Artefacts to be displayed at Malay Heritage Centre

Nearly 300 artefacts to be displayed at Malay Heritage Centre

Two hundred and eighty-nine artefacts will be displayed at the Malay Heritage Centre in Kampong Glam for the first time.

The centre will reopen to the public on September 2.

The artefacts include the piano of Zubir Said, the man who composed Singapore's national anthem; medallions belonging to the first president of Singapore, Yusof Ishak; photographs of pioneers who played an important role in the development of the Malay community; and replicas of ships that portray the thriving maritime industry.

The exhibits are part of efforts by the Malay Heritage Centre to raise awareness of the rich history, culture and heritage of the Malay community.

Norsaleen Salleh, acting general manager of the Malay Heritage Centre, said: "Visitors can expect a couple of things in the new redeveloped Malay Heritage Centre. One is the new permanent gallery with a new storyline, two temporary exhibitions, one new visitor centre, upgraded auditorium, improved landscape and the removal of the wall in Kandahar Street."

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

S'pore air quality worsens slightly

S'pore air quality worsens slightly

Singapore's air quality worsened slightly, with the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) slipping from good to moderate in parts of the island.

The PSI as of 4pm on Monday was between 33 and 53 - up from 35 to 46 on Sunday.

The highest reading of 53 was in the northern Singapore.

On August 25, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said Singapore could experience a slight haze during this monsoon season due to an increase in hotspot activities over Sumatra in the past week.

NEA said the impact of the smoke haze would depend on wind and rain conditions, and whether the fires persist.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

Gardens by the Bay's one millionth visitor

Gardens by the Bay welcomes its one millionth visitor

Just seven weeks after its opening, Gardens by the Bay welcomed its one millionth visitor on Saturday.

The gardens have become a popular leisure spot for Singaporeans from all walks of life.

Some popular attractions are Dragonfly Lake, Heritage Gardens, the SuperTrees and Conservatories.

Thirty per cent of visitors so far have gone into the Conservatories, with Singaporeans making up three-quarters.

Thirty-three-year-old Valerie Sim, who was visiting the gardens with 11 other family members, is the one millionth visitor.

National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan presented the sales and marketing executive with an annual family pass, a gift hamper and his personal gift of an iPad.

"(The place) is really pretty and nice, and the weather is really good to enjoy the scenic view," said Ms Sim.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

12 new guided tours of heritage sites

12 new guided tours of Singapore's heritage sites

A walk to remember Singapore by - that's what the Preservation of Monuments Board hopes to achieve, as it announced 12 new guided tours of local heritage sites.

The new tours start this weekend.

Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church and Hong San See Temple have just been included in the new guided tours of Singapore's heritage sites.

A book has also been published - one that aims to nurture the love for history in children.

Speaking at the launch, Senior Minister of State Lawrence Wong said the initiative is timely.

"Today, as our social fabric becomes more diverse, it is even more important that we strengthen the forces that unite us, and find common ground in our shared history, and sense of purpose," he said.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~