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Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth
Parliamentary Matters

Making our World War II Heritage Accessible to the Public

Sectors

Arts & Heritage

3 March 2023

Response to parliamentary question on making more historic war bunkers accessible for members of the public.

Making our WWII Heritage Accessible to the Public

  1. World War II (WWII) is a significant and poignant chapter in Singapore's history. Our WWII-related sites range from military installations such as war bunkers, to civilian buildings and structures which have witnessed significant events during the war.

  2. The National Heritage Board (NHB) recognises the importance of protecting these sites and making them accessible to the public so that Singaporeans can appreciate Singapore's development journey,  and the resilience of our people, set in the longer context of our history.

  3. Many of these sites are already publicly accessible.

    1. Tours are available for The Battlebox at Fort Siloso, and other WWII-related locations such as the Former Ford Factory and NHB's two WWII interpretative centres: Reflections at Bukit Chandu and Changi Chapel and Museum.

  4. However, some WWII sites may not be suitable for year-round public access. 

    1. These include sites located on private property or in restricted areas such as military camps and training grounds. 

    2. Some sites may also be located in areas which may not be safe for public access due to difficult terrain, or that doing so may negatively impact the ecology surrounding the site. 

  5. Where possible, NHB partners with property owners, heritage community and other public agencies to facilitate time-limited, special access for the public to some of these sites in a safe manner, as part of its annual Battle for Singapore series of programmes. 

    1. This includes the recent Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour; as well as tours to Old Changi Hospital; and Former Admiralty House and Bunker in previous editions.

  6. MCCY and NHB will continue to partner the community, private sector, and other public agencies to facilitate more research, study, documentation, and access to Singapore's WWII sites.