Deepening cultural ties between Singapore and Myanmar

Prime Minister Lee,

Your Excellency Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar,

Mr Loh Lik Peng, Chairman, Asian Civilisations Museum

Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen 

1. Good evening and welcome to the opening of the “Cities and Kings: Ancient Treasures from Myanmar” exhibition, and a special warm welcome to our guests from Myanmar.

Cultural and historical connections between Singapore and Myanmar

2. 2016 is a significant year for Myanmar and Singapore, as our countries mark 50 years of diplomatic ties. However, our cultural connections date back much earlier.

3. Both countries have been part of the flows of trade and religion that spread across Asia through the centuries. These have shaped both our cultures and societies. Buddhism entered Myanmar more than 2000 years ago from India, and in the course of centuries, has evolved its own unique tradition of worship, craft and architecture. In Singapore, Buddhism came with the many immigrant communities that arrived on our shores in the 1800s and 1900s from China, India and Southeast Asia. Alongside them was also a Burmese Buddhist community, who brought this distinctive tradition of worship, art and architecture to our city, adding to our cultural diversity. The Sasanaramsi Burmese Buddhist Temple in Singapore was built in 1878. Inside the temple is the largest enshrined white marble Buddha statue outside Myanmar. The beautiful 10-tonne statue was transported from Mandalay in 1921 by a Burmese physician named U Kyaw Gaung, who later installed it in the temple in 1925. His descendants continue to live in Singapore and take care of the temple.

4. Myanmar has prominent cities that offer great insights to the rich history of the country. Mandalay, the last royal capital, was known in the 1800s for its elegant court culture and a flourishing of the arts; while Bagan was one of the most opulent and awe-inspiring cities in the 13th century. Even older than Bagan were the ancient Pyu cities, which has its distinctive cultural and aesthetic identity. 

5. These cities' roles as centres of economic development and the royal courts' patronage of the arts are thus reflected in the title of this exhibition – “Cities and Kings”.  This exhibition aims to provide a glimpse into the splendour and the beauty of these ancient cities. It is noteworthy that this exhibition represents the first time ever that an international loan exhibition from Myanmar is being held in Singapore. Thirty two treasures of Burmese Art from these cities are on loan from the National Museum of Myanmar at Naypyitaw and Yangon, the Bagan Archaeological Museum and the Department of Archaeology, Yangon. It is also the first time that these works of art are travelling out of the country. ACM has supplemented these with pieces from its own collection and from private collections in Singapore. The result is a display of intricate woodcarving, serene marble Buddhas, colourful lacquer and elaborate silverware. These demonstrate the heights of artistry and craftsmanship that existed in Myanmar.

Recent cultural exchanges between Singapore and Myanmar

6. Collaborations between Singapore and Myanmar extend beyond the “Cities and Kings” exhibition. As members of the ASEAN community, I'm glad to note that our cultural exchanges have increased in recent years. In 2015, delegates from Singapore's National Heritage Board participated in a workshop co-organised by the Myanmar Ministry of Culture and the ASEAN National Committee on Culture and Information Sub-Committee on Culture. Myanmar's many impressive ancient cultural heritage sites afforded my colleagues the opportunity to learn about Myanmar's archaeological practices and heritage management. Next March, a conservation workshop will be held at the Heritage Conservation Centre here in Singapore. These exchanges highlight the close ties and commitments we have to foster lasting partnerships with our colleagues in Myanmar.   

Contributions by Myanmar citizens to Singapore

7. Beyond cultural exchanges, the people of Myanmar also have a sizeable presence in Singapore. About 200,000 Myanmar citizens are based here and actively contribute to our society in varied ways, as students and professionals. One example is Associate Professor Maitrii Aung-Thwin, who teaches Asian and World History at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, National University of Singapore. Dr Aung Thwin is currently developing a project that examines the relationship between Myanmar nation-building and Buddhist transnationalism in South and Southeast Asia.

8. Another prominent individual is Dr Myint Soe, a Senior Partner at MyintSoe & Selvaraj, Advocates & Solicitors. Dr Myint Soe came to Singapore in 1971, teaching in the Faculty of Law at the then-University of Singapore, and has been practising law in Singapore since 1980.  Dr. Myint Soe has taught many generations of Singaporeans and he was awarded the Public Service Medal (P.B.M.) for his service to the Ministry of Home Affairs as Member and later Chairman of the Criminal Law Advisory Committee. 

Conclusion

9. The exhibition “Cities and Kings: Ancient Treasures from Myanmar” will build on our existing links. Singapore greatly values our relations with neighbouring countries, and this exhibition will provide Singaporeans greater insight into Myanmar's history and culture. This exhibition is also timely, as it commemorates 50 years of diplomatic relations, as well as the mutual lifting of visa requirements between our two countries today. I hope this will pave the way for more cultural exchanges in the future.

10. On behalf of the Asian Civilisations Museum and the people of Singapore, I would like to extend my deep gratitude to the Government of Myanmar, in particular the Ministry of Religion and Culture, and the Department of Archaeology and Museums, for all the support that they have given to make this exhibition. I wish you all a pleasant evening and hope that all of you will enjoy this exhibition.