I THANK Mr Liu Fook Thim for his letter last Saturday ('Do more
to collect stories from the past'). The National Heritage Board's
support of the Eu Tong Sen biography is one of many efforts to
convey historical stories of Singaporean individuals and
organisations to the community. The board also collects suitable
personal stories in various ways.
For instance, the National Archives of Singapore's Oral History
Centre has collected about 17,100 hours of interviews with
Singaporeans that are publicly accessible and used extensively in
publications.
The centre also works with many institutions to build corporate
memories, as well as grassroots organisations and schools, to
document community and education history. By engaging the community
and creating awareness of oral history, we hope more Singaporeans
will volunteer to record their stories.
Our Heritage Industry Incentive Programme has supported many
projects publicising local heritage and stories, and our museums
use stories and materials from the community and present them via
different platforms. Exhibitions become vital resources about local
stories.
Over the next three years, the Singapore Art Museum will present
retrospective shows of Singapore's pioneering contemporary artists,
whose works were created in response to changes in society. These
exhibitions will be another way for the public to learn about the
transformations and issues facing Singapore since independence.
Cheryl Koh (Ms)
Deputy Director
Corporate Communications
& Industry Promotion
National Heritage Board
