2012 marks the 70th anniversary of the beginning of World War II in Southeast Asia and the Fall of Singapore to the Japanese. This was the darkest chapter in Singapore’s story. This fateful event cuts across all Singaporeans regardless of race, language or religion, and speaks of how together as one, we survived extreme hardship and emerged stronger as an independent nation and people. To commemorate this important period in our history, the National Heritage Board and partners have organised a series of events to remember the many people who fought for Singapore’s freedom.
All exhibitions, events and talks are free unless otherwise stated.
EXHIBITION
Date: 4 February 2012 – 30 June 2012
Venue: Tiong Bahru Market
GUIDED TOUR (strictly by registration only) [FULLY BOOKED]
Timings: Saturdays, 4, 11, 18 & 25 February 2012 (10am – 11am, 11am – 12 Noon)
Venue: Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter
Sign up for a free guided tour and grab the rare chance to walk through a pre-war air raid shelter that still exists today in Tiong Bahru. Also, pop by the exhibition to learn more about the history of air raid shelters during pre-war and war-time Singapore.
Visit the exhibition and find out more about Adam Park and its role as one of Britain’s defence positions in Singapore during the World War II (WWII). The exhibition features a physical recreation of the typology of Adam Park and showcases the research findings and artefacts uncovered by the Singapore Heritage Society during its archaeological excavation of Adam Park.
Please visit http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg for more details.
National Library Building, Level 10,
National Library Gallery
Ex-Prisoner-of-War and accomplished artist William Haxworth provides his perspective on World War II in Singapore through over one hundred pieces of his artworks depicting life in the Prisoner-of-War camps. The artworks are on loan from the National Archives of Singapore’s Haxworth Collection, together with selected sketches by Mr Chia Chew Soo, from the National Archives Collection, and drawings by internationally renowned Singaporean artist Liu Kang on the Japanese Occupation in Singapore. The exhibition serves as an extension to the Adam Park story.
Please visit http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg for more details.
From 15 February 2012
Launched to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Fall of Singapore, the World War II (WWII) Trail features 20 WWII historical markers presenting information and archival images related to the war, while the Resilience Walks (based on the main WWII Trail) consist of different modules revealing Singapore’s history and showcasing how our forefathers together built this nation we call Singapore despite the odds.
Call Justin Ho (6332 3253) or Tay May Ling (6332 4494) or email justin_ho@nhb.gov.sg or tay_may_ling@nhb.gov.sg for more details.
Wednesday, 15 February 2012 | 5pm
Kranji War Memorial
Join us in this commemorative ceremony that honours the memory of the war dead who lost their lives defending Singapore, and reflect on the contributions of those still safeguarding our security. Shuttle bus service to and from Kranji War Memorial will be provided every 5 to 10 minutes from Kranji MRT station, depending on circumstances.
Email Ms Janelle Chua at janelle_chua@nhb.gov.sg or click here for more details.
Saturdays, 4, 11, 18 & 25 February 2012
Session Timings: 10.30am – 12 noon, 2pm – 3.30pm
Memories at Old Ford Factory
Interact with local World War II survivors as they recount their harrowing ordeal during the Japanese Occupation, and listen to a historian explain the military significance of the Fall of Singapore during World War II to attain greater understanding of life during the 44 months of the Japanese Occupation and appreciate the peace and harmony we enjoy today.
Light refreshments will be provided. Limited spaces available on a first come, first served basis. To register, email your name, NRIC and contact number to nhb_nasreg@nhb.gov.sg with the subject heading “WW2 Talks”.
16 February 2012 | 9am – 5pm
Supreme Court Auditorium
$5 for members of the public, Free for Students
Explore in vivid detail the causes of the Fall of Singapore, and assess its multifaceted impact on various Singapore communities and long term consequences on decolonization, nationhood and regional security. This conference hopes to bring together historians, students, veterans and history enthusiasts to understand, reflect on and remember the Fall of Singapore.
Limited spaces available on a first come, first served basis. To register, email your name, NRIC, contact number to nhb_nasreg@nhb.gov.sg with the subject heading “WW2 Conference”.
Sunday, 12 February 2012
Singapore Cricket Club
As part of the events marking the 70th anniversary of the Fall of Singapore, The Changi Museum is hosting a Special Commemoration Dinner on 12 February at the Singapore Cricket Club. This dinner will recognise and honour the contributions of those who fought in the defence of Singapore and were subsequently incarcerated here as Prisoners of War (POW) or civilian internees.
Special guests for the evening will include a number of Veterans and former POWs, and their families. There will also be diplomatic representation from the High Commissions and Embassies of the relevant countries.
Attendance is strictly by invitation only.
Download the free “Battle for Singapore” mobile application and embark on exciting self-guided trails to learn more about Singapore’s World War II history. The “Battle for Singapore” application will offer four different trails and provide a companion guide to 40 different historical World War II sites in Singapore.
App available for download from here
Admission fees apply
Make a trip to the Museum Roundtable’s war museums and collect all seven commemorative collar pins while learning about different aspects of Singapore’s war history. The collar pins are distributed at the Airforce Museum, Army Museum, Changi Museum, Fort Siloso, Memories at Old Ford Factory, Reflections at Bukit Chandu and The Battlebox.
Terms and conditions apply. Please check operating hours of museums. Email Mr Jervais Choo at jervais_choo@nhb.gov.sg for more details.
Competition ends 31 January 2012
Unleash your creativity and stand to win attractive prizes as you re-create scenes from this era in Singapore’s history! The top five winners of this contest will also have their models showcased at Memories at Old Ford Factory and Reflections at Bukit Chandu.
Terms and conditions apply. Please see the contest form for more details. Contest form can be downloaded at www.nhb.gov.sg/nas. Email nhb_nasreg@nhb.gov.sg for more details.
