SINGAPORE, July 12 — The annual Singapore Heritage Fest (SHF) is back next weekend and if those on the island haven’t checked out any of its previous offerings over the years — well, why not?
After all, this is its 11th edition and the SHF has consistently been a hit among Singaporeans. And much of the success for this National Heritage Board (NHB) event has been thanks to, well, Singaporeans actually.
“Our various community partners are very crucial,” said festival director Angelita Teo. “The 40 community groups, individuals and partners that have come on board (this year) are the most we have in terms of participation in recent years. They are the reason the festival has been able to grow organically over the past few years.”
This year’s festival carries the theme “Our Islands, Our Home” and there are lots of activities to choose from: Island tours, performances, film screenings, surefire hits such as programmes on traditional toys and games, as well as Peranakan-themed exhibitions and the trails and tours which are usually the first to start. The “hubs” have new themes this year, including the lighthouses of Singapore, traditional healing and a look at 100 years of motor racing in the country.
Altogether, there are more than 60 programmes and 11 “festival hubs” at malls all over the island — so visitors really don’t have any excuse to miss out. Here are some suggestions.
River nights
This will be perfect for the younger set. The fantastic mix of activities will keep them entertained and give them plenty of new ideas for their school projects.
July 18 and 19, 7pm, Asian Civilisations Museum. Free. Prior online registration required for the launch on July 19.
A century of motor racing in Singapore
Remote control car race, motor shadow puppets, make your own vintage racing car workshop, arcade car racing.
July 18 to 27 at Velocity@Novena Square, Atrium, Level 1. With weekend programmes on July 19, 20, 26 and 27, various times.
A night of Nanyin at Kusu Island
Late night performances and guided tours around the temple and keramat — this sounds thrilling! Who knows, it might inspire new story ideas. The Phantom Princess of Kusu Island?
July 26, 4pm to 9pm, National Museum Singapore, Bus Bay, Level 2 (meeting point). Free. Prior online registration required.
Tour of Kong Chow Cultural Centre
Special performances by wushu, dragon dance, lion dance and Cantonese opera troupes. This historical venue houses the Wong Fei Hong school of martial arts.
July 26 and 27, 8pm to 10pm, Kong Chow Wui Koon, 321 New Bridge Road. Conducted in English. Free. Prior online registration required.
Lunchtime screening of documentary on Ee Hoe Hean Club and the life of Tan Kah Kee
This is one of Singapore’s oldest millionaires’ clubs, since 1895. Go to soak up the vintage vibes and find out more about what it took to be a hotshot entrepreneur back then.
July 26, 1.15pm to 2.15pm, Ee Hoe Hean Club, 43 Bukit Pasoh Road. In Mandarin with English subtitles. Buffet lunch provided. Free admission but online registration required.
Faith and festivals
As cliched as it might sound, it’s important to know the different cultures in Singapore, especially the different facets of the lesser-known festivities here. Living in a multiracial, multicultural society, it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on knowledge of the culture of other races, especially through a fun programme.
July 18 to 27, various times, Terminal 3 Departure Hall, Changi Airport. Free.
Phenomenal Peranakans
The Peranakans in Singapore belong to mixed-race descendants, part-Chinese, part-Malay. Their rich history and culture date as far back as the 15th century and they’re unique in many ways — the way they dress and speak, not to mention their cuisine, which is most sought after.
July 18 to 27, various times and programmes, Atrium, Level 1, Changi City Point. Free.
Revisiting the shophouse: A question of style
Shophouses offer a distinction between the past and the present. In the old days, shophouses usually included stay-in families and, in some cases, were rented out to new migrants. Nowadays, you have mega-malls everywhere, providing various forms of entertainment and F&B outlets.
July 18 to Sept 30, 9am to 5pm, Atrium, Level 1, The URA Centre. Free. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
More than a garden
Singapore is known as a garden city — and it has a great botanical garden and, more recently, Gardens By The Bay. A glimpse into history to see how the Botanic Gardens has developed over time would be enriching.
July 18 to 27, various times and programmes, Atrium, Level 1, City Square Mall. Free.
Kampong spirit
The kampung spirit was very much alive during the early years, from the ’50s up to the ’70s, before urbanisation. Back then, it was about living and sharing space as one community in a plot of land regardless of race and religion. People were known to be friendly and helping one another was the norm in spite of hard living conditions and lack of utilities and amenities. Visitors can get a good insight into how the various races lived happily and in harmony.
July 18 to 27, various times and programmes, Main Atrium, Level 1, Tiong Bahru Plaza. Free. — TODAY
