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Straits Times
27-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Old names, new hopes: Heritage brands look to fresh support from new scheme
(From right) Mr Goh Yong Chiang, his son Goh Seng Ngee and his wife Choong Chua Tee in their antique store Chan Ngee, which was set up in 1969. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Old names, new hopes: Heritage brands look to fresh support from new scheme SINGAPORE - A treasure trove of antiques dating back to the Ming Dynasty – from teapots to snuff bottles – greets visitors to Chan Ngee in South Bridge Road. The antique store was set up in 1969 as a ceramics and crafts wholesaler by Mr Goh Yong Chiang. Today, the 88-year-old runs the heritage business with his son, Mr Goh Seng Ngee, who joined him in the 1990s. The store is one of more than 80 applicants for the SG Heritage Business Scheme, launched by the National Heritage Board (NHB) in March. To qualify, businesses must have operated in Singapore for at least 30 years and be located within the central area, among other conditions. Those selected for the scheme will get help with branding, marketing and consultancy services. They can also use a specially designed SG Heritage Business mark on their marketing channels. Awardees will be announced in the third quarter of 2025. Mr Goh Seng Ngee, 50, hopes Chan Ngee will be able to tap the scheme to attract younger customers. For now, his clientele is mostly regular collectors and tourists, especially ones from China. 'Traditional businesses like ours face challenges of high business operating costs, have limited exposure and may not be able to keep up with technology,' he said. 'We need to strike a balance between preserving our heritage and history, and evolving with the times to stay relevant.' Mr Keerthi Rajendran, 39, and Mr Karthigayan Venkatesan, 40, who are co-owners of Gandhi Restaurant in Little India, have similar hopes of the scheme. Mr Keerthi Rajendran (left) and Mr Karthigayan Venkatesan, who are co-owners of Gandhi Restaurant in Little India, have hopes of the SG Heritage Business Scheme. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Their restaurant, which has been around for 54 years, still uses traditional cooking methods. For example, its signature onion chicken requires a full day of preparation, while its thosai and vadai flour and chutneys are blended in-house manually for better taste. 'I hope the scheme will help us improve our marketing and branding strategies to bring ourselves from a simple, next-door-neighbour kind of restaurant to an upscale one, and yet retain the heritage cooking and serving methods,' said Mr Keerthi. While all businesses face manpower shortages, heritage businesses like his require even more hands, but struggle to attract younger people into the industry, he added. 'How are we going to survive if in the future, everyone is going to be an office-based worker or boss?' Mr Keethi said. 'What will happen to our traditional trades?' Heritage brands also typically face challenges with technology and social media, said Mr Tong Kok Wing, director of Chop Wah On medicated oils and balms in Upper Cross Street. 'While heritage brands' experience and wisdom could be put to good use, they could be supplemented by input of youthful vigour and energy to drive their growth and innovation,' he said. He, too, hopes the business, founded in 1916 by his grandfather, will secure official recognition as a Singapore heritage brand. Mr Tong Kok Wing, director of Chop Wah On medicated oils and balms, hopes the business, founded in 1916 by his grandfather, will secure official recognition as a Singapore heritage brand. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Another hopeful is Mr Haffidz Abdul Hamid, general manager of Halijah Travels. The travel agency was incorporated with the Singapore Tourism Board in 1991 by his late sister, who had been providing haj services since 1981. When she died in 1997, Mr Haffidz and his brother left their full-time jobs to continue their sister's legacy. 'It is imperative to remind ourselves that the haj pilgrimage is a legacy business that will have to evolve, but nonetheless remain anchored as faith-based travel,' said the 64-year-old. 'We are also passionate about promoting the legacy of Kampong Glam as Singapore's historical role as the heart of haj travels in the past.' Halijah Travels is located in a restored shophouse in Kampong Glam, adjacent to the Sultan Mosque and the Malay Heritage Centre. The heritage precinct was the heart of haj travels before the 1970s, when Singapore served as a major hub for pilgrims travelling from South-east Asia to Mecca by sea. Boosting the profile of heritage businesses The SG Heritage Business Scheme will significantly enhance the visibility and legitimacy of heritage businesses, said Dr David Ocon, assistant professor (practice) at Singapore Management University. Having an official SG Heritage Business mark would allow locals and tourists to easily identify and support such businesses, reinforcing their cultural value, he added. Being featured in national events and heritage platforms would help these businesses gain marketing exposure, while consultancy support can help them adapt to changing consumer trends and digital demands, he said. Associate Professor Dianna Chang from the Singapore University of Social Sciences' School of Business said targeted subsidies could help selected heritage businesses ease rental costs. She added that many young people are reluctant to take up jobs in the heritage sector, often favouring positions in larger organisations due to better job security and career advancement opportunities. To address this, the Government can support individuals who are passionate about heritage businesses by equipping them with stronger marketing and management capabilities, she suggested. Businesses that face technological challenges could also get subsidised technical assistance and consulting services, such as help to upgrade payment systems, she said. She added: 'Supporting heritage brands is meaningful not only in terms of promoting local enterprises, but also in preserving Singapore's cultural legacy and offering opportunities for people to connect with the nation's history and identity, and with one another.' Chin Soo Fang is senior correspondent at The Straits Times covering topics such as community, politics, social issues, consumer, culture and heritage. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
06-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Paint sculptures and learn about Punggol's history at new 10-day arts and heritage festival
The installation, called Colours on Shore, is part of a new heritage initiative that will run from June 6 to 15 in Punggol. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Paint sculptures and learn about Punggol's history at new 10-day arts and heritage festival SINGAPORE – Within the Waterway Point mall in Punggol is a cluster of boulder-like sculptures sporting paint-splattered handprints and brushstrokes. Made of canvas, the sculptures are part of an interactive art installation meant to represent Punggol's rocky shoreline. Punggol residents and their children can draw and paint on them as part of an experience to reimagine what is a central part of their neighbourhood. The installation, called Colours on Shore, is part of a new heritage initiative that will run from June 6 to 15 in Punggol. It is being launched under the National Heritage Board's (NHB) Heritage Activation Node (HAN) initiative, which aims to involve the public and local communities in celebrating the heritage of Singapore's neighbourhoods and organising their own heritage programmes. Punggol is the third town where this initiative has been launched, after similar runs in Katong-Joo Chiat and Clementi in 2024. The Punggol initiative's curator John Tung said the Punggol area was once known for its pig farms and for housing Singapore's first zoo, although the town's identity has evolved, and residents have different interpretations of the town now. 'There is a part of Punggol that is historical, for example the changing history of Punggol Beach, but it's no longer a fishermen's block anymore,' said Mr Tung. Once a rural fishing village with poultry and pig farms, Punggol began clearing out its pig farms in the 1980s. Construction of the first Housing Board flats began in the late 1990s. Other heritage programmes being organised in Punggol as part of this initiative, include one called 'Where Punggol Meets Plate', which allows participants to create a three-course food experience using local ingredients such as Nipah palm trees near Punggol Reservoir. There is also a listening and drawing workshop called 'Attuning to Nature' that will allow participants to learn about the natural and environmental histories of Punggol and Coney Island. These programmes are co-organised with over 10 community partners, and in partnership with art organization OH! Open House. Interested participants can sign up at: NHB's director for education and community outreach, Mr Gerald Wee, hopes the initiative will bring Punggol's history to life, and highlight natural spaces like Coney Island, as well as landmarks such as Punggol Jetty and Punggol Settlement. Mr Wee said previous launches of the initiative have drawn good feedback and 'brought together diverse communities to uncover and share neighbourhood stories'. 'As we launch HAN@Punggol with OH! Open House, we look forward to expanding this vibrant community of heritage enthusiasts, and deepening connections between communities and their neighbourhood's heritage,' he said. Ms Chua Sze Hwei, 37, a full-time homemaker who has lived in Punggol for about a decade, is looking forward to the heritage programmes. 'I think it would be great if the initiatives can attract people to see how young and how vibrant the community is in Punggol,' she said. Children trying their hand at the interactive art experience called Colours on Shore, at Waterway Point on June 6. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG OH! Open House and NHB also plan to go further with the initiative. In July, they intend to mobilise volunteers to go door-to-door around Punggol to invite households to have their portraits drawn and gather stories about their neighbourhood. This will be part of a three-year community initiative to create a directory of local stories that can be displayed in Punggol's public spaces. OH! Open House artistic director, Mr Alan Oei, added: 'Heritage isn't just something we visit in a museum - it's in the stories passed down at void decks, in the everyday rituals we don't even realise we're part of.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
20-05-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Forum: NS Square construction offers chance to uncover Singapore's maritime past
The ongoing construction of the NS Square at Marina Bay presents a unique opportunity to delve into Singapore's rich maritime past. While the project aims to create a vibrant public space, we must not overlook the archaeological potential of the site, once part of the bustling mouth of the Singapore River. The significant discoveries at an archaeological dig at Empress Place in 2015, which unearthed around three tonnes of artefacts from as far back as the 14th century, strongly suggest that Singapore was a thriving port centuries before its modern founding. This begs the question: What other remnants of this era lie submerged in the adjacent waters? This is especially relevant given that conserving Singapore's maritime heritage is one of the National Heritage Board's strategies under Our SG Heritage Plan 2.0. While extensive underwater archaeology might be costly, the current NS Square construction offers an unprecedented chance for a 'dry survey'. Even a brief archaeological assessment within the cofferdam area could yield significant discoveries. Imagine enriching the narrative of the new NS Square with tangible links to Singapore's early maritime history, adding a compelling 'SG60 story' to this future landmark. Let us seize this timely opportunity to explore our submerged past. Kuet Ee Yoon More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Armenian Street Party from 14 to 16 Mar with Peranakan art, food & more
In case you missed the news, Emerald Hill, the sequel to The Little Nyonya, has clinched the pole position on Netflix locally. If you enjoyed the series and have nothing to do this weekend, participate in the Armenian Street Party (14 – 16 Mar). Here, Peranakan culture takes centre stage with art, fashion, performances, culinary delights, and more. Armenian Street Party: Peranakan Stars is planned by the National Heritage Board in partnership with the Peranakan Association Singapore, the Arab Network @ Singapore, the Peranakan Indian Association Singapore and Mediacorp. Admission to most events is free. Check out these highlights. Treat yourself to a makeover and step into the spotlight as a Peranakan star. Explore the Armenian Street Party dressed in Peranakan clothes and capture unforgettable moments. Raymond Wong, a fashion designer who is passionate about kebaya-making and Peranakan beadwork, will be doing your makeover. He has gained a reputation for his craftsmanship. Rent an attire for S$20, get your hair done for S$5 and your makeup for S$20. Attire choices for adults and children include batik shirts, sarong kebaya and accessories. 14 to 16 Mar, 5pm – 10pm Lobby, Level 1 S$5-S$45; Limited slots available Step into the world of Emerald Hill at the Peranakan Museum. Meet the stars of the new drama, enjoy engaging activities and take photos to commemorate your experience. Catch the following special cast appearances on stage daily at 7.30pm. Sat, 15 Mar: Chantalle Ng, Jesseca Liu, Tyler Ten, Dawn Yeoh, Zhu Ze Liang Sun, 16 Mar: Romeo Tan, Zhu Ze Liang, Sheila Sim, Jernelle Oh, Gini Chang 14 to 16 Mar, 5pm – 10pm Ixora Room Free admission In a live cooking demonstration, Peranakan chef Phillip Chia transforms ingredients into 2 beloved dishes, nyonya chap chye and satay ayam goreng. Learn a lesson or two from him. 16 Mar, 5.30–6.30pm Armenian Street Free with limited seating Pangi Nut: Peranakan-inspired Western dishes by ex-chef with buah keluak chicken chop & rendang pasta The post Armenian Street Party from 14 to 16 Mar with Peranakan art, food & more appeared first on
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Yahoo
Battle for Singapore 2025 from 15 Feb to 2 Mar with heritage tours
With Total Defence around the corner, commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the Fall of Singapore at Battle for Singapore 2025 from 15 Feb to 2 Mar. Organised by The Museum Roundtable (MR), a group of museums and heritage institutions and the National Heritage Board (NHB), the events include tours, talks, and exhibitions. These will highlight familiar and lesser-known stories and historical locations around Singapore during WWII. All programmes require prior registration. While you'll have to pay to attend some of the activities, a good number of them are free. Check out these highlights. If you have time in the evening to spare, the Fort Siloso Twilight Tour takes participants through the historic fortifications and the strategic areas of Fort Siloso. It is unique in that the guns originally pointed south to the sea, and were flipped to face northwards into mainland Singapore when the Japanese attacked by land via Malaya. Throughout the tour, learn more about the events leading to the decline of Singapore during World War II. As dusk falls, hear the stories of the soldiers and civilians who prepared for the war and enter preserved areas of the fort that played an important role in defending the country. Registration costs S$25 per person. 15 Feb – 2 Mar (weekends only) Sat & Sun: 6pm – 7.30pm Closed Mon to Fri Are you a nature lover and military geek? If so, join heritage veteran Jerome Lim on a trip to the sensitively reconstructed Cashin House at Lim Chu Kang Nature Park. The site witnessed some of the initial landings of the Japanese forces during World War II. This experience takes you into the minds of troops from both sides as they fought each other. It's an eye-opening peek into perspectives that you may not have considered before. While you are there, also explore the area's historical surroundings. Registration is free. 15 & 22 Feb 9am – 10.30am & 11am – 12.30pm Explore a soldier's kit with items from World War II and replicas owned by Alvin Lee, a local collector of WWI and WWII militaria, at war museum Reflections at Bukit Chandu. Discover what soldiers in the 1940s ate, how they groomed themselves, and the evolution of rations and hygiene kits from then to now. Every participant will get to bring home a mini World War II ration pack. Registration costs S$21.80 per adult-child pair and S$10.90 per adult. 15 Feb 10am – 11am for families with children aged 7 and above 11.30am – 12.30pm for those aged 16 and above Singapore HeritageFest 2024: Greatest number of activities post-COVID The post Battle for Singapore 2025 from 15 Feb to 2 Mar with heritage tours appeared first on
