The Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC) is an institution of the National Heritage Board (NHB), Singapore. The HCC building in Jurong is a purpose-built facility, for the storage and conservation of artefacts and artworks under the care of NHB. It also facilitates access to the National Collection and comprises the collections management, conservation services, including conservation science and management and operations departments.

HCC hopes to play a leading role in heritage preservation in Singapore by focusing on three main objectives. Firstly, to set and maintain high professional standards of heritage preservation; secondly, to improve accessibility to the National Collection; and finally to disseminate and share with the public our knowledge of heritage care. By leveraging on our expertise in conservation and collections management, we hope to expand our role in the heritage community beyond Singapore into the region.

Website - Click here for more information about HCC.

The event is organised by the Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC), Singapore and will take place from 23 to 25 October 2019 at the National Museum of Singapore. The conference theme is Collections Care: Staying Relevant in Changing Times, ASEAN & Beyond. Focusing on cross-disciplinary nature of collections care, the conference aims to contextualise challenges and solutions through shared experiences, and to celebrate advancements, while strengthening and forging relationships within the profession.

The 3-day conference hopes to bring together a diverse pool of cultural workers ranging from collection managers and registrars, to conservators and scientists, including librarians, archivists, cataloguers, and curators from various cultural institutions to engage in dialogue. The conference includes a half day optional tour.

The conference theme broadly covers:

• Customised approaches or innovative use of technology in strengthening collections management or care;
• Interdisciplinary and contextual approaches to conservation of traditional and contemporary works of art and artefacts;
• Strategies in keeping and accessing digital collections;
• Enhancing access to and research of collections through collection cataloguing and knowledge management; and
• Application of scientific analysis in characterising and understanding the properties of materials found in the region.

*Note: All sessions will be conducted in English

Programme accurate as of 11 October 2019

Venue: Gallery Theatre (Basement), National Museum of Singapore
Day 1 (23 October 2019)
Time	Programme
07:45	Registration Opens
09:15	Guests and Speakers to be seated
09:30	Welcome and Introduction by Emcee
09:35	Opening remarks by Ms Chang Hwee Nee, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Heritage Board (NHB)
09:45	Speech by Guest of Honour Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth
09:50	Video screening on HCC staff
09:55	Keynote Presentation by Prof. Robyn Sloggett Simplicity In Complexity: Trends And Future Directions In Caring For Collections In Australia And Southeast Asia
10:25	Photography session for SMS, CE and VIPs
10:30	Tea-break at Gallery Theatre Foyer
10:50	Signing of Agreement between HCC/NHB and Shaanxi Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (SIPCH)
11:00	Session 1: Rethinking Collections Care
12:30	Lunch Break
14:00	Session 2: Preservation Strategies and Solutions I
15:30	Tea-break at Gallery Theatre Foyer
16:00-17:30	Session 3: Preservation Strategies and Solutions II
Venue: Gallery Theatre Foyer & The Canyon, National Museum of Singapore
18:30	Welcome Cocktail Reception

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Venue: Gallery Theatre (Basement), National Museum of Singapore
Day 2 (24 October 2019)
Time	Programme
08:00	Registration Opens
09:00	Session 4: Materials and Methods
11:00	Tea-break at Gallery Theatre Foyer
Venue: The Canyon, National Museum of Singapore
11:30	Session 5: Poster Sessions Please refer to the Poster Presentations section for more information on posters.
12:30	Lunch
14:00	Tours (Pre-Registration Required) Please refer to the Tours section for more information on tours.

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Venue: Gallery Theatre (Basement), National Museum of Singapore
Day 3 (25 October 2019)
Time	Programme
08:00	Registration Opens
09:00	Session 6: Technology in Collections Care
10:30	Tea-break at Gallery Theatre Foyer
11:00	Session 7: Science in Art and Heritage Materials
12:30	Lunch
14:00	Session 8: Preservation and Access to Libraries, Archives, Films and Museum Collections
15:30	Tea-break at Gallery Theatre Foyer
16:00	Session 9: Storage and Environment
17:30	Closing Remarks
17:45	End of Conference

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Keynote Speaker:

Prof. Robyn Sloggett
Cripps Foundation Chair in Cultural Materials Conservation, Grimwade Centre, University of Melbourne

Simplicity In Complexity: Trends And Future Directions In Caring For Collections In Australia And Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia and Australia are characterized by diversity in culture and custom, language, history, climate, religion and belief, methods of government and economic capacity. Such diversity poses particular challenges for universal approaches to museum development and management, and in particular for practices, policies and procedures relating to the care of collections. Conversely, diversity provides fertile ground for regional approaches, but only when decisions are the result of targeted research; the sharing of knowledge and resources; and the development of protocols and procedures that reflect the diversity and acknowledge the various capacities across the region. In this lecture Professor Robyn Sloggett examines some of the pressing issues in collection care that need to be addressed across Australia and Southeast Asia and explores current trends, initiatives and future directions for the care of our rich, diverse and very important collections.

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Robyn Sloggett

Professor Robyn Sloggett is the Cripps Foundation Chair and Director of the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation at the University of Melbourne. Her research interests include: the investigation of the materials and techniques of artists attribution and authentication of paintings; the development of the Australian art market; collection development and history; and, the preservation of cultural materials held in Australian Indigenous communities. She holds qualifications in art history, philosophy, and cultural materials conservation (applied science). Robyn has been honoured to receive the Bathurst Macquarie Heritage Medal (2016), the International Council of Museums Australia Award for International Relations (2013); the AICCM Award for Outstanding Research in the Field of Material Conservation (2012); and AICCM Conservator of the Year Award (2004). In 2015 she was made a Member of the Order of Australia. She is passionate about conservation and its importance for the future of our region.

 

Note: '*' denotes speaker

Information accurate as of 11 October 2019

Information accurate as of 11 October 2019

Below are some works that are featured in the papers and posters of the conference.

To find out more about other artefacts and artworks in the National Collection, please visit Roots.sg

Object Name	Artist	Collection Of
Alms bowl with cover	-	Asian Civilisation Museum
Espana y Filipinas (Spain and Philippines)	Juan Luna y Novicio	National Gallery Singapore
Forest Fire	Raden Saleh	National Gallery Singapore

 

Tours (24 October 2019, 2pm onwards)

We are pleased to offer a range of tours from visiting the Heritage Conservation Centre to monumental walks on the second day of the conference. The tours offered are complimentary but places are limited. For all of the tours, a bus pick-up service to the destination and back to the National Museum of Singapore would be provided. Registration is required.

Tour A : Heritage Conservation Centre | Repository and Conservation Laboratories Tour
Discover the art and science of artefact conservation and preservation at the Heritage Conservation Centre. Home to the National Collection, the centre is the first of its kind in the region, which combines a centralised collections repository with conservation laboratories under one roof. See what goes on behind the scenes in maintaining and preserving our National Collection.	Pick-up time & location: 2pm, NMS Bus Bay Tour duration: 1.5 hours
Tour B : National Gallery Singapore | Art Gallery Highlights Tour
Explore the highlights of the Gallery’s art collection from both the DBS Singapore and UOB Southeast Asia galleries and chart the history of Singapore and Southeast Asia through the art on display. One will be able the enjoy the art collection displayed in an iconic 21 st century building that integrates the historical former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings.	Pick-up time & location: 2pm, NMS Bus Bay Tour duration: 1 hour (Image Courtesy of National Gallery Singapore)
Tour C : A Tale of Two Towns (Civic District) | Monumental Walking Tour
Go on a walking tour that explores Singapore’s history and diversity through its monuments. Step back in time as you hear fascinating stories from the two banks of the Singapore River – the lifeline of 19th century Singapore – and how they contributed in different ways to Singapore’s growth from a colonial port to the cosmopolitan city it is today. Monuments covered: Former Empress Place Building (now Asian Civilisations Museum), Former Parliament House (now The Arts House) and Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall.   Take note: This is an outdoor tour, please wear comfortable attire and shoes. In case of wet weather, participants will be guided to a gallery tour in the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM).	Pick-up time & location: 2pm, NMS Bus Bay Tour duration: 2 hours
Tour D : Marina Barrage | Sustainable Singapore Gallery Tour
Built across the mouth of the 350-metre wide Marina Channel in the city, the Marina Barrage is an innovative facility that supplies 10% of the Singapore’s water needs. The tour will explain the water challenges faced by Singapore, its four national taps, and the three benefits of the Marina Barrage.  At the end of the tour, one would be able to enjoy the city’s skyline at the rooftop park.	Pick-up time & location: 2pm, NMS Bus Bay Tour duration: 1.5 hours (Image Courtesy of PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency)
Tour E : Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum | Biodiversity and Heritage Gallery Tour
Join this behind-the-scenes tour and witness the collecting and preservation of over 560,000 catalogued lots and over a million specimens from throughout the region. The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is a one-stop exhibition, education and research facility servicing a multitude of biodiversity, environmental and conservation activities in Singapore and the region.	Pick-up time & location: 2pm, NMS Bus Bay Tour duration: 1.5 hours (Image Courtesy of Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum)

Registration Period

• Early Bird Registration: Opens from 25 April 2019 to 26 August 2019, 23:59hr SGT
• Normal Registration: Opens from 27 August 2019
• Onsite walk-in Registration: 23 October – 25 October 2019 (subjected to availabilty of seats)

Registration Fees (incl. 7% Goods & Services Tax)

Participant Type	Early Bird Rate 25 April – 26 August 2019	Normal Rate 27 August – 22 October 2019	Onsite Rate 23 – 25 October 2019
Regular	SGD 350	SGD 500	SGD 500
ICOM Member	SGD 350
Museum Roundtable (MR) Member
Students

• The registration fees are in Singapore Dollars. All fees will be charged in Singapore Dollars.
• Conference fee includes admittance to all three days of the conference, including tea breaks, a welcome cocktail reception (with canapés) and an optional tour (limited; tour registration is required), as well as a conference kit and publication.
• Attendees will also enjoy free entry to all exhibitions at the National Museum of Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, Malay Heritage Centre, Indian Heritage Centre, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, and the National Gallery Singapore from 23 to 27 October. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is also offering 20% off admission fee from 20 to 27 October. Simply show your conference pass and lanyard at the ticketing counter to enjoy these benefits!

Click here to register!

General Terms & Conditions 

1. Confirmation of Registration
   • A confirmation email and conference ticket will only be sent to the registered email address upon successful registration.

2. Members & Students
   • For verification purposes, attendees may be asked to present a valid/official form of verification document (ICOM card, student identity card, staff pass) during admission or onsite registration.

3. Methods of Payment
   • Payment can be made using the following credit cards: VISA and MasterCard.
   • Interested participants from Singapore Government agencies who wish to make payment via e-invoicing, please select the e-invoice payment option during registration and provide information as requested. 

4. Cancellation/Refund
   • Please note that no refunds will be issued for no-shows, and no cancellation are accepted for this conference.

5. Entry visa Requirements
   • It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to take care of his/her own visa requirements. The Conference Committee will not directly contact embassies and consulates on behalf of registrants who require an entry visa. Please visit the Immigration & Checkpoint Authority website for more details.

6. Film and Photography
   • Delegates are kindly reminded that professional photographers and film crew, contracted by the Organisers, will be present at this event to take pictures and video footage. These footages and images may be used, without further notification, at a later date by the Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC) for the following materials and media: brochures, newsletters, marketing material, videos, hoardings, and/or digital images such as those on the 2019 HCC International Conference’s website and social media channels. Please contact HCC or the Conference Organising Committee should you wish to clarify on any related matters.

About the Venue

The conference will be held at Singapore’s longest standing museum, the National Museum of Singapore. Established in 1887, the National Museum of Singapore focuses on re-telling Singapore’s story and has become a prominent cultural and architectural landmark. It uses cutting edge technology to present the nation’s legacy and development, redefining the conventional museum experience to become one that is immersive and creative.

All paper presentations will take place in the Gallery Theatre and tea breaks will be hosted at the Gallery Theatre Foyer. Posters will be presented throughout the duration of the conference at The Canyon, which is also the venue for the welcome cocktail reception. Conference attendees are also entitled to use the business centre located in the Seminar Room.

Further information about the National Museum of Singapore can be found here .

Quick Links:

• Getting to the Venue & Carpark Information
• Eat & Drink (More information about Singapore’s culinary scene can be found here)
• Information on accommodations in Singapore

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

1. What is the theme of the HCC 2019 International Conference?

The theme of the HCC 2019 International Conference is Collections Care: Staying Relevant in Changing Times, ASEAN & Beyond. Please refer to the About section for more information about the conference.

2. How do I get to the conference?

Please refer to the Venue section

3. Are meals provided in the conference?

Tea-breaks will be provided throughout the conference. However, lunch will not be provided. There is a wide and delectable range of dining options located in the vicinity of the museum.

4. Are the tea-breaks provided Halal certified?

Yes, meals provided at the conference are Halal certified.

5. Are there vegetarian options in the tea-breaks provided?

Yes, vegetarian options are available.

6. Will drinking water be provided at the conference?

As part of the Go Green initiative, we will not be providing bottled waters at the conference. However, water dispensers are available at the conference venue. Conference attendees are encouraged to BYO refillable bottles.

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REGISTRATION, FEES AND PAYMENTS

7. What are the conference registration rates?

Early bird fee is S$350 per attendee; Normal conference fee is S$500 per attendee. Fees quoted are inclusive of the Goods & Services Tax (GST).

8. What is included in the conference fee?

The conference fee includes admittance to all three days of the conference, including tea breaks, a welcome cocktail reception (with canapés) and an optional tour (limited; tour registration is required), as well as a conference kit and publication.

9. I only want to attend one day of the conference, is that possible?

Yes, you may choose to attend selected sessions of the conference. However, you will still need to register and pay the full conference rate.

10. Do I get a discount for registering early?

Early bird discount is available from 25 April to 26 August 2019. The early bird fee is S$350 per attendee.

11. Are there group discounts or concessional rates for the conference?

There are no group discounts or concessional rates.

12. How will I know if my conference registration is successful?

You will receive an email confirmation upon successful registration and payment to the conference.

13. What payment modes are accepted?

You can make payment to the HCC 2019 International Conference using the following credit cards: VISA and MasterCard. If you are from a Singapore Government agency, you can also pay via e-invoice.

14. Am I registered if I have not made payment to the conference?

If your payment is unsuccessful, you are not registered. A confirmation email and conference ticket will only be sent to the registered email upon successful registration.

15. Can I register and make payment to the conference on-site on the day of the conference itself?

On-site registration and payment is available on the day of the conference. While walk-in registrations are welcome, we strongly encourage interested attendees to register early online for the conference to avoid disappointment as seats are limited. The onsite payment mode is credit card(VISA/MasterCard).

16. Where do I go to for walk-in registration on the day itself?

Please proceed to the on-site registration counter located outside the National Museum of Singapore’s (NMS) Gallery Theatre at the basement level.

17. What is the cancellation policy for the conference?

Cancellation is not allowed after registration.

18. I have registered for the conference but I am now unable to attend. Can I transfer my registration to someone else?

Transfer of registration to someone else is only allowed if he/she is from the same organisation. To do so, please email us at askhcc@nhb.gov.sg at least one (1) week before the start of the conference with your ticket reference number, name, organisation, and the name and contact details of the person who will be replacing you in the conference.

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OPTIONAL TOURS

19. What are the tour options?

Please refer to the Tours section for more information about the optional tours available. Please note that there are limited vacancies for each tour. Do register early to avoid disappointment.

20. Will transportation be provided for the optional tour?

A bus pick-up service from the conference venue, National Museum of Singapore, to the tour destination; and a return bus service back to the National Museum of Singapore will be provided.

21. I am interested in the optional tours. How can I register for a tour?

You can register for the tour during your registration to the conference. If you have already registered for the conference, please email with your ticket reference number askhcc@nhb.gov.sg to register your interest.

22. Can I register for more than 1 tour?

No, each conference attendee can only register up to 1 tour.

23. Can I still register for the optional tour if is full?

Registration for the optional tour will be closed once it is full.

24. I had registered for the conference but not the tour. I am now interested to register for the optional tour. Am I able to do so?

Yes, you will still be able to register for the optional tour if you had successfully registered for the conference and spaces are still available for the tour. Please email the conference organiser at askhcc@nhb.gov.sg .

25. What can I do if I am not attending any of the optional tours?

The afternoon session on Day 02 of the conference will be free and easy for conference attendees who are not attending any of the optional tours. Feel free to approach the conference organising committee if you require recommendation on ongoing exhibitions and/or attractions.

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CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

26. What format do the sessions take?

The conference sessions will convene via presentation sessions by authors of submitted conference papers followed by a Questions & Answer session, and a poster presentation session on Day 02 of the conference.

27. I am interested to present at the conference. How can I go about submitting my proposal?

Thank you for your interest in participating in the HCC 2019 International Conference. However, we are no longer accepting any abstracts or proposals for conference presentation at this point.

28. Will the conference programme and schedule be updated?

Please refer to the Programmes section for updated conference programmes and schedules.

29. How can I obtain a copy of the Conference Papers?

All conference attendees will receive a hard copy of the Conference Papers. An electronic version will also be available for download post-conference on www.Roots.sg. The conference committee will inform attendees when the conference papers are available for download.

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OTHERS

30. My question is not listed here. Whom do I contact?

Email askhcc@nhb.gov.sg and we will get in touch with you.

31. Will my contact information be shared?

Your contact information (i.e. email) will be required during registration. News and updates regarding the conference will be sent to your registered email address, in accordance with NHB’s Privacy Policy.  NHB may also collect, use and disclose the information provided by registrants for purposes relating to marketing and promotion of future events and services provided by NHB and its appointed vendors/partners, in accordance with NHB’s Privacy Policy; if you do not wish to contacted for such matters, please indicate your preference during registration.

32. Will the organising committee be able to handle my visa application?

It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to take care of his/her own visa requirements. The Conference Committee will not directly contact embassies and consulates on behalf of registrants who require an entry visa. Please visit the Immigration & Checkpoint Authority website for more details.