If you love the colourful heritage shophouses in the Katong-Joo Chiat precinct, there is much more to learn about the heritage and stories as the inaugural Heritage Activation Node (HAN) is launched in the precinct. The HAN @ Katong-Joo Chiat will be launched on the weekend of 20 and 21 April.
Community groups in partnership with National Heritage Board have come together to celebrate and champion the neighbourhood’s heritage.
What is a Heritage Activation Node?
Each HAN showcases a neighbourhood’s unique heritage through its spaces and the activities that take place within these spaces and the people who live, work and play in each neighbourhood.
Heritage spaces, programming and champions will help enliven the precinct via guided trails, workshops, programmes and infrastructure.
Expect a regular stream of heritage events and activities for all to enjoy. Each HAN will be unique according to its history and heritage, as well as contributions from community partners.
The next HAN launch will be in Clementi, end of 2024.
Katong-Joo Chiat Heritage Activation Node: Launch Festival Highlights
The Katong-Joo Chiat Heritage Activation Node will be launching with 29 programmes the public can participate in.
While 11 of the programmes are free of charge, 18 are ticketed between $5 to $38 per person. Highlights include curated community trails, a Tok Panjang experience, craft experiences and two digital games.
Some activities families can enjoy are listed below.
Lelong! Lelong! Pasar malam in Singapore Exhibition (FREE)
We all know Pasar malams (or “night markets” in Malay) for their mouth-watering selection of snacks, eclectic variety of affordable wares, and trademark vibrant atmosphere. Learn about the origins of pasar malams and how they have evolved over time. One can see the diverse variety of goods commonly found at these night markets over the last century.
Where: Haig Road Market and Food Centre
When: 20 April to 5 May, All Day
Admission fee: Free
Community Heritage Art Creation (FREE)
Painting Peranakan-inspired motifs on umbrellas at this community heritage art creation. The painted umbrellas will also be used for décor in various events in future. You might see your artpiece as one of the many adorning a corner of the Katong-Joo Chiat precinct.
Where: Joo Chiat Community Club, Level 1
When: 20 & 21 April, 11 am to 6 pm
Admission fee: Free
Kebaya Try On Photobooth (FREE)
Here’s your chance to be a little Nonya. Head to the Kebaya Try On Photobooth! Strike a pose and immerse yourself in the beauty of traditional kebaya. Festival goers will have the opportunity to choose from an array of kebaya and capture the moments of charm.
Where: Joo Chiat Community Club, Reading Room; and i12 Katong, Atrium
When: 20 & 21 April, 11 am to 6 pm
Admission fee: Free
Beads of Heritage: Unravelling Peranakan Elegance
This child-friendly beading experience will let participants discover the intricate art of Peranakan Chinese embroidered beadwork. Participants will be provided with a kit filled with the necessary materials required to create their work. Learn the basics of Peranakan beadwork and create your very own beaded ring. Join in the immersive experience to feel the thrill of bringing Peranakan elegance to life through the art of beading!
Where: Rumah Kim Choo, Level 2
When: 20 & 21 April, 3 pm to 5 pm
Admission fee: $10
Register here
The Kueh Soiree: Food Tasting Workshop
This food tasting workshop is suitable for children aged between 8 to 12. Guardian’s attendance is optional.
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a food writer? Beyond the enjoyment of eating, it involves thoughtful tasting and articulating experiences with precision. Join veteran food editors Sim Ee Waun and Joyceline Tully for an exclusive children’s workshop where you’ll gain firsthand insight into the role. Engage in a guided kueh tasting session to learn how to discern flavours like the professionals, all while immersing yourself in Katong’s remarkable food heritage. Experience the joy of culinary storytelling in this immersive and delicious afternoon workshop!
Where: City Book Room
When: 20 April, 2 pm to 3.30 pm
Admission fee: $5
Register here.
Please note that the kueh provided is not halal. Organisers will ensure that kueh served does not contain dairy or peanuts.
Storytelling: The Little Singapore Book and Katong’s Past
Listen to stories about Singapore’s past and discover fascinating nuggets about Katong’s past. Travel back in time with authors Sim Ee Waun and Joyceline Tully in this storytelling session based on their bestseller, The Little Singapore Book From a historical fort to sprawling kampongs and glittering parties, unearth the lesser-known facets of life in historical Singapore and Katong. Following the storytelling session, children can participate in a delightful craft activity where they can create their own miniature tongkang.
Where: City Book Room
When: 21 April, 2 pm to 3 pm
Admission fee: $5
Register here
*This storytelling workshop is for children aged between 8 to 12 years old. Parent/guardian attendance is optional and limited to one parent/guardian if necessary.
Eurasian Cooking Workshops: Kueh Kochi, Meat Toast & Feng
Join in a series of cooking workshops at the Eurasian Heritage Gallery. Participants will learn about Eurasian dishes like meast toast and feng. Peel, cut, fry ingredients in this hands-on workshop and then taste the fruit of your labour!
Where: Eurasian Community House
When: 20 & 21 April, 11 am to 12.30 pm, 2 pm to 3.30 pm
Admission fee: $5
Register here
*The food prepared in this programme is not halal certified. Participants will be required to handle knives and work with open flames during the cooking process. Safety measures will be provided and participants will be guided accordingly throughout the workshop. **Parents/guardians must accompany any child under the age of 12, and must buy their own ticket if so. Experience the richness of Eurasian culture through its culinary traditions.
The Intan: Museum Tour and Tile Colouring
Visit The Intan, a beautifully decorated Peranakan Chinese shophouse home museum located in the heart of the Katong-Joo Chiat neighbourhood. Discover the evolution of Peranakan Chinese culture and heritage, characterised by a fusion of colonial, Chinese, and Malay influences that define every facet of the Peranakan lifestyle. Look out for the beautiful objects on display including jewellery, beaded shoes, golden belt buckles, and rose-cut diamonds – which the name “Intan” refers to. Conclude your visit with a unique tile colouring activity, where you will have the opportunity to create your own Peranakan tile masterpiece.
Where: The Intan
When: 20 & 21 April, 11.30 am & 2.30 pm
Admission fee: $10
Register here
Stories in Stone: Katong-Joo Chiat Built Heritage and Historical Tour
Go on a walking tour in Katong-Joo Chiat. Step into the past and embark on an exploration of the architectural marvels of Katong-Joo Chiat Learn about the area’s rich history, unique culture, and iconic landmarks from our HAN Heritage Champions as they share fascinating stories behind historic architectural gems, including the Peranakan shophouses along Koon Seng Road, the Red House Bakery, and the Former Joo Chiat Police Station.
HiddenSG @ Katong-Joo Chiat
Go on a self-paced “outdoor escape room” by HiddenSG. Test your knowledge of the neighbourhood by playing this HiddenSG Game as part of HAN@Katong-Joo Chiat! Participants will embark on a journey through Katong-Joo Chiat, starting from Haig Road Market and Food Centre, uncovering hidden clues and completing challenges to uncover the neighbourhood’s rich heritage. Guided by Void Deck Cat and Hannie via WhatsApp, players will delve into the area’s vibrant culture and relive its storied past through an interactive experience.
Starting Point: Haig Road Market and Food Centre Date: From 21 April onwards Time: Ongoing Admission fee: $9.90 per person
Register here
HiddenSG @ Katong-Joo Chiat: Festival Race Edition
Ready to explore Katong-Joo Chiat and win prizes? Enter the HiddenSG Race, an interactive, competitive game and unique heritage experience! Race contestants will embark on a journey through Katong-Joo Chiat, starting from Haig Road Market and Food Centre, uncovering hidden clues and completing challenges to uncover the neighbourhood’s rich heritage. Join the race and be one of the first five teams to cross the finish line to win cash prizes of up to S$800!
Starting Point: Haig Road Market and Food Centre
When: 20 April, 1pm
Admission fee: $10 per group
Register here
Tok Panjang Experience
Indulge in a Peranakan feast featuring an array of delectable cuisines, complemented by community performances, as the perfect finale to the HAN@Katong-Joo Chiat Launch Festival! Prepare for an evening of great fun and lively joget dancing to mark the celebration!
Where: Joo Chiat Community Club, Multipurpose Hall, Level 1
When: 21 April, 6 pm to 8 pm
Admission fee: $38
Register here
All food served at the Tok Panjang is halal-certified
Self-guided Katong-Joo Chiat Activity Handbooks (FREE)
Explore the rich heritage of Katong-Joo Chiat with a series of self-guided activity handbooks designed by Ngee Ann Polytechnic students. Tailored for families with young children and youths, these printable resources feature captivating puzzles and activities, offering an immersive and interactive journey to connect with the area’s vibrant history and culture at one’s own pace.
For more HAN@Katong-Joo Chiat launch festival activities and programmes, visit the HAN @ Katong-Joo Chiat festival website.
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