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CNA
3 days ago
- General
- CNA
Singapore's first citizens: Over 200 seniors share their stories for Founders' Memorial project
More than 200 seniors have contributed their stories as part of Singapore's celebrations to mark 60 years of independence. Acting Culture, Community and Youth Minister David Neo said these stories provide valuable insights to present-day challenges. Project Citizens aims to capture the accounts of the million residents who became Singapore's first citizens. They will be featured at the Founders' Memorial, which will open at Bay East Garden in end-2028. More than 140 volunteers have been engaging in conversations with seniors across active ageing centres, libraries and grassroots organisations. Chloe Teo reports.
CNA
3 days ago
- Politics
- CNA
Over 200 seniors contribute stories to Founders' Memorial project paying tribute to Singapore's first citizens
SINGAPORE: A Founders' Memorial project paying tribute to Singapore's first citizens has collected tales of the country's early years from over 200 seniors. They are being showcased in roving pop-up exhibitions – and will also feature in a special exhibition at the National Gallery from October – as part of an effort to capture the country's early nation-building years as Singapore turns 60. Launched in April this year, 'Project Citizens – The First Million' will run until March 2026, to commemorate Singapore's 60th year of independence. It is part of the Founders' Memorial's continued engagement with the public to shape its content ahead of its opening at Bay East Garden at the end of 2028. The new memorial will consist of an integrated gallery and gardens experience and is estimated to cost S$335 million (US$261 million) to develop. The ongoing campaign pays tribute to the founding generation by gathering stories exemplifying the values they held in the country's early years, according to the Founders' Memorial. Speaking at the Project Citizens pop-up at Woodlands Regional Library on Wednesday (Jun 18), Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo called SG60 'an opportunity to reflect on the values that brought us here and reaffirm our commitment to continue building an even better Singapore'. 'There is much to learn from our founding generation, in particular their values like resilience, hard work and determination,' he said. 'This is why we embarked on Project Citizens, to capture the stories of our founding generation. Stories that bring to life their values which have shaped Singapore, and their grit and determination to build a new nation.' He added that their stories offer insights into Singapore's early years, when questions of citizenship, economic survival and multicultural harmony hung in the balance. THE FOUNDING GENERATION In his speech, Mr Neo also highlighted the experiences of two Singaporeans who witnessed the country's early years. Mr Dileep Nair, 75, was attending his aunt's wedding in Singapore on the day that separation was announced. 'He recalls mixed feelings of pride and apprehension, as independence was thrust upon Singapore,' said Mr Neo. While many of his father's colleagues left Singapore for the United Kingdom, Mr Nair's parents chose to remain because of their friends and family here. Mr Nair had childhood friends from different races, and fondly recalls how his Chinese friends would welcome him into their homes for Chinese New Year reunion dinners. 'These deep friendships have remained to this day,' said Mr Neo. 'It is Mr Nair's strong conviction that multiculturalism goes beyond tolerance and pleasantries. It requires our active participation and genuine acceptance.' Another senior whom Mr Neo singled out was 78-year-old Mark Wong Kim Yong, who lived through the 1964 racial riots. 'He vividly recalls an encounter after school where he feared for his life, and he had to hide from rioters just to get home safely,' said Mr Neo. Mr Wong is currently an active volunteer in grassroots and community organisations, organising initiatives to bring communities together, such as buka puasa gatherings during Ramadan, said Mr Neo. THREE PARTS TO THE CAMPAIGN The year-long Project Citizens campaign comprises three parts: a senior engagement programme, pop-up exhibitions across the island and an exhibition titled 'Not Mere Spectators: The Makings of Multicultural Singapore'. In the senior engagement programme, volunteers help seniors recount and record their stories through facilitated activities and intergenerational conversations. The programme has been ongoing at various locations across Singapore, in partnership with organisations like the Agency for Integrated Care, the People's Association, the National Library Board and corporate and community partners. From April this year to March next year, the Project Citizens pop-up will also be hosted at more than 20 locations, such as community hubs and libraries. Through vignettes, dioramas of early nation-building scenes and an interactive photo zone, visitors can experience the founding generation's citizenship journey, from breaking away as British subjects after World War II to finally becoming citizens of independent Singapore. The pop-up was launched at Tampines Regional Library and Clementi Public Library, and has since travelled to Woodlands Regional Library, Bedok Public Library and the National Family Festival held at the Singapore Expo. From October this year, the 'Not Mere Spectators: The Makings of Multicultural Singapore' experience at the National Gallery will explore Singapore's multiculturalism. This includes taking a look at how multiculturalism came to be during the 1950s to 1970s, how it remains key to Singapore's unity and progress, and how Singaporeans can play an active role in shaping it. It will be the Founders' Memorial's second pilot to test the content and storytelling approach of its eventual galleries. 'We are not mere spectators, but active participants forging a culture of multiculturalism that is uniquely Singapore, where everyone can come together and we celebrate our unity in diversity,' said Mr Neo. Mr Lee Tzu Yang, co-chair of the Founders' Memorial Committee, said that the 'Project Citizens – The First Million' initiative continues the journey of 'honouring our founding generation and leaders as we reflect on their important contributions and sacrifices'. 'We hope their stories will inspire present and future generations to continue their footsteps and commit and contribute to Singapore's story,' he said. 'Through continued public engagement from day one, we are building a Memorial that reflects our shared experiences and aspirations, forging a shared identity as we bring Singapore forward.'
Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
S'poreans can use $100 SG Culture Pass credits for over 200 arts and heritage events: MCCY
Singaporeans aged 18 and above will be able to use their $100 worth of credits under the SG Culture Pass to participate in events such as the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre's Happy Sing-Along. PHOTO: SINGAPORE CHINESE CULTURAL CENTRE S'poreans can use $100 SG Culture Pass credits for over 200 arts and heritage events: MCCY SINGAPORE – Come September , Singaporeans aged 18 and above will be able to use their $100 worth of credits under the SG Culture Pass to participate in more than 200 arts and heritage programmes, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) announced on June 13. Currently, the confirmed programmes provide a total ticket capacity of over 700,000 and more programmes are in the works. The deadline for groups and individuals to submit applications to be part of the SG Culture Pass for the scheme's Sept 1 launch is June 30, and new programmes will be considered on a rolling basis until 2028. Confirmed programmes include The Legend Of White Snake, a theatre performance by Nam Hwa Opera Limited; Semarak Seni 2025, a dance performance by Sri Warisan Som Said Performing Arts; Happy Sing-Along , a monthly programme featuring Mandarin and dialect songs by Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre; as well as art and heritage workshops by soya sauce-maker Nanyang Sauce and art jamming venue Artify Studio. Mr Alex Chua, co-founder of Book Bar in Duxton Road, told The Straits Times that his bookstore will also be participating in the scheme – with Singapore literature titles eligible for purchase using the credits. According to posters by Arts House Limited, tickets to the Singapore Writers Festival, which runs from Nov 7 to 16, can also be purchased with the credits. The five authorised ticketing partners for the SG Culture Pass are BookMyShow, Sistic, GlobalTix, Klook and Pelago. MCCY has not yet announced the logistics for credit redemption, and warned that any message offering redemption before September is fraudulent. Mr David Neo, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Senior Minister of State for Education, said in a statement: 'The arts and heritage define who we are as Singaporeans. The Government is fully committed to develop the local arts and heritage sector, not just through direct resourcing, but also in stepping up audience development efforts, to benefit the whole sector.' A total of $300 million has been set aside for the SG Culture Pass initiative announced at Budget 2025 to encourage Singaporeans to attend local performances, exhibitions and experiences. It is the first incentive of its kind here to target the arts and heritage sector. Shawn Hoo is a journalist on the arts beat at The Straits Times. He covers books, theatre and the visual arts. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
CNA
25-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Commentary: What the Cabinet appointments of Jeffrey Siow and David Neo tell us about Singapore's approach to political leadership
SINGAPORE: The swearing-in of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his new Cabinet on Friday (May 23) marked the start of a new chapter in Singapore's political transition. Among the appointments, the elevation of political newcomers Jeffrey Siow and David Neo to acting minister positions has drawn particular attention. They will helm the transport and culture, community and youth ministries, respectively. Direct appointments to Cabinet, though uncommon, do have precedence. Mr Chan Chun Sing was appointed acting minister for community development, youth and sports after the 2011 General Election, while Mr Ng Chee Meng and Mr Ong Ye Kung were made acting ministers of education following GE2015. Mr Heng Swee Keat and Dr Tan See Leng even became full Cabinet ministers on their entry into politics. The Cabinet appointments this round reflect the considerable trust Mr Wong and the People's Action Party (PAP) leadership place in Mr Siow and Mr Neo. The former was second permanent secretary at the Manpower Ministry and Ministry of Trade and Industry before entering politics, while the latter was chief of army until he stepped down in March. Notably, their previous jobs have direct relevance to their new portfolios: Mr Siow was previously director of land transport at the Transport Ministry, while Mr Neo was formerly a director at the Pioneer Generation Office, which worked closely with community and grassroots organisations. Their experience ought to help the new acting ministers hit the ground running. View this post on Instagram A post shared by David Neo (@davidneo) WHY CIVIL SERVANTS AND MILITARY GENERALS The civil service and armed forces have long been a fertile recruitment ground for political leaders. Former permanent secretaries who subsequently joined the Cabinet include Mr Howe Yoon Chong in the late 1970s, and more recently, Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Mr Heng and Mr Chee Hong Tat. Among the early cohorts of SAF scholars were Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Mr George Yeo and Mr Teo Chee Hean. Many other military officers have since followed in their footsteps. Of the seven first-time Members of Parliament appointed to political office, six are from the public sector including the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). This raises the question: How useful is prior public sector experience to a political leader? Conversely, could there be disadvantages in drawing political leaders from the public sector? Civil servants, especially those who have held senior positions, would certainly be au fait with policy design and implementation. They would be familiar with policy principles and considerations, and would know how to work the government machinery necessary for successful policy implementation. They would have also proven themselves in running public agencies or departments and managing public funds. By the time they reach the senior echelons of the SAF, military commanders would have acquired considerable experience in leading people and organisations, as well as in planning logistics and operations. These are all valuable skillsets for a political leader. Capability and experience aside, public officers may gain the trust of incumbent political leaders in the course of their work. Political leaders spend much of their time working with public officers, so it is natural for them to turn to trusted officers when identifying fresh talent for politics. In particular, the role of principal private secretary (PPS) – a senior aide to the prime minister, deputy prime minister or minister mentor - has turned out to be a political apprenticeship for several Cabinet ministers. Mr Wong, Mr Ong and Mr Siow previously served as Mr Lee Hsien Loong's PPS, while Mr Chee was PPS to Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Honoured to be sworn in as Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance. I am grateful for the... Posted by Jeffrey Siow （萧振祥） on Friday, May 23, 2025 IS THERE RISK OF GROUPTHINK? Critics argue that having a large number of former public officers in Cabinet could breed insular thinking, as they may be boxed in by existing policy paradigms. Those who are sceptical that SAF generals make good civilian leaders have suggested that military-style command and control does not work well in other settings. However, stereotypes seldom do justice to individuals. Much depends on a leader's personal disposition, including independence of mind and adaptability to different organisational contexts. Former military men have made significant contributions both in the private sector as well as in politics: Names that come to mind include former CapitaLand CEO Liew Mun Leong and recently retired Mr Teo. Likewise, former ministers Mr Khaw and Mr Lim Swee Say – known for their policy innovations and enterprising streak – came from public sector backgrounds. Notwithstanding, there is certainly a need for a diversity of experience in the Cabinet. Those from the private sector can bring different perspectives and expertise to complement the skillsets of their colleagues from the public sector. Doctors, lawyers and former corporate leaders have held key ministerial portfolios in recent years. Serving as grassroots volunteers or on the boards of public agencies are some ways in which private sector candidates have come to the attention of the political leadership and gained their trust. WHAT MAKES A LEADER EFFECTIVE The most effective political leaders, in my view, are those who have vision, imagination and conviction. Having strong convictions means they are not easily swayed from the course they have set; yet they are open-minded enough to take in feedback, whether from civil servants or members of the public, and can be persuaded to adjust their approach where needed. These leaders do not merely follow public opinion; they have their ears close to the ground to understand citizens' concerns and seek ways to address them. They have to be good communicators, to rally their colleagues and the public around their vision of change – to inspire, motivate and bring people along. Successful change requires the mobilising of people and the marshalling of resources, and there are often roadblocks to overcome along the way. Newly minted political leaders from the public sector should leverage their prior experience and knowledge, while at the same time have the openness and suppleness of mind to be able to transcend existing policy paradigms. This is possible if they have the humility to take in suggestions, the courage to act on their convictions and the perseverance to push on despite obstacles. If so, they will be deserving of the trust that Singaporeans have placed in them.
New Paper
25-05-2025
- Health
- New Paper
Boy, 5, discovers love for sport, thanks to therapy for neuromuscular disorder
Exercising two to four times a week has become part of Devdan Devaraj's routine, with the five-year-old taking part in sports such as swimming, wheelchair rugby and table tennis. But, a few years ago, his mother, See Shu Wen, never imagined her son would be able to lead such an active lifestyle. When he was just several months old, Devdan was diagnosed with Type 2 spinal muscular atrophy - a genetic condition that affects nerves and muscles. From initially feeling lost and unsure of what to do, Devdan's family were handed a lifeline just before his second birthday: A nationwide crowdfunding campaign raised the $2.9 million needed for him to receive Zolgensma, a one-time gene therapy treatment for children with this condition. See, 36, said: "It (Zolgensma) definitely has given him a lot more independence. Previously, he couldn't stand or bear weight on his legs and today, he can walk a few steps independently and, with support, he can walk a long way. "Just by walking, it's a huge step because the doctor's diagnosis was that he would never walk. Him being so active and enjoying his life, it's a bonus for us." Devdan, a Kindergarten 2 pupil, fell in love with sports about two years ago, when his parents sought alternative ways for him to stay active beyond physiotherapy. He first picked up swimming and later took up power soccer - a modified version of football played by power wheelchair users - along with wheelchair rugby and table tennis, which he enjoys as they allow him to stay active and make friends. On May 24, he was among 60 individuals who collectively completed a 100-lap commemorative swim at Delta Swimming Complex to launch SG60 SwimTogether Singapore, an initiative by the Singapore Disability Sports Council to encourage Singaporeans of all abilities to swim together and use the sport to uplift lives. The participating swimmers included former Paralympic bronze medallist Theresa Goh, former Olympian Mark Chay, national para-swimmer Wong Zhi Wei and multiple SEA Games swimming champion Amanda Lim. The swim was flagged off by guest-of-honour David Neo, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth. It was part of a 100-day countdown celebration to the Sept 21-27 World Para Swimming Championships, with Toyota Motor Asia also unveiled on May 24 as the event's headline sponsor. Staged in Asia for the first time, the world para championships will welcome over 600 participants from more than 60 countries and territories. Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo (left) greeting para-swimmer Raelynn Foo, 10, at the 100-day countdown celebration to the World Para Swimming Championships. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO See, a designer, said participating in this commemorative swim is good exposure for Devdan. She added: "He's quite a shy kid and I want him to be more confident and meeting people with different disabilities will help him learn more, that they're able to do much more. And also, we want continued support for inclusion." Wong, an Asean Para Games gold medallist, is hoping to make his third world championships appearance alongside compatriots Yip Pin Xiu, Toh Wei Soong and Sophie Soon, all of whom have qualified for the meet. The 22-year-old, who is visually impaired, has several competitions lined up before the qualifying window closes in July. Recalling the home crowd at the Citi Para Swimming World Series Singapore in 2024, the National University of Singapore undergraduate said: "For almost every Singaporean athlete, being able to compete at an international-level competition that is hosted in our backyard is one of the biggest privileges we can experience. "It would be a real honour to be able to participate on home ground, witnessing the support that Singaporeans have for us." National para-swimmer Wong Zhi Wei is hoping to qualify for the Sept 21-27 World Para Swimming Championships. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO Making his first public appearance in his new role since Singapore's new Cabinet was unveiled by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on May 21, Mr Neo was heartened to see people coming together to promote an inclusive and active society. With about 100 days to the world para championships, the political newcomer also urged Singaporeans to show their support for the Republic's athletes. Mr Neo added: "Having just taken over, I will prioritise my time together with stakeholders and partners from sports, community, arts and youth groups, so that I can listen to them, hear from them, and see how MCCY can really partner them to nurture a more caring, cohesive and confident Singapore."
