Explore Singapore! 2007
Discover Singapore's colourful past, rich heritage and vibrant cultures
10 Nov – 31 Dec 2007
Various Locations
Singapore

EXPLORE SINGAPORE! BRINGS HERITAGE CLOSER TO THE MASSES WITH MONTH-LONG ACTIVITIES AT MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES

More than 30 activities and promotions specially catered for seniors in this year’s Explore Singapore!

Following the success of Explore Singapore! last year which drew more than 500,000 visitors to museums and libraries, the National Heritage Board (NHB) together with National Library Board (NLB) and Media Development Authority (MDA) have joined hands once again for Explore Singapore! 2007. Happening from 10 November to 31 December 2007, the month-long initiative features 86 activities at 20 museums around the island, the National Library, community centres and heartland malls, as well as a television (TV) series on this initiative. With the tagline “Discover More”, Explore Singapore! hopes to reach seniors, families and kids with fun, accessible and “heartland friendly” activities.

To help in fostering the connection, well-loved local actor/comedian Mark Lee has been appointed as the ambassador for Explore Singapore! 2007. As part of the event, Mark will specially conduct a museum tour for members of the public, done in his own trademark hilarious style. Mark will also feature in a special Taxi Drivers Open House aimed at getting more cabbies to visit museums together with their families.

“Our goal for Explore Singapore! this year is to make heritage and museums more fun and appealing to man-in-the-street, particularly seniors, children and families. After all, our museums are social and community spaces where the public can appreciate and enjoy heritage, culture and art in a contemporary setting. We are happy to work with Mark Lee, whose celebrity appeal covers both the Mandarin and English speaking crowds, as well as the young and old. Through Mark, we hope to show that museums can be fun and attractive leisure places for everyone.” said Mr Michael Koh, Chief Executive of NHB.

"In conjunction with Explore Singapore!, NLB is pleased to organise the second run of Heritage Road Show this year where the public can contribute towards the building of national memories by bringing photos, postcards or illustrations of Singapore before 1970 to the National Library. Beyond books, libraries are creative learning spaces for everyone to discover and even contribute to Singapore’s literary heritage. During the school holidays, children can expect lots of fun with music and dance performances presented by KidsASIA!, where these exciting programmes are performed by kids for kids," said Dr N Varaprasad, Chief Executive of NLB.

“Television is a mass appeal medium that reaches into thousands of homes. Families can watch the programmes to discover new things together. This year's joint efforts involving NHB, NLB and MDA aim to provide an avenue for Singaporeans to discover something new through something old in this island we call home. Through this heritage journey, the TV series will serve to engage and connect people in an entertaining and refreshing manner. In future, such programmes can also be watched on other channels like internet-protocol TV (IPTV) as well as in every museum and library in Singapore. This initiative is in line with MDA's Public Service Broadcast (PSB) efforts to offer quality info-tainment programming for the public”, said Dr Christopher Chia, CEO of MDA.

Sensational Surprises for Seniors

Coinciding with the Active Ageing Festival in November, Explore Singapore! features lots of activities – many of them free – which cater to seniors and their loved ones. Seniors and their family members can relive the past and watch colourful street theatre, listen to wartime folk songs, and explore artefacts in a special dramatised Mandarin tour at the National Museum of Singapore.

All senior citizens (60 years and above) will enjoy FREE entry to all NHB museums as well as the Singapore Science Centre and Museum of Shanghai Toys from 19-25 November. They can also enjoy special deals at The Battle Box and red dot design museum during that week.

Can’t keep pace with our rapidly changing urban landscape? The Singapore Storeys guided tour by the Singapore City Gallery will bring seniors and four accompanying children/grandchildren (per grandparent) on a tour of our city’s built heritage.

Cap off the activities with the Grandparents’ Day Gentle Walk. Organised by the Council for Third Age (C3A), this scenic one km stroll loops around the historically rich Singapore River, ending with a visit to the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM). Over there, an exciting lineup of performances and programmes await in an outdoor carnival for both young and old. Within ACM, there will be a blockbuster show on the history of Buddhism entitled On the Nalanda Trail: Buddhism in India, China and Southeast Asia. All senior citizens and their families who participate in this Gentle Walk will be entitled to free entry to ACM.

Terrific Times for Teens, Tweens and Toddlers

Not a babyboomer? Don’t worry. Explore Singapore! has many activities for the young too. 10-12 year olds can learn to be cultural ambassadors in I Can Guide! at the Asian Civilisations Museum. They will be trained in public speaking and museum guiding while learning about the cultures of Southeast Asia. On the final day, these newly minted museum docents will have the opportunity to lead their parents/grandparents around the museum.

Budding culinary connoisseurs can participate in Spice Recipes at the Singapore Philatelic Museum. There, 12-14 year olds can learn interesting recipes using spices and be all ready to create tasty treats for that Christmas party! Inspired by these events? Why not take a few photos and blog about them in NHB’s first photoblogging contest – Heritage in Pictures. Acclaimed local celebrity photographer Dominic Khoo will select the winners and the top three photoblogs stand to win cameras sponsored by Nikon.