Launch of the Raffles in Southeast Asia

Princess of Mangkunegaran Palace, Yang Amat Mulia Gusti Raden Ayu Retno Astrini,

Ambassadors,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen, 

1. Good evening to everyone. I hope you are all looking forward to viewing the 'Raffles in Southeast Asia' exhibition! 

2. This exhibition is the first time pivotal objects from Stamford Raffles' famous book - the History of Java - have been brought together from different parts of the world to a single venue.  It has been put together as part of the Singapore Bicentennial. This is a year-long commemoration of the beginnings of modern Singapore in 1819, as well as our historical development since the 14^th century. The Bicentennial is a significant milestone in the journey of Singapore as a nation. At this point, we should take pause to reflect on our past; how it has shaped our present, and most importantly how we should venture into the future. 

A key partnership between Singapore and the UK

3. The exhibition has been co-curated by the Asian Civilisations Museum and The British Museum, with artefacts from internationally renowned institutions and private collectors from the UK, the Netherlands, Indonesia, and Singapore. We also had the support of many academics and experts, including Your Highness, who helped ACM in their research and provided them with access to learning more about Java's court life and culture. I thank everyone for supporting our endeavour, and making this exhibition possible.

4. Singapore and the UK share a warm, historic relationship.  We are committed to deepening our cooperation for mutual benefit, as demonstrated by the launch of the “SG-UK Partnership for the Future” by both Foreign Ministers earlier this month. The “SG-UK Partnership for the Future” includes cultural cooperation as one of its focus areas. Singapore's cultural agencies and institutions have established good working relations with several British counterparts, including The British Museum, Tate Britain, the British Library, and the British Council. This has resulted in joint activities and exhibitions which have and will continue to enrich both our cultural landscapes.

5. I am therefore very delighted that the 'Raffles in Southeast Asia' exhibition will travel to The British Museum in September this year. This will be a historic occasion, as it is the first time artefacts from Singapore's National Collection will be showcased at The British Museum. It is an opportunity to present our culture and heritage to a wider audience, and for people around the world to know Singapore better.

Connecting communities through our shared culture

6. In Singapore, our shared culture plays an important role in our lives. It connects different communities, facilitates mutual understanding, and make us Singaporeans. The 'Raffles in Southeast Asia' exhibition helps to cast a light on some of the values and principles which underpins this shared culture.

7. For instance, Singapore has thrived on its openness and connectivity to the region and to the world.  It was first recognised as a strategic place of trade, developed into a free port, and finally matured into a regional entrepot. Today, as a small and open economy, Singapore continues to be heavily dependent on the free flow of goods and services, investments, ideas and people. The exhibition is a reminder of why we have to press on with economic upgrading, and be ready as a nation to seize opportunities when they come.

8. As a flourishing port city, Singapore also attracted a motley crew of immigrants from the region, China, India, and even further afield. They came to seek a better life for themselves and their families, made many sacrifices, and persevered through difficult times to build a better Singapore. Thanks to their legacy of working together, we have built strong bonds between our communities, and now live harmoniously in a multi-ethnic and multi-racial society. We must continue to safeguard this social harmony, strengthen the bonds between communities, and ensure that our diversity remains a source of strength.

A vibrant and liveable city through culture

9. We can look forward to a year-long series of cultural events as part of the Bicentennial commemoration. Today's exhibition is one such example, but there is much more to look forward to. In September, the National Museum will also hold an exhibition focusing on the 200 years leading up to 1819, which you could consider as a prequel to the story of Raffles in Southeast Asia'. In addition, the well-loved Singapore Heritage Festival and Singapore Night Festival will incorporate Bicentennial elements, as will our heritage institutions – the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, Malay Heritage Centre, and Indian Heritage Centre. For those who have previously participated in our festivals or visited our museums and heritage institutions, this will be a good time to make another trip.

10. For those who prefer to be outdoors, there will be 'Find your place in History' trails, with installations at different historical spots in the city as well as our neighbourhoods, where you can experience Singapore through the years. This is also an opportunity to discover more about some of the lesser-known points in our history, such as how Gelam-Rochor-Kallang was a bustling port town in the early 1800s and how unsung heroes like the Samsui women and Chinese Coolies helped to lay the foundations of modern Singapore.

Conclusion

11. Before I conclude, please join me in congratulating the Asian Civilisations Museum and The British Museum on this exhibition. I hope that it will inspire you to reflect on how far we have come in our journey as a nation, and what more we want to achieve together. Thank you and I wish you all an enjoyable evening.