Chairman's Foreword
With deep gratitude, I acknowledge the patrons who, through their collective passion and enthusiasm, generously contributed $12.5 million to heritage causes in 2024. This reflects the energetic spirit and continued vitality of our heritage community throughout the years.
The generosity of heritage benefactors has been the driving force behind our ability to safeguard and celebrate our shared heritage. Together, their support has enabled us to enhance our offerings, expand the National Collection, elevate our capabilities, and extend our outreach to champion the importance of heritage.
Diverse Contributions across Wide-Ranging Industries
2024 was marked by diverse and meaningful support from our exceptional patrons across wide-ranging industries, from food and beverage to real estate and architecture. Through these generous contributions of resources, expertise, and extensive networks, we have magnified the impact of our heritage initiatives and offerings, drawing more people to appreciate and understand Singapore's rich and diverse heritage.
Our signature festivals received tremendous support that allowed us to present heritage in unique and accessible ways. For Singapore HeritageFest 2024, Yeo’s support for its signature HOMEGROUND: We Built This City installation paid homage to Singapore’s rich built heritage. CapitaLand Investment Limited’s contribution towards presenting captivating light installations at Bugis Street, Funan, and Raffles City, added vibrancy to the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct while also supporting local and regional artists, creatives and communities in line with Singapore Night Festival 2024.
Our museums have also benefited from significant patron support. Dalio Philanthropies’ cash donation towards the Asian Civilisations Museum further drove our efforts in promoting Peranakan culture and heritage. RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (Pte) Ltd lent its architectural expertise for the National Museum of Singapore’s playground, which has helped create a unique outdoor space featuring design elements inspired by the National Museum’s rich history.
Beyond our festivals and museums, our language campaigns have also strengthened their impact and offerings with the outstanding support of our patrons. SBS Transit Ltd has been a strong supporter of our language campaigns, offering advertising space on its buses for Speak Good English Movement, Speak Mandarin Campaign’s Promote Mandarin Council as well as Malay Language Council’s Bulan Bahasa (Malay Language Month). Mini Environment Service Pte Ltd and Yuvabharathi International School have also been continuously supporting initiatives by the Tamil Language Council, such as the Tamil Language Festival, spurring greater promotion and awareness of the use of Tamil language in Singapore.
These examples represent just some of the many ways our patrons have supported our efforts, demonstrating their commitment and passion to safeguarding and promoting our heritage.
Dedicated Support from Passionate Individuals
While it is important to acknowledge the support of our industry patrons, I would also like to take this time to mention the passionate individuals who helped to grow our efforts and deepen our connections with heritage and our community at large.
With that, I would like to acknowledge the unwavering contributions of Mr Keith Chua, Mr Tsai Eng-Rung and Mr Richard Eu for their generous support in cash donation and expertise to the National Museum of Singapore. Their efforts have contributed greatly to the major revamp of the National Museum, allowing the museum to tell the Singapore story through a myriad of new and refreshed offerings for both Singaporeans and visitors from across the globe.
Their support is crucial in our efforts to promote heritage in Singapore and beyond. Here at NHB, we recognise the efforts of everyone – individuals and organisations alike – as their valuable contributions have allowed us to strengthen and solidify the work that we do in the heritage and museum sector.
Looking Ahead
This year has been a reminder that heritage is truly a collective effort of not just one singular entity, but of different individuals, communities and organisations coming together to keep our heritage alive. I look forward to your continued support as we continue to safeguard and celebrate the heritage of our diverse communities, together.
Ms Yeoh Chee Yan
Chairman
National Heritage Board
Award Recipients
Download the booklet for more information on Patron of Heritage Awards 2024 and the list of recipients.