Step into Singapore’s own Chamber of Secrets at The Secret Vault at New Bahru. From 10 October to 1 November 2026, the story of GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, unfolds through a series of interactive rooms at the New Bahru L2 School Hall.
Stepping into The Secret Vault: Discover the GIC’s Story & Mission
The Secret Vault is a special exhibition designed to commemorate the 45th anniversary of GIC. Established in 1981, GIC is responsible for managing the country’s foreign reserves. GIC is not as well known or understood as other organisations such as Temasek, so this exhibition is a chance to understand more about what it does.
However, in case you are worried that an exhibition about a long-term, strategic investment company sounds a bit stale, you will be happy to know that this free exhibition is quite the opposite. It provides an interesting and interactive look at what GIC does.
Enter the Chambers
On arrival at The Secret Vault exhibition, the first thing you have to do is check in at the reception counter.
Then, a huge entranceway fashioned to look like the door of a bank vault beckons you to enter.
The exhibition is divided into several rooms or chambers. The first that greets you on the inside of the vault’s doors is The Archive. It looks like an old safe deposit box room.
Here, you can learn about why there was a need to establish the GIC and the story of the organisation’s founding leaders.
Macro Forces: The Global Inflation Hypermarket and the Weather Room
The next chamber will feel more familiar – it is a supermarket setting. This is one where you have to go on a shopping challenge.
Scan a QR code and then race to find the various items listed on your shopping list. It is an interactive way to learn about inflation and an introduction to the importance of finding ways to protect Singapore’s reserves against inflation.
Then, step into The Weather Room and take a seat for a multi-media experience. Here, forces of nature such as wind, rain and lightning provide a vivid way to experience how uncertainties can impact Singapore and its reserves.
Pick up an ultraviolet torch and go through a maze.
Shine your torch to uncover hidden dangers lurking along the way. The represents the various risks that come with investments.
Eventually, you’ll find yourself at a digital garden, where you can pick up a watering can and help to nurture a digital flower, analogous to how GIC takes a long-term view to growing its investments.
The Globe and The Future
The last two chambers at The Secret Vault exhibition is a chance to learn about the brands and companies around the globe that GIC has investments in.
You can also reflect on the future and the importance of safeguarding Singapore’s reserves for future generations and unexpected rainy days.
As a keepsake from your visit, pick up a little memento on exiting The Secret Vault, and bring it home with you along with a better understanding of GIC’s role in managing Singapore’s reserves.
The Secret Vault Exhibition at New Bahru
When:
10 October to 1 November 2026
Mon – 12 pm to 6 pm (last admission at 5 pm)
Tue to Thu – 11 am to 7 pm (last admission at 6 pm)
Fri to Sun – 11 am to 8 pm (last admission at 7 pm)
Where:
46 Kim Yam Road New Bahru (School Block), Singapore 239351
Free admission. Registration required. You will receive a QR code upon successful registration of your time slot.
This experience is recommended for persons aged 10 and above.
Website: The Secret Vault
