Discover lesser-known heritage stories and more in the 18th edition of the Singapore HeritageFest 2021 from 3 to 30 May 2021. Featuring more than 100 programmes happening both online and on-site, such as virtual tours, talks, photo essays and video documentaries, on-site tours and hands-on workshops.
The Singapore HeritageFest this year centres around the theme of Singapore’s healthcare history and food culture. These two themes were selected to commemorates the significant healthcare and food heritage milestones of the 200th anniversary of Singapore General Hospital, the nation’s first hospital, and the inscription of our Hawker Culture on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Here are some of the interesting programs to look forward to in the various sections of the Singapore HeritageFest 2021.
GIVEAWAY: Stand to Win Tickets to Peter & Blue's Treasure Hunt by Singapore Ballet
GIVEAWAY: Stand to Win a Family Bundle of 4 Tickets to Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About A Terrible Monster at LIttle SIFA.
Food Heritage at the Singapore HeritageFest
The “Spices In My Curry” workshop is happening on 22 May and will be conducted by Jeya Seelan, who gave up his corporate job to preserve his family’s long-held tradition of spice mixing.
He is extremely passionate about the insights about his family’s heritage business as well as the histories and origins of spices commonly used in local food. Participants will even get to learn how to make their very own custom spice blend from the myriad of spices that he has! Registration is required to attend the workshop.
Popular soy sauce brand Nanyang Sauce Brewery will also be participating in this year’s heritage fest and will be conducting their Sauce Appreciation Workshop and Sauce Making Workshop. Read more about Nanyang Sauce Brewery in the interview we did with them here.
Medical History the Singapore HeritageFest
Hear stories behind the medical buildings of our past and delve into the history and benefits of Eastern healing practices such as traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.
Participants can visit the Singapore General Hospital to learn more about the three National Monuments that lie within its compound and discover their roles during the Japanese Occupation.
Festival-goers will also be able to go on digital tours of the former Communicable Disease Centre at Moulmein Road, and the former St Andrew’s Mission Hospital for Women and Children on Kadayanallur Street to explore areas that are not normally publicly accessible and discover the lesser-known facts about the buildings.
One can also head down to the Open Business @ Heng Foh Tong Medical Hall event on 16 May 2021 from 2 pm to 2:30 pm and learn more about the 1957 establishment with humble beginnings in Bukit Batok. This family-run business started serving poor Chinese immigrants. and today continues to offer authentic TCM herbs.
Other highlights at the Singapore HeritageFest
In addition to Singapore HeritageFest 2021 programmes, this year’s festival will also feature HomeGround @ NMS, an art installation on the National Museum of Singapore’s front lawn. This structure is constructed using one singular material and is a contemporary interpretation of a traditional kampong (“village” in Malay) house. The perforated metal mesh is also a cheeky reference to the chicken coop cages often seen in kampongs.
Also, as part of telling the heritage stories of the community members in Singapore, there will be programs such as Home Museums which will be available from 3 May. Join three heritage collectors and researchers in a private sharing session centred on their love for collecting traditional food moulds, cooking utensils and blades.
For more information and updates about the many events not to be missed this Singapore HeritageFest, check out their website here.
