A Panel Discussion: Protecting our Tangible Heritage: Can We Do Better?

Eighty-five years ago, a group of concerned Singapore residents established a group known as the Friends of Singapore. The group, led by noted historian and lawyer Sir Roland Braddell, was, among other things, dedicated to preserving Singapore’s cultural history and was the earliest civic group concerned with protecting Singapore’s tangible heritage. However, its efforts – such as the campaign to save the old Bras Basah Gaol and Coleman’s House – bore little fruit.

After independence in 1965, the state – impatient to solve Singapore’s housing and economic problems – tore down large swathes of old buildings, especially in the city centre. It was not till 1969, when Singapore celebrated the 150th anniversary of its ‘founding’ by the British that a decision was made to establish the Preservation of Monuments Board through legislation.

In this panel discussion, three veterans of Singapore’s ‘heritage world’ take a critical look at our accomplishments and missteps in safeguarding, protecting and conserving our tangible heritage over the years. They will discuss the continued utility of the current legal and institutional frameworks and identify gaps in the heritage protection ecosystem and suggest how they may be addressed.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Asian Civilisations Museum (Ngee Ann Auditorium), 1 Empress Place, Singapore, Singapore