I published earlier on my Escape Game adventure at SYSNMH! 

Free Activities

Public Talk – Singapore’s Secret Societies in the 19th century and its Evolution

• Date: 24th September 2023
• Time: 10am to 11:30am
• Admission: Free (limited spaces available, on a first-come, first-served basis)

Storytelling sessions: Tales of Mid-Autumn Festival 

• Date: 23rd September 2023 (Mandarin), 24th September 2023 (English)
• Time: 11:30am to 12:30pm, 2pm – 3pm
• Admission: Free

Drop-in Craft Station: Mid-Autumn Festival Inspired Crafts

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 6:30pm
• Admission: Free

Drop-in Craft Station: Chinese Calligraphy Try-Out

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 6:30pm
• Admission: Free

Drop-in Activity Station: Language Game Fun

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 6:30pm
• Admission: Free

Live on the Lawn: Mid-Autumn Family Fun Contest

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 3pm to 4pm
• Admission: Free

Live on the Lawn: Dialect Culture Performances I

• Date: 23rd September 2023
• Time: 5pm to 6pm
• Admission: Free

Live on the Lawn: Dialect Culture Performances II

• Date: 24th September 2023
• Time: 6pm to 6:30pm
• Admission: Free

Live on the Lawn: Lantern Riddles Guessing

• Date: 24th September 2023
• Time: 5pm to 6pm
• Admission: Free

Mooncake, Pomelo & Tea Tasting

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 6:30pm
• Admission: Free (limited quantities available)

Teochew Mooncake Sampling 

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 6:30pm
• Admission: Free (limited quantities available)

52TOYS Blind Box Sale Booth

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 6:30pm
• Admission: Free

World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore Booth

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 6:30pm
• Admission: Free

Children Activity Booklets Giveaway

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10am to 9pm

Guided Tours & Trails

Teochew Cultural Trail

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10am to 1pm
• Admission: $20 per pax.

Balestier Heritage Food Trail

• Date: 23rd September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 11:30am (English), 11:30am to 12:30pm (Mandarin)
• Admission: $12 per pax

Special Exhibition Guided Tour

• Date: 23rd September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 11:30am (Mandarin), 1:30pm to 2:30pm (English)
• Admission: Free (limited spaces available)

Permanent Galleries Guided Tour

• Date: 23rd September 2023
• Time: 2:30pm to 3:30pm (Mandarin), 3pm to 4pm (English)
• Admission: Free (limited spaces available)

<For the above ticketed activities, you can purchase tickets via www.wanqingyuan.peatix.com>

SYSNMH Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival Open House 2023

Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (SYSNMH)

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10am to 6:30pm
• Admission: Free admission with ticketed activities 

Follow SYSNMH on social media

• Website: https://www.sysnmh.org.sg 
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sysnmh/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sysnmh/ 

Wishing all a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival 2023! 祝大家中秋节快乐！

Mid-Autumn Festival 2023 is coming soon on 29th September 2023. Let me wish everyone a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival 2023 in advance! Hope you all have a panda-stic” Mid-Autumn festival and reunion with your family and loved ones!

祝大家中秋节快乐！

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

The post Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival Open House 2023 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

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 * 

The post “Let’s Walk – Celebrating Harmony” at NHB Racial Harmony Day Open House 2023 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Although there is a wide array of fun activities, workshops and things to do at Wan Qing Dragon Boat Festival Open House 2023, I would like to share with you two key highlights at this Dragon Boat Festival Open House 2023! They are, a special exhibition titled, “Connections Across Oceans: Early Chinese Mutual Aid Organisations” (from 10th March 2023 to 10th December 2023) and an Escape Room Activity – Lost in Time: The Case of the Missing Researcher! 

Special Exhibition – Connections Across Oceans: Early Chinese Mutual Aid Organisations

A special exhibition titled “Connections Across Oceans: Early Chinese Mutual Aid Organisations” is taking place at SYSNMH from 10th March 2023 to 10th December 2023. An informative and interesting exhibition to learn and understand more about our early history of Chinese migrants that travelled to destinations all over the world during the 19th century. 

Most migrants arrived in Southeast Asia or in North America. Local governments at that time did not provide adequate support and welfare, therefore Chinese migrants started their own organisations in order to survive on foreign lands. These organisations there were formed were important pillars of the Chinese migrant community, as they provided a variety of support from political, economic, socio-cultural and religious support for their members. 

These mutual aid organisations usually share a common surname, hometown, language, or they could regard each other as sworn brothers.

After you visit this special exhibition, you would have a better understanding and the links to the various clan associations and dialect associations that have established themselves in Singapore’s heritage, history, culture and society even till today in modern times. 

Escape Room Activity – Lost in Time: The Case of the Missing Researcher 

If you think going to a museum is not cool and exciting enough at times, come on down with your family and friends to take on this interesting, mind boggling and interactive escape room activity – Lost in Time: The Case of the Missing Researcher.

This special escape room activity is launched in conjunction with SYSNMH ongoing special exhibition – Connections Across Oceans: Early Chinese Mutual Aid Organisations. This special exhibition serves as an inspiration for this special escape game, where participants will get to interact and engage with the exhibition and its artefacts on display in order to solve the mystery.

What is Lost in Time: The Case of the Missing Researcher all about?

A renowned researcher has vanished while studying a mysterious 19th century artefact. You and your team are called in to investigate the disappearance of this renowned researcher. 

In order to find and rescue the researcher, you and your team will need to navigate through twists and turns to uncover the various clues and solve puzzles (that are going to test your brain, mind, observations and teamwork).

Beware, there may be those who doesn’t want you to find the renowned researcher, and would go to great lengths to keep the researcher hidden.

Are you and your team able to locate the missing researcher and bring him back to safety before it’s too late? The clock is ticking, time is running out! The fate of this renowned researcher rest in you and your team hands.

Can you complete this rescue mission and bring him back to the present? 

Sharing some tips

I would just leave you with two tips to navigate through this interesting, mind boggling, interactive escape room activity that would help you complete your rescue mission and bring back the renowned researcher to the present.

• Pay very close attention to the artefacts on display
• Read the words/explanations/descriptions carefully/thoroughly of the artefacts on display

Lost in Time: The Case of the Missing Researcher 

• Date: 17th & 18th June 2023 
• Time: 10am – 11.30am (Sunday only) 11.30am – 1pm, 1pm – 2.30pm (Sunday only), 2.30pm – 4pm, 4pm – 5.30pm 
• Admission: $8 per pax, group of 4 – 5 pax recommended 

Wan Qing Dragon Boat Festival Open House 2023 Listings 

Here are the rest of the SYSNMH Wan Qing Dragon Boat Festival Open House 2023 listings and activities line-up.

Workshops

Parent-Child Wearable Dragon Boat Craft Workshop (Supported by A2+rt Studio) 

• Date: 17 & 18 June 2023 Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm 
• Admission: $24 per parent-child pair

Parent-Child Hainanese Rice Dumpling Making Workshop (Supported by Bak Chang Queen) Date: 18 June 2023 

• Time: 1pm – 3pm 
• Admission: $38 per parent-child pair 

Free Activities

Public Talk – Home Abroad: Shanghainese (Sanjiang) Community and Early Chinese Society in Singapore 

• Date: 17 June 2023 
• Time: 10am – 11.30am 
• Admission: Free; limited spaces available, on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Public Talk – The Restoration and Conservation of the “Calm Seas in the Southern Seas” Imperial Silk Scroll 

• Date: 17 June 2023 
• Time: 1pm – 2.30pm 
• Admission: Free; pre-registration required. 

Public Talk – Emigrant Ships, Barracoons, and Quarantine Stations: The Architecture of Chinese Immigration in 19th and 20th century Singapore and Hong Kong 

• Date: 18 June 2023 
• Time: 10am – 11.30am 
• Admission: Free; limited spaces available, on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Storytelling Sessions: Tales of Dragon Boat Festival (Supported by Speak Good English Movement and Speak Mandarin Campaign) 

• Date: 17 June 2023 (Mandarin), 18 June 2023 (English) 
• Time: 11.30am – 12.30pm, 2pm – 3pm 
• Admission: Free 

Drop-in Craft Station: Dragon Boat Festival Inspired Crafts (Supported by River Valley High School) 

• Date: 17 & 18 June 2023 
• Time: 10.30am – 5.30pm 
• Admission: Free 

Drop-in Craft Station: Chinese Calligraphy Try-Out 

• Date: 17 & 18 June 2023 
• Time: 10.30am – 5.30pm 
• Admission: Free 

Live on the Lawn: Dragon Boat Evening Fun! 

• Date: 17 & 18 June 2023 
• Time: 5pm – 6pm 
• Admission: Free 
• 5pm-5.30pm: Dragon Boat Festival Show
• 5.30pm-6pm: Mini Dragon Boat Racing

Children Activity Booklets Giveaway 

• Date: 17 & 18 June 2023 
• Time: 10am – 7pm 

Guided Tours & Trails

Balestier Heritage Healthcare Trail 

• Date: 17 & 18 June 2023 
• Time: 10.30am – 12pm (English), 11am – 12.30pm (Mandarin) 
• Admission: $12 per pax 

Special Exhibition Guided Tour 

• Date: 17 June 2023 
• Time: 10.30am (Mandarin) and 1.30pm (English) 
• Admission: Free; limited spaces available 

Permanent Galleries Guided Tour 

• Date: 17 & 18 June 2023 
• Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm (Mandarin), 3pm – 4pm (English) 
• Admission: Free; limited spaces available 

Wan Qing Dragon Boat Festival Open House 2023 

• Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall 
• Date: 17 & 18 June 2023 Time: 10am – 7pm 
• Admission: Free admission with ticketed activities 

For more information about the Wan Qing Dragon Boat Festival, please visit Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall’s website (https://www.sysnmh.org.sg) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/sysnmh) throughout the festival period. 

Please visit https://wanqingyuan.peatix.com to purchase tickets/register for the above list of events and activities taking place during SYSNMH Wan Qing Dragon Boat Festival Open House 2023. 

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

The post SYSNMH Wan Qing Dragon Boat Festival Open House 2023 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Lawn Installation: Celestial Bodies (星球宝宝）

You can’t miss the bright, colourful, cute and adorable outdoor artwork installations located on the lawn of SYSNMH! They are also known as Celestial Bodies (星球宝宝), produced by Taiwan’s Kai 3D Art Studio and in collaboration with SYSNMH. 

The spherical lanterns feature five of the artist’s characters: Moon, Earth, Sun, Saturn, and Mercury. Celestial Bodies artwork installation pays tribute to the moon which is at its brightest and roundest on 15th day of the 8th lunar month (农历八月十五) during the Mid-Autumn Festival. 

The Moon is surrounded by other planets, symbolising joyous union of family and friends. The Celestial Bodies represents the collective wish of Singaporeans to be able to get together and reunite with their family and loved ones, whether locally or overseas during this period when COVID-19 safety management measures are eased, and we can travel again.

Bring your children down and check out the lawn installation: Celestial Bodies (星球宝宝), they are going to have a fun time with the artwork installations! 

3rd & 4th September 2022 – Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2022 

Mark these dates down on your calendar! 3rd & 4th September 2022 – Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2022. There are many exciting programmes taking place, we are all looking forward to this fun, cultural and heritage Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival weekend at SYSNMH.

An extensive list of fun, interactive and enriching workshops and activities (both free and ticketed events) awaits your family and friends to come down, to enjoy and have fun celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinese arts, culture and heritage!

Workshops

Chinese Opera Workshop for Children

(Supported by Nam Hwa Opera 南华潮剧社)

Date: 4 Sep 2022

Time: 1.30pm – 3pm, 3.30pm – 5pm

Admission: $20 per pax

Recommended for children aged 6 and above. Children aged 5 years old and below will not be permitted. This is a children-only workshop.

Traditional Woodblock Printing Workshop

Date: 3 Sep 2022

Time: 10.30am – 12pm

Admission: $15 per pax

Recommended for participants 12 years old and above. Children aged 11 years old and below will not be permitted.

“Meet My Unusual Family” Interactive Storytelling & Workshop (不怪的“怪”兽)

(Presented by The Theatre Practice 实践剧场)

Date: 3 Sep 2022

Time: 1.30pm – 3pm & 4.30pm – 6pm

Admission: $20 per pax

Recommended for children aged 4 to 8 years old. This storytelling and workshop session is conducted in Mandarin.

You can purchase your tickets via https://wanqingyuan.peatix.com

Trails & Guided Tours

Touring Temples: Legends and Artforms of Door Gods

Date: 3 & 4 Sep 2022

Time: 10am – 1pm

Admission: $20.00 per pax

Tour will be conducted in English.

Balestier Heritage Food Trail

Date: 3 Sep 2022

Time: 10.30am – 11.30am (English); 11.30am – 12.30pm (Chinese)

Admission: $12.00 per pax

Permanent Galleries Guided Tour

Date: 3 & 4 Sep 2022

Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm (Chinese), 3pm – 4pm (English)

Admission: Free; limited spaces available

You can purchase your tickets via https://wanqingyuan.peatix.com

Free Events

Public Talk – The Qixi Festival: A Forgotten Love Story (只羡鸳鸯不羡仙——本地从前的七姐诞)

Date: 4 Sep 2022

Time: 10am – 11.30am

Admission: Free; limited spaces available, on a first-come, first-served basis

The talk will be conducted in Mandarin.

Live on the Lawn: Lantern Riddles Guessing

(Supported by Riddle Association (Singapore))

Date: 3 Sep 2022

Time: 5pm – 6pm

Admission: Free

Live on the Lawn: Performances by The Joyful Voices and Mr Bottle Magic Show

Date: 4 Sep 2022

Time: 6pm – 7pm

Admission: Free

Drop-in Craft Station: Mid-Autumn Inspired Crafts

Date: 3 & 4 Sep 2022

Time: 11am–6pm

Admission: Free

Storytelling Session: Tales of Mid-Autumn Festival

(Supported by Speak Good English Movement and Speak Mandarin Campaign)

Date: 3 Sep 2022 (Chinese), 4 Sep 2022 (English)

Time: 11.30am – 12.30pm, 2pm – 3pm

Admission: Free; limited spaces available, on a first-come, first-served basis

Special Exhibition – Nian Hua: Of Deities, Guardians and Auspicious Art

When you are visiting SYSNMH, do visit and check out this special exhibition – Nian Hua: Of Deities Guardians and Auspicious Art. This is a collaboration between SYSNMH and the Three Gorges Museum in Chongqing, China, showcasing Lunar New Year prints, known as nian hua from different parts of China.

Nian hua are woodblock prints that have been used to decorate Chinese homes for the Lunar New Year for centuries. They also provide insights into the altitudes and values of the Chinese community. This special exhibition examines a lesser-known aspect of Chinese intangible cultural heritage, also an international collaboration between SYSNMH and the Three Gorges Museum.

An annual special exhibition by SYSNMH, also a highlight event too. 

Information on Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2022

Location: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Dates: 16th August to 25th September 2022

Lawn Installation Opening Hours

Dates: 16th August to 25th September 2022 

Time: 10am to 9pm daily

Dates with Extended Gallery Hours (Saturday & Sunday)

• 20th & 21st August 2022
• 27th & 28th August 2022
• 3rd & 4th September 2022 (Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2022)
• 10th & 11th September 2022

Time: 10am to 9pm

For more information, please visit Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall website www.sysnmh.org.sg and Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/sysnmh)

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R7 Explorer Series Production * 

The post Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2022 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival by Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (SYSNMH) is a well-loved annual cultural event! Having visited Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival at SYSNMH over the past few years before the global pandemic situation hit us, it was fun, lively and packed with family with children. From live performances, activities and nice lanterns display, it was a weekend of fun and bonding time for families with children.

Even though there are safety restrictions in place due to the ongoing global pandemic, we still can celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival and learn about Chinese traditions and customs from the comfort of your own home with the well-loved Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2021 Digital Edition!

Lantern Installation “Those Moonlit Moments..”

Date: 31st August 2021 to 26th September 2021

Time: 10am to 9pm (daily)

Besides the online digital offerings of Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival, visitors to SYSNMH can enjoy its iconic and cute thematic lantern installations, “Those Moonlit Moments” produced by  Thailand artist Boonyavee Boonsakda (Ngaew Ngaew), in collaboration with SYSNMH. 

The kids would love the four large and cute lanterns! They feature the artist’s characters who are enjoying mooncakes and each other’s company under the gentle and watchful eye of Ngaew’s Moon Rabbit. This Moon Rabbit was created specially for the Mid-Autumn Festival, it’s inspired by the Jade Rabbit from Chinese folklore which keeps Goddess  Chang’e company on the moon.

Don’t miss “Those Moonlit Moments..”! Bring your lanterns, let the children (and you adults too!)  have fun and take photos!

Programmes Details

1. Deciphering Lantern Riddles! (for Children) – 22nd September 2021
2. Deciphering Lantern Riddles! (for Adults) – 23rd September 2021
3. Mid-Autumn Craft Tutorial: Create Your Own Unique Lantern – 21st September 2021
4. What does Your Lantern Say About You? – 14th September 2021
5. Help Hou Yi Shoot the Suns – 17th September 2021
6. Learn more about the Jade Rabbit – 24th September 2021
7. Let’s Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with Uncle Ting! – 6th September 2021  

Do share Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2021 (Digital Edition) with your family, loved ones, relatives and friends! We must not let this ongoing global pandemic dampen our mood for cultural festivals, we still can celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in a safe and different way!

For more information on Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2021 (Digital Edition), please visit https://www.sysnmh.org.sg/en/whats-on/events/wan-qing-mid-autumn-festival-2021 

Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Website: https://www.sysnmh.org.sg 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sysnmh/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sysnmh/ 

The post Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2021 (Digital Edition) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

No thanks to the global pandemic Covid-19 that has massively impacted our world economy, work and daily living. Mid-Autumn Festival 2020 is subdued and toned down from previous years. Nevertheless, we still have Mid-Autumn Festival lantern decorations around local favourite destinations such as Chinatown, Gardens By The Bay and Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. 

Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival today, this would be a great time to be with your family and loved ones. Time for family gathering and bonding, count our blessings during this gloomy global pandemic Covid-19 period.

Wishing all a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival celebration!

The post Happy Mid-Autumn Festival 2020! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Starting a business is not easy, maintaining and sustaining a business is even much tougher than starting. Doing it for more than 30 years, that’s no mean feat at all. NHB’s Street Corner Heritage Galleries scheme identify local businesses with at least 30 years of history in selected precincts to co-create “mini museums”. This is a win-win situation for all parties, helping and growing local community heritage, history and culture, revitalising the local neighbourhood through local street/community heritage spaces. For the local business owners, all these would help to instil a stronger sense of ownership and legacy passed down from their forefathers, passing them on to the future generations.

Street Corner Heritage Galleries kickstarted from 10th March 2020 with five local businesses within the Balestier precinct. They are:

Leong Fatt Tau Sar Piah

639 Balestier Road

Singapore 329922

Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice

342 Balestier Road

Singapore 329774

Sweetlands Confectionary and Bakery

10 Kim Keat Lane

Singapore 328867

Lam Yeo Coffee Powder Factory

328 Balestier Road

Singapore 329760

Lim Kay Khee Optical and Contact Lens Centre

330 Balestier Road

Singapore 329762

I would like to thank, Mr Alvin Tan, Deputy Chief Executive (Policy & Community), National Heritage Board, for the invitation to join their media session, we visited Leong Fatt Tau San Piah and Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice. At the front of their shop, there is a cabinet showcasing their respective artefacts, documents, photographs, history and heritage for customers/visitors to their shop. Hearing their heart warming stories and history of their business, we were able to understand more in-depth of their heritage showcase that meant something special to them.

From their founding stories, struggles, challenges over the decades running and maintaining their business, a legacy as well, there were also stories of regular customers returning back to them for a taste of the food that they grew up eating and enjoying, along with their children. Such intangible heartwarming real life stories are priceless, they are part of Singapore’s intangible cultural heritage that we need to protect, preserve, pay it forward and pass it on, to our future generations.

Have a chat with them if the opportunity arises, I reckon they would more than happy to share more about their rich history and stories. All of our local street corner heritage deserves more recognition and awareness in a fast changing international cosmopolitan Singapore. 

Street corner heritage galleries of Singapore, represent an integral part of #OurSGHeritage, expanding into the local communities and beyond the museums. From my own documentation and coverage of old places, trade skills, NHB street corner heritage galleries are really wonderful initiatives to expand local community history, heritage and culture, supporting them through their stories, preserving, allowing them to continue their legacy, to pay it forward and pass it on to the next few generations of Singapore.

How can I plan a heritage exploration trail of Street Corner Heritage Galleries in the Balestier precinct?

This is my personal humble suggestion, start off at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall at 12 Tai Gin Road, get to know more about this heritage institution in the Balestier precinct, followed by learning more about the Balestier Precinct. Next up, go on the Balestier Heritage Trail, remember to visit the Street Corner Heritage Galleries in this precinct! That’s probably going to be a bit of walking, do wear comfortable shoes and drink lots of water. Save your tummy space for tasting local delights along your Balestier Heritage Trail exploration!   

NHB Street Corner Heritage Galleries kickstarted in the Balestier precinct in March 2020, this scheme will soon expand into four other precincts – Kampong Gelam, Little India, Kreta Ayer/Chinatown and Geylang Serai by 2022. I look forward to the announcements of the street corner heritage galleries in the other precincts!

Our Singapore heritage has now gone beyond the museums, into the local communities, for some of us, they have been an integral part of our life growing up in Singapore. We all can play a part, no matter how big or small, to help preserve, support, pay it forward and pass it on, our rich local Singapore heritage, history and culture, for our future generations of Singapore and beyond.

The post Street Corner Heritage Galleries of Singapore appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.