Heritage SG

More than history

2006-02-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

Rivertales at the Singapore History Museum recreates the everyday life that ebbed and flowed along with the Singapore River. And what an everyday life! A complex "ecosystem" of its own, all linked and interdependent upon the existence of another. There were merchants, boatmen, coolies, cart drivers, night watchmen and rickshaw pullers.

There were also letter writers, storytellers, and snake charmers, all of whom based their livelihood upon the leisure needs of man.

It is hard to imagine how our forefathers lived when they first arrived on the banks of the Singapore River. Most of them stayed in what was called a coolie 'keng' (below), which gives new meaning to the word 'dormitory'.

The exhibition recreates the tumultous scenes of strife and struggle that took place around the river itself. How would you have guessed that once upon a time, the Hokkien and Teochew clans were at loggerheads with each other? Some of the fighting that took place between these two clans were extremely violent. You can hear the audio recordings of men in both Teochew and Hokkien, relating these street clashes. Below is a ghostly depiction of the 'samseng' (professional thug) - one of the identities that thrived during a time of social unrest.

One shudders while hearing stories of those who lived to tell the tale of the "The Sook Ching" during the Japanese Occupation in 1942-1945. The model below depicts how the Japanese would screen all Chinese males to kill all those who were thought to be anti-Japanese.

I was fascinated by Royston Tan's 12-minute short film "The Old Man and the River", narrated in Hokkien by 78-year-old ex-coolie/road sweeper Chia Tiong Guan, sharing a lyrical and touching reminiscence of his old days and of life around the river.

Singapore History Museum is more than a walk down memory lane; it is about understanding how Singapore as a country developed from a riotous past to the stable present. More than nostalgia, what you'll leave with is actually an appreciation of life in the now.

2006-02-07T19:35:00.000-08:00

Reflections at Bukit Chandu is 4!

To celebrate their 4th anniversary and to commemorate Total Defence Day, they are having an Open House on Wed, 15th Feb. Yup, that means FREE admission from 9am - 5pm.

Watch out for this special animation.

And DO take photos with the iconic RBC bronze sculpture:

Read what RBC visitors had to say:
oceanskies79
vantan
projectmsg

2006-02-06T21:45:00.000-08:00

Something for the weekend:

Battle of Pasir Panjang Commemorative Walk
Sunday, 12 Feb 2006: 7am - 11am

Don’t miss this annual trek to commemorate the Malay Regiment's defense of the ridge. Guides will share stories about the Battle of Pasir Panjang as well as the geography, flora and fauna of the region.

More info at Habitat News

2006-01-31T20:50:00.000-08:00

"As far as the trip is concerned, it focuses on the culture of different races that constitute the majority of S'pore. I initially doubted whether there is real "culture" here but it turned out to be a positive answer."

Aaron muses about his Singapore heritage and cultural spots jaunt.

2006-01-31T20:22:00.000-08:00

"I found a hidden gem! ...It's located in the URA building behind maxwell market ...Can see the new casino, reservoir and marina south park. and many new buildings in shenton. my fav find was the skycam controller which allows control and viewing of the surrounding shenton way and chinatown and parts of singapore river."

Read about Mr Lee-Lin's recent discovery.

2006-01-26T21:05:00.000-08:00

Stumped by where to go when the malls are closed during the Lunar New Year holidays?

Click on the image for a better view.

2006-01-25T19:45:00.000-08:00

Read about Edwin's account of his visit to Power Dressing at Asian Civilisations Museum, Empress Place.

"We visited ACM for the special event Power Dressing. This special showcase presents textiles for Rulers and Priests from the Chris Hall Collection. Featured are the Chinese dressing of silken treasures from the 5th century BCE to early 20th century."

Link

2006-01-25T19:07:00.000-08:00

It was the last Sunday before the Chinese New Year. As with Chinese traditions, the guys should go for their haircut before the New Year. So, as if it was a calling from within I joined the crowd. Gone are the days when if you have long hair you might be served last.

Check out chinatown boy's interesting account of his visit to a "modern barber shop of the old, but not of the new generation type".

Link

2006-01-25T18:43:00.000-08:00

Do Chinese ceramics and the origins of kilns interest you? Come visit Museum, NUS Centre For the Arts.

This talk is your chance to learn more.

Fujian Export Ceramics
Speaker: Prof Li Jian An, Fujian Provincial Museum, China
Date: 24 February 2006 (Friday)
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Venue: Green Room, University Cultural Centre, NUS
Talk conducted in Mandarin

Chinese ceramics were once exported in large quantities to Southeast Asian, Japan and Europe. Fujian kilns were one of the main kilns where these export ceramics were made. What roles did these Fujian kilns play and the archaeological findings? What are the recent discoveries of Fujian export ceramics? What are the basic characteristics of Chinese export ware and how do we tell them apart?
Prof Li Jian An (Director of Archaeology Institute, Fujian Provincial Museum, China) will discuss the above topics with visual illustrations and selected ceramic pieces from the collection of the Museum, NUS Centre For the Arts.
Speaker
Li Jian’an graduated from Xiamen University in 1982, in History and Archeology. In the same year, he joined the Fujian Provincial Museum and carried out many land and underwater archeological expeditions. Now, he is the Director of Fujian Archaeologcial Institute. Prof Li has participated in the archeological work of prehistoric, bronze, Jian kilns, xxx kilns, Zhangzhou kilns, Dehua kilns and many others. He has also written about 70 academic reports, and published ‘Zhangzhou Kilns’ and ‘Ancient Export of Fujian Ceramics – Discoveries from Underwater Archaeology’.
Email

2006-01-25T18:37:00.000-08:00

Here's what's happening at the Singapore Philatelic Museum during the Lunar New Year.

2006-01-18T18:01:00.000-08:00

Our friends at Museums, NUS Centre for the Arts dropped by and told us more about the Tan Cheng Lock Baba House Museum.

BABA HOUSE MUSEUM: Applauded at the Peranakan Festival.

Come September 2006, walk back in time with Museums, NUS Centre for the Arts to the era of babas and bibiks. Experience authentic Peranakan culture in perhaps the last remaining Peranakan house in Singapore.

Exhibitions and events held at the Baba House Museum will showcase fascinating aspects of Peranakan heritage that are best captured in its eclectic mix of artifacts, signature decorative ornaments, Peranakan cuisine, social customs and lifestyle in a living context. Listen to Peranakan stories and songs while enjoying ayam buah keluak, kueh kueh and rojak. View artefacts such as the beautifully restored wedding bed and ancestral altar table.

Stay tuned for more developments.

2006-01-18T01:37:00.000-08:00

We've just received news that Singapore History Museum at Riverside Point is going to close in early March.

The official word.

"Closure of the Singapore History Museum & Rivertales exhibition at Riverside Point from 6 March 2006
The Singapore History Museum at Riverside Point will be officially closed to the public from 6 March 2006. The last day of operation at the Singapore History Museum is 5 March 2006. The Rivertales exhibition at Riverside Point was launched in August 2003. The closure will enable the preparation and setup for the opening of the new National Museum of Singapore at Stamford Road.

The new National Museum of Singapore at Stamford Road will be officially open to the public in December this year. From April to November 2006, the various event spaces at the new Museum will be opened in succession. A series of film, visual and performing arts events have been scheduled to allow our local and international visitors a preview of the new National Museum."

It'll be a good idea to catch them before they close.

It might very well be your last chance to perform heroics in a national museum...

and get a photo with Ju Ming's Living World Series Sculpture by the river side.

2006-01-18T01:31:00.000-08:00

Looks like Vanessa Tan had fun at Reflections at Bukit Chandu recently.

Link

2006-01-11T04:26:00.000-08:00

We browsed through Victor Koo's archives and really enjoyed his pix on Clarke Quay and the Singapore skyline.

We then went digging through the National Archives's online repository and looked for corresponding images.

Browsing through the photo repository sure invokes a strong feeling of nostalgia.

Chinese New Year Open House Programme at SHM

2006-01-11T04:16:00.000-08:00

This came into today from the Singapore History Museum

Some of the interesting programmes they have lined up.

Link

2006-01-08T17:43:00.000-08:00

bullockcartwater was at Chinatown for the 2006 Chinese New Year Light Up and has exclusive pictures and posts.

It was "ren-shan-ren-hai" (people mountain people sea) from People's Park Complex to Sago Lane. It was almost like the old days when there were only shoppers and the stalls. Last night, the crowd was created in part, with the show and the small walking space for the people who flocked to Chinatown to watch, amongst many things fireworks

Link

2006-01-05T19:52:00.000-08:00

oceanskies79 comes through again with another reflective post on places in Singapore

"...I understand that Anderson Bridge was built (completed in 1910) because the nearby Cavenagh Bridge was not able to cope with the increasing traffic.

The one thing that we should be grateful of is that Cavenagh Bridge was not demolished after Anderson Bridge was completed. Instead, it was converted to a pedestrain bridge, and has continued to serve this function till today. It is nice to catch glimpses of bumboats passing by while standing on Cavenagh Bridge."

Link

2006-01-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

Happening at Asian Civilisations Museum, Empress Place on 14 January.

Kindly click on image for larger print.

2006-01-05T02:02:00.000-08:00

In line with the upcoming CNY festivities, the Singapore Philatelic Museum is organising a Singapore Zodiac Stamp Exhibtion & Fair.

Kindly click on the image for larger print.

2006-01-04T18:14:00.000-08:00

Victor Koo's post on Sungei Road is really amusing

"So what potential buys can you find in Sungei Road? Anything and everything. You can see the assortment of goods which the above seller is selling. From a fan that is missing its blades or blades that are missing a fan; to a bicycle that is missing an owner or an owner that is missing a bicycle. Some of the browsers in the above photo may in fact be looking for things that they have recently lost to a thief.

That's why Sungei Road is also popularly known as 'thieves market'. You can pick up a second-hand (perhaps more accurately 'several-hands') mobile phone. Or rather, it could also possibly be a 'third hand' mobile phone. "

Link

2006-01-04T02:26:00.000-08:00

Happening at the Malay Heritage Centre...

Aidiladha - Understanding the Sacrifice
Till 15 January 2006

Go on a journey to discover the real meaning behind Aidiladha, its rituals and practices. Free admission and light refreshments. Free transportation for groups of 30 or more.

Kindly click on the image for larger print.

Good Morning Yesterday

2006-01-03T02:04:00.000-08:00

We are avid followers of Mr Lam's blog which is a heartfelt retrospective on Singapore's yesteryears and was pleased to learn about his motivation for it in his latest post.

"The last day of the year is a good time for reflection. I think I should explain in more detail why I started this blog.

Basically I have 2 reasons:

1) To reminisce about the ‘good old days’.
2) To educate the next generation about what life of their parents was like when they were young."

Link

2006-01-03T01:50:00.000-08:00

Stefan and Dave share with us one of the many new features to expect when the National Museum of Singapore re-opens in December 2006.

"We have created for the National Museum of Singapore the first outdoor interactive audio guide on mobile phone in the world... What makes it different is that you are able to not only hear about the three architectural features of the Museum (via the pleasing voice of Programming Manager Katharyn Peh), but you are also invited to leave your feedback on the buildings, express your opinion on them, and what they mean to you or to Singapore's history.

We've left these recording options open-ended so that our audio guide is not merely a conduit of information, but a dialogue between museum and community. We will save the best recordings and make them available to future visitors to the museum."

Link

2006-01-02T21:42:00.000-08:00

oceanskies79 has a nice blog with pictorial posts about heritage-themed places in Singapore.

Check out oceanskies79's latest visit to Reflections at Bukit Chandu on their New Year's Day Open House.

"My favourite exhibits were:
- Battle For Singapore!: It gives a vivid snapshot of the Japanese invasion of Singapore from 7 - 15 Feb 1942. I felt I attended a good history lesson within a span of ten minutes.
- Bukit Chandu Theatre: Through the use of very good multmedia and sound effects, it gave me a better understanding of what the soldiers from the Malay Regiment might be facing when they were bravely fighting against the invaders."

Link

Free Shuttle to Bukit Chandu in December!

2005-12-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

Visiting Reflections at Bukit Chandu (RBC) has never been easier this holiday season!

Specially for weekends in December, RBC is offering a free shuttle service from Harbourfront Centre - Bus Bay at Singapore Cruise Centre Lobby C.

The RBC Shuttle (License Plate: PA87E) leaves Harbourfront at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Visitors can catch the return trip departing RBC's Car Park C at 12.40pm, 2.20pm and 4.45pm.

Visitors who come on-board the free shuttle also receive free admission to the Centre!

Come enjoy the weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city! Pack a picnic basket and spend time learning about our WWII history!

Missed the screening of the animation 'The Battle of Bukit Chandu' on Arts Central? View the animation, done by award winning students from Nanyang Polytechnic's School of Design exclusively at RBC! Showtimes - 1030, 1100, 1230,1300 and 1430.

Season's Greetings from the RBC Team!

'Battle at Bukit Chandu' - an animated short film by NYP and NAS

2005-10-24T03:30:00.000-07:00

We were fortunate to get an exclusive sneak peak at the animated ten minute short film 'Battle at Bukit Chandu' which is going to be shown on 9pm, Tuesday, 25 October 2005 on Arts Central.

A Gold Award winner at the 2005 Crowbar Awards organised by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Singapore , this film illustrates one of the last significant battles fought in Singapore before British Forces surrendered to the Japanese Imperial Army.

Based largely on war diaries and historical accounts collected by the National Archives of Singapore (NAS), this film was developed by a group of Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) students with NAS's support

The film will also be featured as part of a ‘Noise Singapore’ programme that showcases creative works by youths - ‘Noise on Screen’.

We found it to be a real labour of love and an outstanding effort from the NYP students. The turmoil and raw emotions in the battle scenes were very well-portrayed through the illustration and animation.

Remember to catch it on Tuesday, 25 October 2005, at 9pm on Arts Central!

The Fairy Tale World of Hans Christian Andersen

2005-10-11T03:39:00.000-07:00

We heard rave reviews from our friends with kids about this exhibition and hurried to catch The Fairy Tale World of Hans Christian Andersen at the Singapore Philatelic Museum before it closes on 14 October 2005.

The seemingly small gallery which houses this exhibiton belies the wealth of information this gem of an exhibition offers!

We were charmed by the beautiful presentation of his famous tales.

Full length panels accompanied with lively illustrations flesh out his stories really well.

An assortment of H.C. Andersen commemorative stamps.

Collectors assemble! There's an exclusive series of his stamps available at SPM.

A little reading corner with his best-loved stories keeps the little ones occupied.

There's even Lego bricks for them to play with!

H.C. Andersen's quirky corner...

This heartrending poem was written when he was 21, during an unhappy period. It was his observation of the high child mortality rate during this period and is testement to his ability to approach this subject from a child's perspective.

We felt these verses were exceptionally poignant.

The final exhibit is a Lego model of the Ugly Duckling, a fitting tribute from his countrymen to one of his most loved tales.

At first glance, this exhibition might be classified under the 'One for the Kids' dossier, but the meandering emotional ride of joy, sadness, laughter and madness prove otherwise. We're sure glad we caught it before it ended.

First Time Ever! Museum Opens overnight in Singapore

2005-10-06T19:24:00.000-07:00

The offical flyer

This weekend, 8 & 9 October, Asian Civilisations Museum, Empress Place's got free movie screenings, midnight gallery tours personally conducted by the museum director, Italian fare and an eclectic mix of musical performances lined up. There's also a contest with attractive prizes to be won. It'll be a great opportunity to hang out with your friends!

Most importantly, it'll be your last chance to catch Journey of Faith. It might be a long long time till we get to see these precious artefacts all the way from Rome, so its best NOT to miss out on this. After your visit, drop on by NHB's site and take part in the Journey of Faith Contest where they've got shopping vouchers up for grabs.

Well, here's a hint of the beautiful galleries you can expect to enjoy.

Southeast Asia Galleries

Kwek Hong Png China Gallery

West Asia / Islamic Galleries

South Asia Galleries

Images courtesy of Asian Civilisations Museum

Free Shuttle to Bukit Chandu in September!

2005-09-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of NHB's website

FREE Admission* and Shuttle Bus Service!

Only for this commemorative month of September, visiting Reflections at Bukit Chandu (RBC) has never been easier!

Schedule and Timings

*Free admission applies for visitors who use the shuttle service.

It's a beautiful place to spend a weekend afternoon, as we found out.

Commemoration Ceremony at Kranji War Cemetary

2005-09-12T02:51:00.000-07:00

We were at Kranji War Cemetary on the morning of 12 September for the Commemoration Ceremony marking the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II in Southeast Asia.

The sacrifice of those who fell for Singapore's defence weighed heavily upon us, as we walked past the neatly aligned graves.

Wee though the hours may be, the troops and uniformed groups were out in full force.

Raffles Voices' mournful rendition of 'Amazing Grace' set the tone for the day.

We didn't expect there'd be such a big crowd, this early on a Monday morning

There were young and old, locals and foreigners, civilians and uniformed personnels, dignitaries and ordinary folk - all gathered for a common purpose.

The morning's proceedings took place at the Inscription Wall.

Seeing the various religious leaders offering prayers together was indeed an affirmation of the religious tolerance we've worked hard at.

Military dignitaries took turn laying wreaths and paying their respects.

Thinking of the horror they'd endured and the friends that they'd lost , witnessing war Veterans laying wreaths was an emotional experience.

Dr Warren Lee, MP Sembawang GRC, followed with a heart-felt reading of Rupert Brooke's 'The Dead'.

'Blow out, you bugles, over the rich Dead
There's none of these so lonely and poor of old,
But, dying, has made us rarer gifts than gold.
These laid the world away; poured out the red
Sweet wine of youth; gave up the years to be
Of work and joy, and that unhoped serene,
That men all age; and those who would have been,
Their sons, they gave, their immortality.

Blow, bugles, blow! They brought us, for our dearth,
Holiness, lacked so long, and Love, and Pain.
Honour has come back, as a king, to earth,
And paid his subjects with a royal wage;
And Nobleness walks in our ways again;
And we have come into our heritage.'

Madam Halimah Yacob, MP Jurong GRC, recital of 'For the Fallen' touched many in the audience.

'They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow,
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them.'

This was followed by the reveille, where a minute's silence was observed, followed by the lowering and raising of the flag.

As Kemal Ataturk's ode 'Our Sons' was read by journalist Ms Peh Siok Lian, we couldn't help but imagine all the families who've been affected by the war.

"Those heroes that shed their blood
and lost their lives,
you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country
therefore, rest in peace.

There is no difference between the Johnnies
and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side
here in this country of ours.

You, the mothers
Who sent their sons from far away countries
wipe away your tears;
your sons are now lying in our bosom
and are in peace,
after having lost their lives on this land they have
become our sons as well.

And how people from different nations came to defend our land, sometimes at great personal cost. A point which the Navigational Star seeks to remind us of.

The event ended with a bagpiper's lament underscoring all our sorrow.

We then walked around Kranji Memorial, where we discovered these subtle tributes:

The Memorial Register held names of visitors to the Memorial. The list showed visitors from far and near, who came to pay respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Names from the Malay regiment. Lt Adnan's name is inscribed in the lower left corner.

A solitary salute to those who fell.

We Will Not Forget.

Hello again, old friend

2005-09-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

The idyllic seaside locale Singaporeans know as Changi is home to a beautiful museum which tells of tragic yet inspirational stories of World War Two (WWII) Prisoners-of-War (POWs) who were interned in Changi Prison.

I was fortunate to be at the launch of the revamped Changi Museum, one of the activities happening over Memorial Weekend.

Prior to the launch of the revamped Changi Museum, there was a short observance ceremony, which comprised of a reading, wreath laying by dignitaries and war veterans and their families,

as well as an observance of a minutes silence.

At 11.25 am, Guest of Honour Dr Balaji Sadasivan symbolically unlocked the chains which shackled the entrance of the museum, to launch the revamped Changi Museum.

I've always had fond memories of Changi Museum since visiting it as part of history lessons in secondary school. Then, even with its sparten layout and presentation of artefacts, the museum managed to articulate the contrasting emotions of despair and hope explicitly. I clearly remember the beautiful Changi Murals painted by Stanley Warren.

I'd strongly recommend picking up this book from the Changi Museum Gift Shop.

You'll discover the inspirational stories behind Stanley Warren's Murals

Why Jesus' eyes were always closed in his paintings

As well as why this painting is 'unfinished'

With the new museum promising to have more comprehensive artefacts, panels and new interactive displays, I was pretty hyped up about the tour they had lined up for us.

While waiting outside the entrance of the museum, the diorama freak (SHM still has the best IMHO) in me just had to get pix of replicas of:

Changi Chapel in Singapore

and Australia

On to the exhibition proper. Click here for an idea of the the museum's layout.

The general presentation format was black and white photo montages accompanied with artefacts.

Examples of vegetables grown by POWs

You'll pick up interesting tidbits (heh) including the existence of a snail farm in the prison where snails were a source of protein for the POWs. Vegetables were grown on available land, discarded tins and containers.

Medicine bottle, container used to grow vegetables and ration card.

The extent of food shortage? This quote enlightens.

"In Singapore, I was told there were some 210,000 ration cards that relied on the distribution of rice by the government. One ration card was issued to at least two persons. On the average, some ration cards might even be for four or five persons."

Always in gloom, a glimmer of hope. I was particularly fascinated with 'Innovation in times of distress' themes which was testement to how the human spirit triumphed over adversity.

I was amazed at how dire circumstances brought out the resourcefulness and creativity in the POWs. They had ingenious ways of making objects they needed. Artefacts featured include a razor made of tooth brush, plastic and metal from a Japanese Zero fighter plane, a badge, tobacco box and copper tooling.

Activities POWs engaged in during their internment

Lining the walls of the replication of St Luke's Chapel were the murals mentioned earlier on. I'm glad they didn't change this section of the museum too much, as its appeal lay in its simplicity.

Artefacts from the original St Luke's Chapel

Altar

Organ

Original Altar Cloth

Actual Elements of Changi Prison

Brick from Changi Prison

Changi Cell Door

Tributes to those who fell in World War II

Changi Quilt - embroided by female POWs at Changi

Letters from POWs' loved ones

I had to pay a visit to the Changi Chapel before leaving. A comforting abode to seek respite, the Chapel was a beacon of hope to the POWs who's only wished to survive the ordeal and be reunited with their loved ones.

The most lasting impressions from this visit?

1) The contrast of the victor's pride

With their humble surrender

2)The quote which accompanied the following picture was particularly sad

"Some of the girls told me, with tears running down their cheeks, that they were asked in some restaurants for the Japanese in Singapore. However, in this island (Blakang Mati or the present Sentosa), they were forced to become prostitutes for the Japanese Army."

3) The Corporal and His Pal

A heartwrenching poem which most emphatic line (for me, at least) was

"Grant unto me this last request
That's in your power to give
For myself I ask no mercy
But let my comrade live"

It was great to see you again, old friend. Looking better than ever!

Changi Chapel & Museum's Revamp

2005-08-18T03:28:00.000-07:00

Just spoke to the curator yesterday. Here's the blurb (credits to: http://www.visitsingapore.com/WWII/)

Memorial Weekend
60 years ago...
September 12, 1945
Lord Louis Mountbatten accepts the surrender of 680,000 Japanese soldiers in Southeast Asia with the signing of the Surrender Document by General Seishiro Itagaki, on behalf of Field Marshall Count Terauchi, in Singapore's Municipal Hall (City Hall) Council Chamber, followed by a parade of Allied troops.

September 10
Memorial Service/Launch of new exhibits at Changi Chapel & Museum

A short memorial service, which will be conducted at 11.00am to commemorate
the end of World War II, will precede the launch of never before seen
exhibits at the Changi Museum.

Time : 11.00 am
Admission : Free
Location : Changi Chapel & Museum
Address : 1000 Upper Changi Road North
Phone : (65) 6214 2451
Nearest MRT Station : Tampines
Website : http://www.changimuseum.com

If you haven't been there, its indeed a sobering experience. I especially liked the murals and the chapel signified the only hope the POWs had in the most harrowing period of their lives. I hear there's going to be a Commemorative Ceremony as well, more info as it comes in.

Toy Museum Opening in Singapore

2005-08-08T02:37:00.000-07:00

[Article Start]Source: Straits Times

Toy Land

One man's collection of more than 50,000 toys, lovingly amassed over 25 years, will be opened to the public with the setting up of Singapore's first toy museum

FIFTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD Chang Yang Fa still has his first toy - a Matchbox truck given to him when he was six.

The father of three also has other playthings - more than 50,000 in fact, dating from the 1850s to the 1950s. And they are worth more than $5 million.

Mr Chang, head of his own engineering consulting firm, built the collection over 25 years. He is now preparing to share his toys with the public by moving them to a toy museum, the first in Singapore.

The collection - now split among Mr Chang's home, office, his siblings' homes and rented storage space - will be housed in the $2 million premises in Seah Street, opposite the Raffles Hotel.

'It's every toy collector's dream to open a museum so he can share his passion with other people,' said the publicity-shy Mr Chang, who would not have his picture taken.

The toys can be traced back to toy makers from more than 25 countries. They were bought from auctions, junk stores and dealers by Mr Chang who, incidentally, took his wife of 25 years to a junk store on their second date.

The collection includes a 1903 Steiff bear, a Batman dispatched in Superman packaging by mistake, and a 1930s plush Mickey with creator Walt Disney's signature on its sole.

Many pieces are still in mint condition, said Mr Chang.

The Mint Museum of Toys - for Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys - will sit atop a cafe cum wine bar. It will also have a store selling playthings and museum merchandise.

The five-storey glass facade museum, opening in December, is designed by SCDA Architects, winner of the Royal Institute of British Architects Worldwide Awards last year.

'The Mint is supposed to invite people on a journey of rediscovery. It's meant to appeal to the child in every one of us,' said Mr Chang, seated among golliwogs and bears at his semi-detached house.

He is funding the project with a bank loan and contributions from family members and friends.

He hopes the museum will break even in five to 10 years.

Mr Chang said he and his wife, Siew Kee, scrimped and saved for years to fund the project, and joked that his three children aged 12 to 22 are still sharing a bedroom because of his dream.

His project has received grants from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and support from the National Heritage Board (NHB), which is glad that individuals are getting into the museum act.

Famous toy museums include Pollock's Toy Museum and the Brighton Toy and Model Museum, both in London.

STB's director for sightseeing and cruises, Mr Chang Chee Pey, said Mr Chang's toy museum will be the largest of its kind outside Japan, and will 'add to the variety of attractions and museums' here.

NHB's acting director for corporate communications, Mr Walter Lim, said: 'Toys are also an important part of our cultural identity and heritage. Some toys are actually global cultural icons, such as Disney's and Hello Kitty.'

Mr Chang hopes the museum will draw 500 visitors a day. Ticket prices have yet to be decided but are likely to be under $10 for adults, and half of that for children.

He said the museum must make money to be viable but added that it 'goes beyond that'.

'These toys will outlive me, they have outlived many of their owners. By having them in Singapore, they will become the heritage of Singapore,' he said.

krist@sph.com.sg

The highlights

Door of Hope

This pair of hand-crafted dolls, each 11 inches high, were made in Shanghai in the early 1900s by girls saved from brothels by the Door of Hope missionary movement. The dolls provided the girls with a small personal income and helped maintain the mission's homes. They made 25 standard types of dolls and no two are the same. Prized dolls have been known to fetch more than US$5,000 (S$8,268) each at auctions.

Mickey Organ Grinder

This 1930s-era piece of pie-eyed Mickey Mouse with a toothy grin did not please creator Walt Disney, so its production was limited. Only five are believed to be still around. Bought in the US over 15 years ago, it is worth more than US$15,000.

Mickey Mouse

A 1930s piece by Steiff. This stuffed Mickey was bought at a Christie's auction in London over 10 years ago. It was restored by famous teddy bear expert Sue Pearson, who discovered Disney's autograph on its left sole.

1903 Steiff Bear

Made just a year after this most prestigious of teddy bear brands introduced its first plush bear. It is valued for its excellent condition. The record for a Steiff bear was set last year, when a 1904/5 bear fetched 51,000 Euros (S$102,969) at the 8th Steiff Festival.

Bonzo Steiff

This is believed to be the only remaining example of the 1930s plush dog Bonzo, a roguish character featured in English comics in the 1920s. It has slits for eyes made of blue glass-marble. Its creator, George Studdy, apparently did not like this version, so only 115 pieces were made.

Information from Mint and the Internet

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Man oh man oh man oh man!

Our very own toy museum!

[Quote]STB's director for sightseeing and cruises, Mr Chang Chee Pey, said Mr Chang's toy museum will be the largest of its kind outside Japan, and will 'add to the variety of attractions and museums' here. [Quote]

Could he possibly be making comparisons with the Bandai Museum in Japan?

The figures speak for themselves really. 50,000 toys, over 25 years, worth more than $5 million.
I just can't wait for it to open. Imagine the wealth of collections from various toylines we'll be able to see!

[Quote] 'It's every toy collector's dream to open a museum so he can share his passion with other people,' [Quote]

Right on the money! Local collectors forums like Katoots and Sgcollect are raving over the opening of this new museum.

See you there in December!

Reflecting at Bukit Chandu

2005-08-08T01:35:00.000-07:00

Being Singapore's 40 Birthday, due to a lack of tickets to the Parade, I thought it'd be good to remember those who gave up their lives in the defence of the nation we all hold dear to our hearts.

I dropped by Reflections at Bukit Chandu over the weekend.

Visiting Reflections at Bukit Chandu's gonna be a trek unless you've private transport, but it shouldn't stop you really. Here some directions that may come in handy.

Upon entering the compound, three statues of heroic Malay Regiment soldiers stand steadfast, readying themselves for a battle which will always be remembered. On the floor is a plaque, with a tribute to their heroic sacrifice.

On the wall of the house is a mural depicting the Battle of Pasir Panjang. The portrait expresses the confusion and disarray of the battle, with a Japanese soldier brutally slashing the face of a Malay Regiment soldier. This sets the scene for things to come.

The facade of the colonial house is one of grandeur. Interesting nugget: Bukit Chandu means Opium Hill in Malay.

Upon entering the house, a solemn mood prevails. The displays lining the walls told the story of the heroic Malay Regiment who stood their ground, including their accounts and artefacts of the weapons used during the time.

Military equipment enthusiasts will marvel at the artefacts which include binoculars, bayonets, field communications headsets, jerry cans and even mess tins.

Part of the displays included bicycles which aided the relentless assault of the Japanese and actual weaponary which was used in the massacre.

Displays of Malay Regiment uniforms and a bust of Lt Adnan, whose story is told throughout the walls of the house. A hero above all, without peer. His tragic end at the hands of the enemy was heartrending to listen to, through accounts from his descendants.

The multi-sensory experience which the Bukit Chandu Theatre provides brings you deep into the heart of battle. The show vividly re-enacted the peace before the battle, the confusion arising from the cacophony of battle sounds, and the actual sacrifice remained etched deeply in you, long after the show.

I found the drawings of the horror inflicted upon by the Japanese, as seen through children's eyes especially chilling. It was sad that children had been subjected to such horror.

The experience at Bukit Chandu promises to be overwhelming. It was unnerving to stand where fellow men had fell in their valiant defence of Singapore. It brings to mind the question, "Would you stand your ground as the Askar Melayu did?"