Professor Tommy Koh, Chairman, National Heritage Board;
Patrons and supporters of heritage;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Good evening

This evening, we pay tribute to 51 exemplary individuals and organisations for supporting Singapore’s cultural heritage. Together, they have pledged donations and loans worth over $11 million to various heritage activities and museums in 2007.

Public-Private-People Partnership to Grow Cultural Wealth

 2 Promoting and preserving Singapore’s heritage and culture is an important part of our nation-building effort. Hence the government continues to invest in our arts and heritage infrastructure, as well as talent and audience development. A week from today, the newest museum in Singapore will be opened after a major refurbishment. This is the Peranakan Museum in Armenian Street which will feature our rich and storied Peranakan culture. This museum will join the ranks of the other NHB museums to present our history and national identity.

3 However, the challenge of building and sustaining key cultural and heritage institutions needs a collective response. It should not be just a government responsibility. We must establish a strong partnership between government, private sector and the people sector to support our heritage institutions. Hence, we are most appreciative of the generous gestures of 51 heritage patrons for sharing your prized collections and donating generously to our museums’ collection. Your financial support and loans of precious collections will contribute to a more comprehensive repository of Singapore’s cultural heritage and present a more compelling story to our visitors. You have demonstrated a strong sense of shared responsibility and ownership which will go a long way to enriching our heritage institutions.

Importance of Cultural Philanthropy

 4 The vibrancy of the heritage sector, to a great extent, is due to the generous support by a growing pool of philanthropic donors. Over the past five years, the museums have received cash donations and donations of artefacts, together with other in-kind contributions, amounting to more than $52 million. Cash donation alone was about $13 million.

5 These contributions have helped us transform our museums and heritage institutions into state-of-the-art facilities, organise mega festivals such as the Singapore HeritageFest and showcase world-class exhibitions such as the ‘Greek Masterpieces from the Louvre’, ‘Empire of Nature’ and ‘On The Nalanda Trail: Buddhism in India, China and Southeast Asia’. These contributions also reflect the growing interest and confidence in our museums as custodians of the nation’s heritage and their roles in reaching out to the community and demonstrating the relevance of heritage in our lives.

6 Today, displayed in our museums are rich selections of artefacts including paintings, reliefs, photographs, ceramic items, jewellery, documents and family heirlooms that showcase Singapore’s diverse culture, heritage and history. They are part of our national treasure and are of immeasurable value. Our task is to look after these invaluable artefacts so that future generations of Singaporeans can admire, study and appreciate these icons of our history. I am happy to see this national collection growing, thanks in part to the generosity of this evening’s Heritage Award recipients. We look forward to continuing a fruitful partnership for the benefit of the heritage sector.

Heartfelt Gifts to the Nation

 7 Now, allow me to highlight the acts of generosity of some of this evening’s Heritage Award recipients. First, is the war-time journal and other documents belonging to Mr Tham Sien Yen, a key member of the anti-Japanese resistance group Force 136. This little but significant journal loaned by Mr Tham’s family is now on display at the Memories at Old Ford Factory. It provides rare glimpses into the lives of Force 136 members hiding in the jungles of Malaya during the final days of World War II. Each word speaks of the valour and courage of these resistance fighters as they fought the occupying Japanese troops and struggled to survive in the inhospitable jungle.

8 Another priceless contribution comes from the family of one of Singapore’s most respected war-time heroines, the late Elizabeth Choy. Arrested as a suspected British sympathiser in 1943, she was detained for about 200 days and subjected to frequent torture by the Japanese. However they were never able to break her stoic and patriotic spirit. Among her possessions donated recently to the National Archives of Singapore was a most uplifting essay in which she spoke of how her faith helped her to endure the pain and suffering during her darkest days.

9 The last wish of renowned artist Anthony Poon was for some of his paintings to be donated to the nation. This legacy consisting of 18 paintings, three sculptures and two wall reliefs, valued at more than half a million dollars, reflects four decades of painstaking work by this outstanding abstract artist who had received the Singapore Cultural Medallion. Donated by the artist’s wife, Mrs Poon Lee Lee, this collection had significantly enhanced the Singapore Art Museum’s collection of Singapore artworks.

10 Other artefacts donated speak volumes of their past owners. They include the documents and records of Mr Lim Kim San – one of the pioneers of modern Singapore. When many doubted that Singapore could adequately house its growing population in the early 1960s, Mr Lim pushed forward with his bold plan of affordable public housing for all. Today, many of us have a roof over our heads thanks to his vision and determination.

11 The value of these artefacts and archival materials go beyond its historical significance. They embody values of personal sacrifice, courage and true grit – the very qualities that are woven into the fabric of our nation. I am sure it was a hard decision by the donors to part with such precious and personal family possessions. Do join me in thanking them for their generosity in sharing such invaluable and historical items with fellow citizens.

Heritage Patrons

 12 The gifts of our heritage patrons have also helped to promote Singapore’s heritage in a variety of ways. The Asia Pacific Breweries Foundation, recipient of the Distinguished Patron of Heritage award has, for example, committed $2.25 million over 15 years to the APB Foundation Signature Art Prize series. Co-organised by the Singapore Art Museum, this award will be an outstanding mark of distinction for regional artists whose works represent a significant development in contemporary art.

13 Continuing with its long-standing support of heritage causes, the Lee Foundation has pledged sponsorship of more than $1.2 million towards projects by several museums. They include the funding of Singapore Philatelic Museum’s education programmes and exhibitions until 2009.

14 Other long-standing supporters such as JPMorgan Chase Bank and The Shaw Foundation are also well deserving of their Partners of Heritage awards. JPMorgan demonstrated its passion for youth development by funding the Peranakan Museum’s Educational Interactives and the Asian Civilisations Museum’s educational programmes for children with special needs. The Shaw Foundation contributed to the start-up of acmfriends – a membership scheme that aims to engage those who are passionate about the activities at the Asian Civilisations Museum.

15 Among the individuals who have come forward to pledge their support is Mrs Julia Oh, a museum volunteer of more than 25 years. Not only does she dedicate her time to serve others, she has also pledged $10,000 per year over the next decade. The Julia Oh - NHB International Continuing Education Grant aims to enhance the expertise of young professionals in the areas of museum archival and conservation-related work.

Conclusion

 16 Time, unfortunately, does not permit me to name all individual and corporate supporters. But clearly, your support and contributions are important in growing our cultural wealth, facilitating our museums’ outreach efforts and enriching the quality of our museum programming.

17 On behalf of the National Heritage Board and its museums, I would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to all 51 heritage patrons. I look forward to your continued support and hope more individuals and corporations would come forward to contribute to Singapore’s heritage.

18 I wish you all a very pleasant evening.