National Heritage Board | January And February Happenings!

This January and February, National Heritage Board (NHB) will be running an array of programmes and events for you and your family!

So much is happening in the beginning of 2023, and beyond, across the venues managed by the National Heritage Board! Here's a closer look at what you can expect in the months of January and February:

Share Your Story, Shape Our Memorial Travelling Exhibition and Public Call

Photo Credit: National Heritage Board

Venue: Various locations island-wide
Date: 28 Apr 2022 to 28 Feb 2023

• Bedok Public Library (1 to 24 Feb 2023)

Do you have old photographs taken as a child with our founding leaders at community events; a pamphlet of one of Singapore’s first campaigns such as the Keep Singapore Clean campaign, or memories of hearing the National Anthem on radio when it was first introduced? The Share Your Story, Shape Our Memorial Travelling Exhibition by the Founders’ Memorial features a Public Call for artefacts and stories like these from the 1950s to the 1970s that relate to encounters with our founding leaders, and/or a national policy or historical milestone linked to independent Singapore, such as establishing citizenship and building a shared Singapore identity, and industrialisation and the transformation of Singapore’s economy. You can contribute these artefacts and stories through the Memorial’s website, and play a part in the making of the Memorial.

Speak Mandarin Campaign Family Talent Competition 2023 – Registration Open

Date: 3 Jan to 26 Feb 2023 | Register here

Jointly organised by the Promote Mandarin Council, CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School (Primary), Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning (CPCLL) and PCF Sparkletots Preschool, the Speak Mandarin Campaign Family Talent Competition is a nationwide competition that provides immersive opportunities for children to learn Mandarin, and for families to bond and have fun concurrently.

Monumental Hunt in the Civic District

Photo Credit: PSM (Preservation of Sites & Monuments)

Date: 14, & 28 Jan 2023
Time: 10am & 11am
Fee: $20 per adult (aged 13 & above) | $15 per child (aged 7 to 12), Free for children aged 6 & below | Register here

Join Mongo the Monkey for a fun-filled puzzle hunt in the Civic District! Inspired by escape rooms and treasure hunts, players will get to explore the area, discover fascinating new facts about our National Monuments, and solve puzzles to discover the location of the final treasure.

Museum Roundtable Lunar New Year Hongbao Campaign 2023

Venue: Various venues
Date: 6 Jan to 3 Feb 2023
Fee: The red packets will be made available free-of-charge, although Museum Roundtable members may charge for admission into their museums.

The Museum Roundtable Lunar New Year Hongbao Campaign returns this year with new red packet designs based on the Chinese zodiac year of the Rabbit! From 6 January to 3 February 2023, visitors will be able to collect exclusively designed red packets at 39 participating museums, heritage institutions and galleries, while stocks last. Each set will contain eight pieces of red packets, themed respectively to the 39 participating museums, and is limited to one set per visitor.

In addition, visitors will be able to purchase a limited-edition Collector’s Album containing a full set of all the red packet designs, while stocks last. Visitors can also stand a chance to win a full set of the red packets through online giveaways on the I Love Museums Facebook page!

Please refer to this link for more information on the sale of the Collector’s Albums and giveaway opportunities on the I Love Museum Facebook page.

Programmes by the Malay Heritage Centre (MHC)

My First Wayang Kulit Show

Photo Credit: Malay Heritage Centre

Explore the wonders of wayang kulit together with Laila in this interactive online game! Get a chance to be a little dalang (puppeteer), put up your first Ramayana performance and get a chance to learn what goes on behind the screen in a wayang kulit show.

Access this online game here for free.

Tales from the Nusantara Storytelling Video Series

Photo Credit: Malay Heritage Centre

Staying home during the school holidays can be a lot of fun with our storytelling series showcasing folktales from the Nusantara (Malay world)! Check out our YouTube Channel for pre-recorded storytelling videos that you can tune in at home or in school.

Activity sheets in both Malay and English are available for download for selected videos.

View the series for free at here.

I am a Little Jewellery Designer

Photo Credit: Malay Heritage Centre

Did you know that a diamond village called “Kampong Intan” used to exist in Singapore? It was bustling with diamond traders and jewellery designers!

Join our friends Laila and Oreo in this interactive video game where you can harvest your own intan (diamond), polish it and set it in a beautiful piece of jewellery. Your creation will also be available for download as an image file to keep forever.

Pssst.. redeem a specially designed sticker at the MHC if you flash your creation- while stocks last!

Access this online game here for free.

Programmes by the Indian Heritage Centre

Pongal Open House 2023

Photo Credit: Indian Heritage Centre

Venue: Indian Heritage Centre
Date: 14 to 15 Jan 2023
Fee: Free admission for Singaporeans and PRs

Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated to give thanks to Surya, the Sun God for the blessings of a bountiful harvest! Plan a visit to Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) this January to discover how Pongal is celebrated in Singapore with an exciting array of family friendly cultural activities and fun workshops at the IHC Pongal Open House celebrations 2023.

For more information, visit the IHC website, Peatix, Facebook and/or Instagram.

Programmes by Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Bunny-ful Blessings

Photo Credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Venue: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Date: now till 19 Feb 2023 (Tue to Sun, closed on Mon)
Time: 10am to 5pm 

The Lunar New Year is widely celebrated by the Chinese community in all parts of the world, and we would often usher in the new year with customs and festivities that are believed to bring good luck, fortune and prosperity such as putting up festive decorations, wearing red clothing on the first day, eating Nian Gao (a sweet sticky dessert made from glutinous rice flour), etc.

Titled Bunny-ful Blessings, this lawn installation is a collaboration between SYSNMH and artist Chan Siu Kau, a Hong Kong illustrator and designer. It features two of the artist’s Bit Bit Forest character, Bit Bit, rendered in the form of daruma dolls decorated with the words 幸 (xìng) meaning blessing, fortune and luck, and 福 (fú) meaning happiness.

This installation therefore represents the Memorial Hall’s wish for a year of good luck and great fortune for Singapore, and for Singaporeans to continue to persevere as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and chart our way forward together in an increasingly complex world. The installation will be on display on the lawn of the Memorial Hall until 19 February 2023.

For more information, please visit Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall’s (SYSNMH) website and Facebook page throughout the period.

Lunar New Year Hongbao Giveaway

Venue: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Date: now till 22 Jan 2023 (Tue to Sun, closed on Mon)
Time: 10am to 5pm 

It’s time to usher in the Year of the Rabbit with the Museum Roundtable and SYSNMH! Get ready to collect specially designed hongbao from 39 participating museums and galleries.

Don’t miss the chance to get the limited edition SYSNMH hongbao for FREE! To redeem, simply visit the Memorial Hall, follow SYSNMH Facebook page and verify at the visitor services counter from now till 22 January 2023. Limited to the first 50 visitors per day (1 pack per person) and available whilst stocks last!

Visit this link for more information about the MR Lunar New Year Hongbao campaign 2023.

Lunar New Year Celebration

Venue: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Date: 22 & 24 Jan 2023 (LNY Day 1 & 3)
Time: 10am to 5pm 
Fee: Free Admission

Come spend your time at the Memorial Hall as admission is free for all at SYSNMH on the Lunar New Year holiday.

• Auspicious Lion & Dragon Dance Performance

Photo Credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Date: 22 Jan 2023
Time: 10am to 11am
Fee: Free Admission

Revel in the festivities and usher in the Lunar New Year at the Memorial Hall with our beloved annual lion and dragon dance performance on the first day of the Lunar New Year!

• God of Fortune Visit

Photo Credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Date: 22 Jan 2023
Time: 10am to 12pm
Fee: Free Admission

Rub shoulders with the God of Fortune for an auspicious year ahead! The God of Fortune will be at the Memorial Hall and giving away sweet treats for a bountiful year.

For more information, please visit Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall’s (SYSNMH) website and Facebook page throughout the period.

Festival of Spring Weekend Open House

Venue: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

• Touring Temples: Lunar New Year and Temple Traditions

Photo Credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Date: 28 & 29 Jan 2023, 4 & 5 Feb 2023
Time: 10am to 1pm
Fee: $20 per pax; purchase tickets here 

The Lunar New Year is a time of family reunion and festive cheer celebrated by Chinese and other Asian communities. Other than celebrating with family and friends, many Chinese also make it a point to visit temples during CNY (Chinese New Year), arguably the most important traditional festival and holiday for the Chinese.

Join us as we explore local temples during the CNY period to have a peek at how they and their devotees celebrate the New Year. We will have the opportunity to hear from temple reps who will enlighten us on customs associates with specific temples and dialect groups.

Each tour includes visits to two different temples:

• 28 January – Sar Kong Mun San Fook Tuck Chee (沙冈万山福德祠) & Thian Hock Keng (天福宫)
• 29 January – Tiong Bahru Qi Tian Gong (齐天宫) & Thian Hock Keng (天福宫)
• 4 February – Poh Chung Tian Chor Sian Tong (普忠殿助善堂) & Toa Payoh Seu Teck Sean Tong (大芭窑修德善堂)
• 5 February – Hong San See (凤山寺) & Sar Kong Mun San Fook Tuck Chee (沙冈万山福德祠)

Parts of the tour will be conducted in English and Mandarin vice versa.

For more information, please visit Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall’s (SYSNMH) website and Facebook page throughout the period.

• Balestier Heritage Food Trail

Photo Credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Date: 4 Feb 2023
Time: 10.30am to 11.30am (English), 11.30am to 12.30pm (Mandarin)
Fee: $12 per pax; purchase tickets here 

Go on a gastronomic journey around Balestier with our ever-popular Balestier Heritage Food Trail! Delve into the architectural and cultural development of Balestier as you visit and sample bites from heritage shops such as Lam Yeo Coffee Powder Factory and Sweetlands Confectionary and Bakery and discover the rich food history behind these places.

• Children Lion Dance Workshop (Supported by Martial House)

Photo Credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Date: 4 Feb 2023
Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm, 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Fee: $10 per pax; purchase tickets here 

Let your child get into the festive spirit with this interactive lion dance workshop! Limber up with a series of full body stretches, learn basic dance movements from expert instructors, have fun trying on miniature lion dance costumes, and discover the origins behind this well-loved artform.

Recommended for children aged 6 years and above. Workshop will be conducted in English and Mandarin.

• Permanent Galleries Guided Tour

Photo Credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Date: 4 to 5 Feb 2023
Time: 2.30pm to 3.30pm (Chinese), 3pm to 4pm (English)
Fee: Free admission for Singaporeans and PRs; limited spaces available 

Join us for a guided tour of SYSNMH and hear the stories behind this century-old villa that trace Dr Sun Yat Sen’s revolutionary activities in Southeast Asia. Gain valuable insights on the impact of the 1911 Revolution on Singapore, as well as Singapore’s contributions to the Revolution.

• Storytelling Sessions: Tales of Spring (Supported by Speak Good English Movement and Speak Mandarin Campaign)

Photo Credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Date: 4 Feb 2023 (Chinese), 5 Feb 2023 (English)
Time: 11.30am to 12.30pm, 2pm to 3pm
Fee: Free for Singaporeans and PRs

Be swept away with enthralling tales in our popular storytelling sessions! Discover the legends and myths behind well-loved Chinese stories as local authors and veteran storytellers bring you on a literary adventure.

• Drop-in Craft Station: Lunar New Year Inspired Crafts

Photo Credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Date: 4 to 5 Feb 2023 
Time: 11am to 6pm
Fee: Free for Singaporeans and PRs

Get crafty as you make Lunar New Year inspired crafts such as greeting card colouring and God of Fortune origami folding.

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

Photo Credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Date: 4 to 5 Feb 2023 
Time: 10am to 7pm
Fee: Free for Singaporeans and PRs

Kids! Come pick up an activity kit to discover more about the Lunar New Year! Join Uncle Ting to learn more about the legends and popular customs associated with this festival through a series of fun activities including red packet making! Activity kits are given out on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last and one per child.

• Children Festive Chinese Drums Workshop (Supported by Martial House)

Photo Credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Date: 5 Feb 2023 
Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm, 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Fee: $10 per pax; purchase tickets here

Drum up a storm in this energetic musical workshop – your child will learn basic drumming techniques used for Chinese percussion instruments and experience a variety of rhythms and beats.

Recommended for children aged 6 years and above. Workshop will be conducted in English and Mandarin.

• Parent-Child Festive Cute Tangyuan Workshop

Photo Credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Date: 5 Feb 2023 
Time: 10am to 12.30pm
Fee: $38 per parent-child pair; purchase tickets here

Make adorable lunar new year-themed tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) with us! In this popular workshop, learn various skills such as making glutinous rice ball skin, wrapping and shaping of tangyuan, cooking methods and many more.

Recommended for children aged 6 years and above. Workshop will be conducted in Mandarin.

Changi Chapel and Museum

Photo Credit: Changi Chapel and Museum

Photo Credit: Changi Chapel and Museum

Address: 1000 Upper Changi Road North, Singapore 507707
Opening Hours: 9.30am to 5.30pm, Tue to Sun (Closed every Mon except Public Holidays, Last admission at 5pm)
Fee: Free admission for Citizens & PRs

The Changi Chapel and Museum tells the story of the prisoners of war and civilians interned in Changi prison camp during the Japanese Occupation. Managed by the National Museum of Singapore, the Changi Museum was revamped and reopened in May 2021. The revamped museum features new content and artefacts, including stories and personal objects collected from families of former internees, presented in an intimate and engaging format. The museum’s narrative is centred on remembrance and reflection, encouraging visitors to contemplate both the hardships that the internees underwent, as well as their courage and resilience in the face of difficulties.

Reflections at Bukit Chandu

Photo Credit: Reflections at Bukit Chandu

Photo Credit: Reflections at Bukit Chandu

Address: 31-K Pepys Road, Singapore 118458
Opening Hours: 9.30am to 5pm, Tue to Sun (Closed every Mon except Public Holidays, Last admission at 4.30pm)
Fee: Free admission for Citizens & PRs

Reflections at Bukit Chandu is a World War Two interpretative centre that commemorates the battle of Pasir Panjang and the men of the Malay Regiment who fought in it, as well as the history of Bukit Chandu itself. Housed in a bungalow that is closely connected to the site’s history, the interpretative centre uses immersive experiences and contextual artefacts to present a multi-faceted look at Bukit Chandu and Pasir Panjang, while inviting visitors to reflect on our nation’s wartime experience and the brave sacrifice of the soldiers.

Programmes by Children’s Museum Singapore

Photo Credit: Children's Museum Singapore

Bricks Fundraising - Own a Part of History

Date: Ongoing
Cost: $500 per brick, while stocks last

Make a donation to Children's Museum Singapore and contribute towards the museum's projects, educational and public programmes.

Patrons who donate $500 will be able to obtain an old handmade brick* which was originally part of the extension block for Anglo-Chinese School constructed around 1907.

These bricks were obtained while revamping Children's Museum Singapore's building.

All proceeds will be put into our Education Fund.

Visit this link for more details.

*Bricks are while stocks last.