Dated: 26 October 2006
To spark a national passion in discovering and learning about Singapore’s heritage, National Heritage Board (NHB), together with National Library Board (NLB) and the Media Development Authority (MDA), will launch Explore Singapore! Happening 1 November 2006 to 31 January 2007, Explore Singapore! is an integrated multi-dimensional campaign covering events, TV programming, mass media content and new media interactivity. With the tagline “Discover Something New”, Explore Singapore! features close to 40 activities throughout Singapore. It is programmed to suit different audiences and encourage them to find out more about heritage and culture at museums of the Museum Roundtable and libraries.
Said Mr Michael Koh, CEO of National Heritage Board: “Explore Singapore! seeks to interest people in our rich and diverse heritage throughout Singapore. This is why we have an eclectic programme of content across different formats –from art appreciation, cultural experiences, historic fact-finding, edgy entertainment to lifestyle activities. Through these multiple new and traditional media channels, we seek to reach more than 840,000 museum visitors, 460,000 library visitors and 120,000 television viewers over the three-month period of the initiative.”
Members of the public can participate in 27 unique museum and library events happening across multiple venues. They can check out edgy street and installation art at Malay Heritage Centre, have old printed items appraised at a Heritage Road Show at the National Library, listen to hand bells and chimes at the Singapore Philatelic Museum, picnic with their family at the Yunnan Garden near Chinese Heritage Centre, or party away to alternative music from POPTARTS and Electrico at the Singapore Science Centre’s first music festival.
TV viewers can uncover little known nuggets on Singapore museums with funnyman Moses Lim and upcoming celebrity Elizabeth Naomi Tan over six episodes on prime time on MediaCorp Channel 5 from 14 December. Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer, Media Development Authority, shared: ""We are delighted to be a partner in this project where we use the idea of a visual tour of our museums to help viewers better appreciate the key events that happened in the past and people who shaped our future. This series is the latest and part of our Public Service Broadcast (PSB) programmes to provide consumers with a diverse range of quality programming, that is both entertaining and educational, whilst serving to foster a connected society. We hope viewers will find Explore Singapore! which incorporates infotainment with drama, an engaging and interesting series.""
The web-savvy can log on to Singapore’s first heritage and museums blog, www.yesterday.sg, for event blog posts, the latest scoops and podcasts of celebrities’ personal Explore Singapore! experiences. Those with burning questions on Singapore heritage can simply SMS to 91787792, for NLB’s Reference Point service. Alternatively, they can pick up an Explore Singapore! resource guide which leads them to treasure troves of quirky heritage facts.
Said Dr N Varaprasad, Chief Executive, National Library Board: ""This project is very meaningful because it promotes rootedness and cohesiveness amongst Singaporeans. Explore Singapore! can be a catalyst that sparks the process of re-discovery, and bring about a renewed interest for Singapore culture and heritage. We encourage people to not only see libraries as a trove of information services and resources, but also as learning spaces where knowledge comes alive and communities can come together to learn about each other's heritage.""
Highlights of Explore Singapore!
Culture Clubbin’ –Explore Singapore! Opening Special The calendar of events kick-starts with an opening event held at the historic Malay Heritage Centre. On 4 November 2006, the 162-year-old building and grounds will be transformed into an eclectic street festival, featuring a lively day of art, culture and music. Vistors will find quirky shopping at the flea market, all-day music by DJ Wayne and DJ Adam, graffiti street art by The Killer Gerbil and ZERO, and avant garde photo installations by Moet &Chandon Fresh! Fashion Photographer of the Year 2004 Ivanho Harlim.
Heritage Roadshow Participate in our version of the popular BBC TV programme Antique Road Show! Bring your old books, magazines, letters and other printed items down to the National Library on 11 and 12 November 2006 and have your treasured possessions appraised by our panel of expert judges.
World of Stamps –Open House Find out about the heritage and cultures of Singapore through stamps at the Singapore Philatelic Museum! Be charmed by a musical performance of hand bells and chimes, create interesting picture frames and bookmarks with stamps at a craft workshop, or take part in a fun quiz. Plus, enjoy free museum admission!
Indie Garden - Explore Singapore! Closing Extravaganza The Explore Singapore! events will end on a high note (literally!) on 2 December 2006 at the Singapore Science Centre. The first-ever music festival to be held at the Centre, the Eco-Garden will be converted into a music wonderland where party goers can dance the night away to beats by a stellar line-up of local acts such as Electrico, The Great Spy Experiment, Astreal, Guerrilla Collective, and POPTARTS.
Explore Singapore! –Other Events and Activities From 4 November to 2 December 2006, Singaporeans can participate in a series of 26 unique museum and library events and activities throughout Singapore. Explore Singapore through activities such as Heritage Road Show, Ford Factory Fiesta, World of Stamps, Sunday Play Day, Asia Alive at ACM!, Fun with Art! –Discover the Human Body, and Relive the Kallang Roar!. (More information on the event highlights can be found in Annex A. For a full list of events, please refer to the enclosed events brochure)
Explore Singapore! on Television Specially commisioned by NHB, NLB and MDA, Explore Singapore! the television programme features comedy favourite Moses Lim and up-and-coming actress Elizabeth Naomi Tan. Premiering on Thursday, 14 December 2006 at 7.30 pm on Channel 5, the six-part programme introduces the little-known facts and finds in 23 museums around Singapore. (More information on the television programme can be found in Annex B.)
Explore Singapore! through New Media Singapore’s first heritage and museums blog, www.yesterday.sg, will carry the latest insights from the inside on Explore Singapore! events. Readers can take part in contests, watch videos, and listen to podcasts of Explore Singapore! celebrity interviews.
In addition, anyone who wants to know more about a specific topic on Singapore’s heritage and culture can simply send a text message to the National Library using their mobile phones. Simple fact-seeking questions can expect an SMS reply from the Reference Librarians within a day. (More information on the SMS Reference Service can be found in Annex C.)
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For more information about Explore Singapore! please contact:
Joan Liew
Hill &Knowlton (SEA) Pte Ltd
DID: (65) 6390 3352
Email: joan.liew@hillandknowlton.com.sg
Yvonne Koh
Hill &Knowlton (SEA) Pte Ltd
DID: (65) 6390 3325
Email: yvonne.koh@hillandknowlton.com.sg
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