Honouring stewards of heritage: A celebration of philanthropy and community

Good evening.

1. It is my pleasure to be here tonight at the Patron of Heritage Awards, where we celebrate:

   1. the generous and steady support of our heritage patrons; and

   2. our shared conviction as stewards of our local heritage.

2. As we celebrate SG60 this year, the mission of safeguarding and promoting our heritage takes on even greater significance.

3. Understanding our past reinforces our sense of who we are, connects us to those who came before, and inspires us to build upon their legacy.

   1. Heritage anchors our identity as a multicultural and cohesive society.

   2. It reminds us of the boldness of our forefathers, who overcame great challenges to build our nation,

   3. and also reminds us of the values of resilience and openness that continue to unite us as one people.

4. And the good news is that Singaporeans feel really strongly about this too.

5. Based on the 2024 Heritage Awareness Survey, 9 out of 10 respondents said they:

   1. are proud of our heritage and culture;

   2. they feel a strong sense of belonging to Singapore; and

   3. they believe it is important for all of us to know our history and heritage.

6. This deep connection is what gives our nation its soul.

7. And that is why the Government has stepped up our support for the heritage sector under Our SG Heritage Plan 2.0.

   1. We are building a sector that is sustainable, professional and people-centred by investing in our museums and institutions, supporting cultural practitioners and uplifting heritage businesses.

   2. We continue to celebrate multiculturalism through a diverse range of exhibitions, festivals and programmes that deepen our understanding and our connections across communities.

   3. We are enhancing access with digital innovation to bring culture and heritage closer to Singaporeans.

   4. And with the SG Culture Pass launched in September, every Singaporean aged 18 and above this year, can now explore and enjoy local arts and heritage offerings, making discovery easier and participation more meaningful.

8. And we need to do all of this together.

9. Heritage thrives when it becomes a whole-of-society effort, when businesses, communities, and individuals all play a part in building our shared story.

10. This is where all of you, our donors and patrons, play a crucial role.

11. Tonight, we honour 64 awardees who have collectively contributed about $12.5 million to heritage causes in 2024.

    1. Thanks to you, heritage philanthropy continues to grow.

    2. You have given in many ways. Not just through donations, but through creativity, expertise, artefact donations, and most importantly, your time.

12. Together you have made our heritage more vibrant, more inclusive, and alive.

13. First, you have made heritage more accessible.

14. I thank like-minded patrons who help us meet people where they are, transforming everyday spaces into heritage touchpoints.

    1. Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre’s media support enabled The Intan – a Peranakan home museum – to showcase its collection through interactive displays and dedicated exhibition space, while Lagardère Travel Retail provided The Intan with merchandise displays and advertising space at the Changi Airport.

    2. A big round of applause for these organisations.

    3. Together, they have brought our rich Peranakan heritage closer to local and international visitors, helping them discover and appreciate our cultural treasures as part of their journey.

15. Heritage belongs to every Singaporean. Every single one of us.

    1. Magical Bridge Foundation’s support for the National Museum of Singapore’s intergenerational playground ensures visitors of all ages and abilities can explore and discover our Singapore story together.

    2. SPH Media Trust contributed advertorial spaces in Tamil Murasu for the Tamil Language Festival, broadening its reach among our Tamil-speaking community.

16. Through these partnerships, heritage becomes part of our daily lives – present in our shared spaces and our shared experiences.

17. Second, your contributions keep our stories and traditions alive.

    1. Ms Audrey Leong, Nanyang Hakka Federation and Sian Chay Medical Institution came together to support the revival of the Qixi Festival (七夕节).

       1. Featuring workshops and performances, the Fest drew more than 180,000 visitors.

       2. This shows us how heritage flourishes when communities take ownership and embrace different traditions with openness and curiosity.

    2. We see this same commitment in our Friends of the Museums.

       1. Through volunteerism and the FOM-NHB Heritage Grant, they strengthen sector capability and nurture a new generation of docents and storytellers.

18. This is the “We First” spirit at work – communities sharing their resources and expertise to keep our collective stories alive.

19. Third, your contributions enrich our national collections and reveal new chapters in our Singapore story.

    1. Dr Benjamin Seet donated 821 aerial propaganda leaflets and related materials from World War II and the Malayan Emergency to the National Library Board, offering valuable insights into our shared past.

    2. Mr Chris Hall donated a remarkable collection of fukusa –silk covers used in Japanese gift-giving ceremonies – along with related Japanese textiles to the Asian Civilisations Museum.

    3. Mr Donald Tan contributed a set of blackwood furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl to the Peranakan Museum. Once owned by Teochew businessman Heng Mui Keng, the set reflects exquisite Peranakan craftsmanship and artistry.

20. And your contributions show how innovation also brings new life to heritage.

    1. Ms Debbie Ding used machine learning and 3D printing to reimagine Pulau Saigon, a former island now part of Singapore’s mainland. She donated over 50 3D-printed objects titled The Library of Pulau Saigon to the NUS Museum, demonstrating how technology can also illuminate our past in creative ways.

    2. To commemorate Singapore's first locally produced electric vehicle, the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore donated the first IONIQ 5 to the National Museum of Singapore.

    3. The vehicle will be part of our National Collection, making a piece of today’s breakthrough tomorrow’s heritage.

21. And all that is only possible because of all of you gathered in this room.

    1. From our corporations and community groups to individuals and volunteers;

    2. from cash contributions and artefact donations to in-kind expertise and partnerships,

    3. every little act of giving strengthens and helps our heritage to thrive.

22. To all of our 64 awardees this evening, I want to thank you once again for your very generous contributions which showed us what a “We First” society looks like in action.

23. Let us all continue to write the next chapter of Singapore’s heritage story together.

24. Thank you, and have a wonderful evening.