https://singaporeheritage.org Singapore Heritage Society Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:17:01 +0000 https://singaporeheritage.org en https://singaporeheritage.org/Home Sat, 04 Apr 2026 14:09:37 +0000 Singapore Heritage Society https://singaporeheritage.org/Home The living presence of Singapore’s past. Research, advocacy, and public imagination since 1987. <img width="3000" height="1519" width_o="3000" height_o="1519" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ae84b904b50452f6016c438aa12f81012484c18624de3fcde176b04276ab62f3/hero1.jpg" data-mid="250509607" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ae84b904b50452f6016c438aa12f81012484c18624de3fcde176b04276ab62f3/hero1.jpg" /> <img width="3000" height="1519" width_o="3000" height_o="1519" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9bcaff2146f6340ba019c386be997186cde482c9e8ab0a85182f2fb86d7c3e38/hero3.jpg" data-mid="252217356" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9bcaff2146f6340ba019c386be997186cde482c9e8ab0a85182f2fb86d7c3e38/hero3.jpg" /> <img width="3000" height="1519" width_o="3000" height_o="1519" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/123a19d29f46492c3187c55343903cb2e12b309511469cc094cc4e273929020a/hero2.jpg" data-mid="252217355" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/123a19d29f46492c3187c55343903cb2e12b309511469cc094cc4e273929020a/hero2.jpg" /> https://singaporeheritage.org/Upcoming-Events Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:20:23 +0000 Singapore Heritage Society https://singaporeheritage.org/Upcoming-Events Who we are The Singapore Heritage Society is a non-profit organisation founded in 1987 as an independent voice for heritage conservation in Singapore. Our work is guided by our definition of heritage as “the living presence of the past”. Singapore’s history is a vital part of our identity and growth. Social bonds are strengthened when we understand and cherish the social memories of past and present generations in the spaces we protect. These beliefs drive our key efforts in research, public education and advocacy. UPCOMING EVENTS [AGM] 26.09.26 Singapore Heriteage Society Annual General Meeting 2026&nbsp; Our work in focusWe envision “give a future to our past”, which is enabled through the following three key efforts: <img width="4988" height="3325" width_o="4988" height_o="3325" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8695da219a474a0821454c85d645adc7c7a1e2e26865f38f9529ce3a8f26b0a9/research1.jpg" data-mid="251180247" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8695da219a474a0821454c85d645adc7c7a1e2e26865f38f9529ce3a8f26b0a9/research1.jpg" />RESEARCHWe provide in-depth knowledge and analysis on Singaporean history and heritage, as a basis for our advocacy work. <img width="4988" height="3325" width_o="4988" height_o="3325" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/78f59aaaa6f33ac2d1975b0604edc27f50a94e03e40e71a024f8b0e1e3105912/advocacy2.jpg" data-mid="251180270" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/78f59aaaa6f33ac2d1975b0604edc27f50a94e03e40e71a024f8b0e1e3105912/advocacy2.jpg" />ADVOCACYWe spread public awareness of new research and other lesser-known aspects of Singapore’s past. <img width="4988" height="3325" width_o="4988" height_o="3325" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/51ac02ee4342148316e3d59aab2ec5eb138b57153bc4c8ba082609c1d851b772/Ed3.jpg" data-mid="251179933" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/51ac02ee4342148316e3d59aab2ec5eb138b57153bc4c8ba082609c1d851b772/Ed3.jpg" />EDUCATION&nbsp; We advance independent viewpoints on preserving Singapore’s cultural heritage; and we also serve as the bridge between stakeholders on the ground, experts and government agencies. https://singaporeheritage.org/Our-work-in-focus Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:27:05 +0000 Singapore Heritage Society https://singaporeheritage.org/Our-work-in-focus https://singaporeheritage.org/Support-Membership Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:35:12 +0000 Singapore Heritage Society https://singaporeheritage.org/Support-Membership Join us as a memberBe a proud supporter of an independent voice for heritage research, advocacy and education! &nbsp;BECOME A MEMBER&nbsp; Support us by donatingYour contributions enable our advocacy work.&nbsp; &nbsp;GIVING.SG&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;GIVE.ASIA&nbsp; https://singaporeheritage.org/About Fri, 11 Sep 2026 10:08:48 +0000 Singapore Heritage Society https://singaporeheritage.org/About About Us 1987 Founded and became registered society to promote awareness and advocate for preservation of Singapore’s built heritage 1991 Signed Jakarta Declaration with other NGOs from ASEAN nations to collectively express concern at loss of built heritage due to rapid urban development 1992 Produced report on establishing local heritage trust at request of Singaporean Government, which would contribute to founding of National Heritage Board in 1993 1993 Registered as a charity 1994 Organised Asia and West Pacific Network for Urban Conservation Symposium in Singapore 2009 Granted status as Institution of a Public Character (IPC) 2019 Formed Southeast Asian Cultural Heritage Alliance (SEACHA) with six other Southeast Asian organisations Annual Reports &amp; Financial Statements 2026 ANNUAL REPORT 2026︎︎︎ AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2026︎︎︎ 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 2025︎︎︎ AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2025︎︎︎ 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 2024︎︎︎ AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024︎︎︎ 2023 ANNUAL REPORT 2023︎︎︎ AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2023︎︎︎ 2022 ANNUAL REPORT 2022︎︎︎ AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022︎︎︎ 2021 ANNUAL REPORT 2021︎︎︎ AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2021︎︎︎ 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020︎︎︎ AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020︎︎︎ 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 2019︎︎︎ AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2019︎︎︎ https://singaporeheritage.org/Work Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:13:42 +0000 Singapore Heritage Society https://singaporeheritage.org/Work Our Work in Focus <img width="4957" height="3305" width_o="4957" height_o="3305" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9759c2d7ec50ec87e4855620edd2668dbe2ecf5fdf3124a13273c425b66a2761/P7040114.jpg" data-mid="252128379" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9759c2d7ec50ec87e4855620edd2668dbe2ecf5fdf3124a13273c425b66a2761/P7040114.jpg" /> Giving a Future to Our Past - this vision is what SHS aspires towards, in its primary role to be an independent voice for heritage conservation in Singapore. SHS is guided by its definition of “heritage” as “the living presence of the past”. We are concerned with how history influences the contemporary present and the future. We also seek to articulate principles and disseminate knowledge about heritage conservation, based on the latest research and international best practices. For the last four decades, SHS has spoken up to address specific governmental proposals, policies and actions (or lack thereof). In addition to this specificity in response, what we ultimately seek to encourage is also a fundamental shift in mindset amongst Singaporeans. We hope to inculcate a recognition of the critical role that heritage plays in developing our national self-identity, and in fostering our sense of community and inter-personal connections.&nbsp; Our Building Blocks RESEARCH We develop in-depth specialised knowledge, comprising both academic research studies as well as up-to-date field knowledge from site visits. This knowledge is a critical foundation for our advocacy work and the public programmes/activities which we conduct. EDUCATIONWe conduct public events to spread awareness of new research and other lesser-known aspects of Singapore’s past. Such events include public lectures and book talks, tours to diverse heritage sites, and heritage-themed festivals and conferences. ADVOCACY Advocacy is in its broadest sense the key work of the Singapore Heritage Society. We push for a deeper understanding of Singapore’s past amongst a broader spectrum of society, and call for applying best practices in heritage management. We also believe in having greater stakeholder engagement, especially in planning processes, which can contribute to more robust solutions that fulfil the social, environmental and economic dimensions of sustainable development. Key Advocacy and Activity Highlights&nbsp;FOR THE YEAR 2025 “Voices of Bukit Brown” Memorial Installation Microsite LINK TO ARCHIVE PAGE︎︎︎ LINK TO MICROSITE︎︎︎ <img width="1634" height="930" width_o="1634" height_o="930" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/648562e1c0606632b143b46fe8f3f34f77cd953413d194df59ac8322d4b6e157/vobb1.jpg" data-mid="252075674" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/648562e1c0606632b143b46fe8f3f34f77cd953413d194df59ac8322d4b6e157/vobb1.jpg" /> By August 2024, SHS had completed installation works for the “Voices of Bukit Brown” memorial installation. Called Sounds of the Earth 「大地回声 穹天有目」, the memorial installation features 81 above-ground artefacts that have been arranged to make up a uniquely designed soundscape designed by visual artist Sai (Chen Sai Hua Kuan). A microsite was also created by mid-2025, for visitors and members of the public to learn more about the memorial installation and its exhibited artefacts. “Voices of Bukit Brown” is a long-nurtured project launched in 2024 by the Singapore Heritage Society (SHS) and all things Bukit Brown (atBB), with support from the National Heritage Board (NHB). This project advocates for the conservation of Bukit Brown Cemetery through an outdoor memorial installation and a suite of outreach and educational programmes. Bukit Brown Heritage Guide Training Programme&nbsp; <img width="2000" height="1414" width_o="2000" height_o="1414" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/74b98ff4cb1e60efa939b0e2c0cffd6dfbd6aedc00ef5c99d9d9157d4951ab64/BB-Voices-Tour-Guide-Training-Programme-2025---LandscapeFacebook.png" data-mid="252212606" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/74b98ff4cb1e60efa939b0e2c0cffd6dfbd6aedc00ef5c99d9d9157d4951ab64/BB-Voices-Tour-Guide-Training-Programme-2025---LandscapeFacebook.png" />SHS organised the “Bukit Brown Heritage Guide Training Programme 2025” in February 2025, as part of the “Voices of Bukit Brown” project. This is the first iteration of the Training Programme, aimed at training new heritage guides to lead future tour-related programmes in Bukit Brown. Pulau Brani: A Maritime Legacy Through Taste <img width="1634" height="930" width_o="1634" height_o="930" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/72ae7301a7fbd77c733f7065f224a9e7d39421434a913023a0fb082167edf68c/PB.jpg" data-mid="252075920" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/72ae7301a7fbd77c733f7065f224a9e7d39421434a913023a0fb082167edf68c/PB.jpg" /> SHS conducted the "Pulau Brani: A Maritime Legacy Through Taste" culinary workshop as part of Singapore HeritageFest 2025. The culinary workshop showcased Pulau Brani’s cultural heritage through teaching attendees the traditional culinary and gastronomic practices of the former residents and community members of the island. <img width="4514" height="5642" width_o="4514" height_o="5642" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c76f9a8c1b7c977297e45491d6f040758ac4d4160300211a046b406b45414f39/DSC09949.jpg" data-mid="252128373" border="0" data-scale="47" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c76f9a8c1b7c977297e45491d6f040758ac4d4160300211a046b406b45414f39/DSC09949.jpg" /> Cha-time with SEACHA #40: AI for Heritage &amp; Culture Revitalisation, Reconstruction &amp; Visualisation WATCH THE DISCUSSION ︎︎︎ <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3e281ff13973a4ab366db2c677c9628b947141c86e3dd121237e58d0b7ac8206/CHA-TIME-40-1.jpg" data-mid="252076173" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3e281ff13973a4ab366db2c677c9628b947141c86e3dd121237e58d0b7ac8206/CHA-TIME-40-1.jpg" /> In August 2025, Amira Karim, Kevin Martens Wong and Fauzy Ismail participated in an online panel discussion, “AI for Heritage &amp; Culture Revitalisation, Reconstruction &amp; Visualisation”, under the Cha-time with SEACHA series. They spoke about how AI can be used to help preserve and reimagine cultural heritage, especially in the revitalisation of Kristang language use and conserving the memories of Pulau Brani as two case studies. Giving a Future to Our Books Book Fair <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/81b119b411e0142580c25e3017181f11c908a27a4773eb345991aa8d24893c6d/Book-Fair-Poster.jpg" data-mid="252076239" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/81b119b411e0142580c25e3017181f11c908a27a4773eb345991aa8d24893c6d/Book-Fair-Poster.jpg" /> In July 2025, SHS conducted the “Giving a Future to Our Books” book fair and fundraising event, held at The Working Capitol. The book fair featured the sale of books from the SHS back catalogue, many of which had been previously published by the Society and represented many different advocacy themes/projects that the Society was involved in over the past 4 decades since its founding. The book fair also included an arts-and-craft activity, where to-be-discarded materials from SHS archival newsletters and publications were repurposed to make collages. There was also a public talk held as part of the book fair, that featured Hidayah Amin and her book “Gedung Kuning: Memories of a Malay Childhood”, which was published with the Society in 2010. Ms. Amin shared her childhood and familial experiences living in Gedung Kuning in Kampong Glam. <img width="4586" height="5732" width_o="4586" height_o="5732" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/019d5f51372a47698669813e92443c72cc49a0a5f5c4bd9144336fe230f998f8/2025-07---Book-Fair-2025.jpg" data-mid="252076291" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/019d5f51372a47698669813e92443c72cc49a0a5f5c4bd9144336fe230f998f8/2025-07---Book-Fair-2025.jpg" /> <img width="1080" height="1350" width_o="1080" height_o="1350" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a6fe5b4f1446e3abd6edec19716ea1829b7efb28fdbeab8a98996952e0c671c5/Book-Fair-Promotional-Photo---book-haul.jpg" data-mid="252076289" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a6fe5b4f1446e3abd6edec19716ea1829b7efb28fdbeab8a98996952e0c671c5/Book-Fair-Promotional-Photo---book-haul.jpg" /> https://singaporeheritage.org/Upcoming Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:18:24 +0000 Singapore Heritage Society https://singaporeheritage.org/Upcoming Upcoming Activities https://singaporeheritage.org/Singapore-Heritage-Society-AGM-2026 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:17:01 +0000 Singapore Heritage Society https://singaporeheritage.org/Singapore-Heritage-Society-AGM-2026 AGMSingapore Heritage Society Annual General Meeting 2026 (Event Over) DATE 26 September 2026 TIME 9.30 AM to 11.30 AM (registration opens 15 minutes before) SPEAKERS SHS ExCo VENUE LOCATION 11 Prinsep Link, The Foundry, Singapore 187949 at The AnvilADVOCACY THEMEAnnual General MeetingTags: ADVOCACY AGM 2026 <img width="1084" height="365" width_o="1084" height_o="365" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/16e172099436273ac69b881bc8551f60ff9da1ee5b9c26fa768eabcfdec3c850/SHS-logo-landscape.png" data-mid="252523435" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/16e172099436273ac69b881bc8551f60ff9da1ee5b9c26fa768eabcfdec3c850/SHS-logo-landscape.png" /> SINGAPORE HERITAGE SOCIETY&nbsp;NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2026 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of the Singapore Heritage Society will be convened on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at the location given below, to transact the following business. Details of the meeting are as follows: Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026Time: 9.30 amVenue: 11 Prinsep Link, The Foundry, Singapore 187949 at The Anvil Kindly note that the venue is only accessible by a flight of stairs. Proposed Resolutions:1. To confirm minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 20 September 2025.2. To receive &amp; adopt the President’s Report for the year ended 31 March 2026.3. To receive &amp; adopt the Financial Statements duly audited for the financial year ended 31 March 2026. Note: This event is only for registered members of the Singapore Heritage Society. https://singaporeheritage.org/Shopkeepers-of-Chinatown-Singapore-s-Business-World-in-Motion Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:05:29 +0000 Singapore Heritage Society https://singaporeheritage.org/Shopkeepers-of-Chinatown-Singapore-s-Business-World-in-Motion BOOK LAUNCHShopkeepers of Chinatown: Singapore’s Business World in Motion 1819 - 2025 (Event Over) by Loh Kah Seng and Stephen Dobbs DATE 20 September 2026 (Sunday) TIME 11AM to 12PM (registration opens 15 minutes before) SPEAKERS Dr Loh Kah Seng VENUE LOCATION The Working Capitol, 1 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089109ADVOCACY THEMEChinatownTags: REGISTRATION&nbsp; CHINATOWN <img width="720" height="352" width_o="720" height_o="352" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/27580c514c25c5e1258d894daad819c03ce6f4d179fa435d3c6a5aec70fbfa68/Peatix-Poster-for-_Shopkeepers-of-Chinatown_-Book-launch-w_-Loh-Kah-Seng---Peatix-Banner-Ratio-1840--900-px.png" data-mid="252212500" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/720/i/27580c514c25c5e1258d894daad819c03ce6f4d179fa435d3c6a5aec70fbfa68/Peatix-Poster-for-_Shopkeepers-of-Chinatown_-Book-launch-w_-Loh-Kah-Seng---Peatix-Banner-Ratio-1840--900-px.png" /> Join us for the book launch of Shopkeepers of Chinatown: Singapore’s Business World in Motion 1819 - 2025, with author Loh Kah Seng! REGISTER HERE This new book puts a spotlight on heritage businesses around Chinatown, showcasing the family stories and business development histories of shopkeepers, hawkers, and other small-to-medium businesses located within the historic district. Loh Kah Seng will also be putting “Chinatown” in context – an area that certainly does not just include the Kreta Ayer–Telok Ayer–Keong Saik–Bukit Pasoh area, but also a “Greater Chinatown” found on both sides of the Singapore River! Find out how these districts have experienced changes in urban redevelopment and conservation efforts over the decades since independence, which have contributed to the tourist-centric zone as we know today. Loh Kah Seng will also highlight how such changes have impacted the livelihoods of the Chinatown shopkeepers and what many of these shopkeepers have done to ensure the continued operations of their businesses. Finally, Loh Kah Seng will be sharing his experiences and reflections in using oral history methods to capture the stories of these Chinatown shopkeepers, as well as the various lessons that other business-owners can learn from such heritage businesses. Do note that the book will be available for sale at a special discounted price of $32 (usual price $35), and there will also be a book-signing session after the event! ABOUT THE AUTHORS Loh Kah Seng is an independent historian and founder of research consultancy Chronicles of Old Singapore. He is interested in all things that happened in the history of Singapore and the little histories of its people. His books include Squatters into Citizens: The 1961 Bukit Ho Swee Fire and the Making of Modern Singapore (NUS Press, 2013); Tuberculosis - The Singapore Experience 1867 - 2018: Disease, Society and the State (Routledge, 2020); Theatres of Memory: Industrial Heritage of 20th Century Singapore (Pagesetters, 2021); and Pandemics in Singapore, 1819 - 2022: Lessons for the Age of COVID-19 (Routledge, 2024). Stephen Dobbs has been a working academic at the University of Western Australia for the past 25 years. Prior to this, he was a labourer in a BHP steel mill in Western Australia. As a staunch unionist and defender of workers’ rights, he has always had a strong interest in the working class and their often-untold historical accounts. This interest carried through to his research over the years on people and occupations that have been largely ignored in Singapore history, beginning with The Singapore River: A Social History, 1819 - 2022 (NUS Press, 2003). https://singaporeheritage.org/Event-Highlights Fri, 14 Aug 2026 08:34:05 +0000 Singapore Heritage Society https://singaporeheritage.org/Event-Highlights Event Highlights