Mr S Iswaran at the Launch of Ethnic Heritage @ South West

Speech by MR S ISWARAN, MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF TRADE & INDUSTRY AND ADVISER TO AYERRAJAH-WESTCOAST GRASSROOTS ORGANISATIONS at the LAUNCH OF ETHNIC HERITAGE @ SOUTH WEST ON FRIDAY, 24 AUGUST 2007, 4 PM AT Singapore Discovery Centre

Mr Mohamed Redhza, Chairman, Ethnic Heritage @ South West Organising Committee

Dr Kenson Kwok, Acting Chief Executive Officer, National Heritage Board,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Boys and Girls.

Introduction

I am delighted to join you today on this journey to discover our cultural past.The timing of this event is especially appropriate given that we have just celebrated Singapore’s 42nd National Day and the basic values that our country stands for including meritocracy and multiracialism.

Recently, at the Heritage Festival in July this year, the National Heritage Board reported a significant 20% rise in the Heritage Awareness Index among its survey respondents - a significantly higher level of heritage awareness among Singaporeans compared to just four years ago in 2002. The survey also showed that a higher proportion of respondents are now open to greater participation in heritage activities, and agreed that preserving our cultural heritageis increasingly important as Singapore evolves into a global city.These observations confirm that more and more Singaporeans are conscious of the fact that our colourful heritage is an important aspect of our identity that emotionally roots us to Singapore.

Efforts by South West District to Promote our Heritage

Therefore, I am very happy to learn of the three initiatives that the South West District has undertaken to promote our heritage. First, 80 youths from the South West District have embarked on a four-month journey to uncover our past.They have documented their work through various creative media to share it with the community at large.I am told that it was a first-of-its kind research project that took them to faraway ‘ulu’ places, which included remote areas off the beaten path in Singapore. The students had many up-close and personal meetings with senior Singaporean as well as interesting personalities in our community.We are here today to view their work, and I am sure we will find many interesting nuggets of our heritage in their exhibition.I applaud them all for their effort and creativity.

Second, the South West Heritage Map is ready and I am very pleased to launch it today.To be hosted on the South West CDC website, the map will contain interactive features designed to inform, educate and engage our community in the preservation, appreciation and promotion of our cultural heritage.

Thirdly, the sharing of experiences is also an effective medium to connect people and bridge gaps across the cultures.It is thus opportune that we have with us today a distinguished panel of speakers to discuss the topic - "South West Heritage: Our Past, Present and Future". Each of these speakers are interesting personalities and through the prism of their lives you will get a flavour of their experiences living and contributing in the South West District.

Beyond the Preservation of Heritage Sites

In the face of rapid globalisation, we have to find new ways to build on our heritage – the buildings, the culture and the lifestyle – and maintain its relevance.The South West District is fortunate to have four sites preserved under the Preservation of Monuments Board – The Old Nanyang University Arch, The Old Nanyang University Library & Administration Building (Chinese Heritage Centre) and The Old Nanyang University Memorial. In addition, there are eight markers on heritage, which includes the Sarimbun Beach Landing, the World War II Commemorative Signboard at Bukit Batok, and the Jurong - Kranji Defence Line of the Kranji Beach Battle, amongst others.

On top of preserving our physical landmarks, I am proud to learn that the painstaking efforts of our own resident, Ms Eng Yee Peng, have resulted in an internationally-acclaimed documentary on Lim Chu Kang – a place where she grew up and still has fond memories of.Instead of letting the past fade away, she has documented these precious memories for posterity.The good news is that she is working on a sequel!

Conclusion

Our heritage is an indelible part of our character and identity - it defines who we are in the global village.It is our unique inheritance, moulded by the fusion of different cultures in this tiny island.A heritage without its people is like a soul without – it is people who enliven their heritage.Therefore, each and every one of us has an important role to play in preserving our heritage and keeping it alive.I congratulate South-West CDC and all involved for embarking on this important initiative to help us rediscover our roots and I urge all our residents to enrich their lives by participating fully in this endeavour.Thank you.