SINGAPORE’S INVITATION TO HOST

UNIVERSITY MUSEUMS AND COLLECTIONS CONFERENCE 2012

(UMAC 2012)

Submitted by

NUS Museum July 2007

Contents

I) Letter of Invitation II) Letter of Support III) Singapore Facts IV) Proposed Conference Venue V) Accommodation VI) Proposed Site Visits in Singapore VII) Post-Conference Visits to Cultural and Nature Sites in Singapore VIII) Post-Conference Site Visits in the Region

SECTION I

Letter of Invitation

SECTION II

Letter of Support

SECTION III

Singapore Facts

SINGAPORE – GATEWAY TO ASIA HISTORY The name Singapura is derived from the Malay words singa (lion) and pura (city). According to the Malay Annals, this name was given by a 14th century Sumatran Malay prince named Sang Nila Utama, who, on alighting the island after a thunderstorm, renamed it Singapura after spotting an auspicious beast identified as a lion. The first records of settlement in Singapore are from the second century AD. The island was an outpost of the Sumatran Srivijaya empire and originally bore the Javanese name Temasek ('sea town'). Temasek rapidly became a significant trading city, but declined in the late 14th century. Between the 16th and early 19th centuries, Singapore was part of the Sultanate of Johor. During the Malay-Portugal wars in 1613, she was set ablaze by Portuguese troops. The Portuguese subsequently held control in the 16th century and the Dutch in the 17th, but throughout most of this time, the island's population consisted mainly of fishermen. On 29 January 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles landed on the main island and signed a treaty with Sultan Hussein Shah on behalf of the British East India Company to develop Singapore as a trading post and settlement, marking the start of the island's modern era. Raffles's deputy, William Farquhar, oversaw a period of growth and ethnic migration. The British India office governed the island in 1858, but Singapore was made a British crown colony, answerable directly to the Crown in 1867. During World War II, the Imperial Japanese Army invaded Malaya, culminating in the Battle of Singapore and the British surrendered on 15 February 1942. The British repossessed the island on 12 September 1945, a month after the Japanese surrender. Singapore became a self-governing state in 1959. Following the 1962 Merger Referendum of Singapore, Singapore joined Malaya, but was expelled two years later due to ideological conflict. Singapore officially gained sovereignty on 9 August 1965. Yusof bin Ishak was sworn in as the first President of Singapore. The fledgling nation had to be self-sufficient, and faced problems like mass unemployment, housing shortages, and a dearth of land and natural resources. The government curbed widespread unemployment, raised the standard of living, and implemented a large-scale public housing program. The country's economic infrastructure was developed, the threat of racial tension was curbed, and an independent national defence system, centering around compulsory male military service, was created. Since gaining independence, Singapore has seen its standard of living rise dramatically. Foreign investment and government-led island-wide industrialization have created a

modern economy based on electronics and manufacturing, featuring entrepôt and financial trade centering around the country's strategic location. GEOGRAPHY Singapore is an island country in Southeast Asia. It is about 140 kilometres north of the equator and has an area of 639 square kilometres. Singapore is 42 kilometres long and 23 kilometres across at its widest point. About half of the offshore islands of Singapore are uninhabited. Some of them have been developed for recreation and tourism. Singapore’s accessibility by air and sea help consolidate its status as a favourite global convention centre. Singapore’s location within South East Asia makes it a favourite tourism destination, as well as a convenient hub for “short-hops” to neighbouring countries. Singapore has an equatorial climate, which is warm and humid all year round. The temperature averages around 28 degrees Celsius daily, with abundant rainfall during the monsoon seasons from December to March, and June to September. In between, the weather is characterized by light and variable surface winds and rain ranging from light showers to thunderstorms. POPULATION Singapore has a population of about 4 million, of which one-fifth comprise of non-resident workers and expatriates. The resident population is multiethnic comprising 77% Chinese, 14% Malays, 7.6% Indians and 1.4% of diverse ethnicity. Singapore enjoys racial harmony and social cohesion, and is one of the most cosmopolitan societies in the world, being home to a sizeable expatriate community. WHAT ABOUT THE LANGUAGE? English is the language of education and is widely spoken throughout Singapore. It unites people of different races and different tongues, and is used in all shops and places of business. That being said, it is by no means uncommon to hear conversation being held

in Mandarin, Malay, Tamil or one of the many dialects. Being an international tourist destination, Singapore has a fully-developed tourism industry, and this includes professional guides and translators fluent in a variety of foreign languages. An increasing number of Singaporeans are also fluent in French, German and Japanese. INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNICATIONS Singapore has a well-developed infrastructure to meet all business needs. The city was ranked 3rd among 61 countries for infrastructure in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2006. Singapore is also an important telecommunications centre in this region and aims to be a global information communication and e-business hub in the near future. The first nation-wide broadband information infrastructure in the world is available island wide and Singapore has also established high-speed connectivity to more than 30 countries.

Singapore’s Changi International Airport is a premier international air hub. A liberal aviation policy, which entails an exchange of traffic rights with other countries, enables airlines to expand connectivity between Singapore and the rest of the world.

This has led to Singapore being a crucial point on air traffic routes across the world:

There are 83 international airlines operating scheduled services through Singapore to 182 cities in 57 countries worldwide.

The national carrier, Singapore Airlines, together with its code-share partners, flies

to 90 cities in 40 countries.

Every week, more than 4,000 scheduled flights provide quick and convenient connections from Singapore to major destinations worldwide.

AAIIRR CCOONNNNEECCTTIIVVIITTYY –– WWEEEEKKLLYY FFLLIIGGHHTTSS OOvveerr 8800 AAiirrlliinneess.. CCoonnnneecctteedd ttoo 5577 ccoouunnttrriieess,, 118822 cciittiieess

Americas 259 weekly flights

(16 – 20 h)

Africa 38 weekly flights

(7 – 12 h) Oceania

465 weekly flights (5 – 10 h)

Middle East 162 weekly flights

(7 – 10 h)

Southeast Asia 1,908 weekly flights

(1- 4 h)

South Asia 406 weekly flights

(4 – 7 h)

Japan 227 weekly flights

(6 – 7 h)

S. Korea 87 weekly flights

(6 -7 h)

Greater China 795 weekly flights

(3.5 – 7 h)

Europe 401 weekly flights

(12 – 18 h)

VISA REQUIREMENTS Nationals of a large majority of countries do not require visas for social visits of 30 days duration provided they are in possession of recognized valid travel documents, adequate funds and return or onward tickets. Countries that require visas for social visits are: Afghanistan Georgia ** Lebanon Russia ** Turkmenistan ** Algeria India * Libya Saudi Arabia Ukraine ** Armenia ** Iran Moldova ** Somalia Uzbekistan ** Azerbaijan ** Iraq Morocco Sudan Yemen Bangladesh Jordan Myanmar * Syria Belarus ** Kazakhstan ** People's Republic

of China ** Tajikistan **

Egypt Kyrgyzstan ** Pakistan Tunisia *(Except Diplomatic/Official passport holders) ** (Except Diplomatic/Official/Service passport holders for a stay of up to 30 days) The visa processing time is 3 – 5 days SAFETY Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world, where both locals and visitors can walk along the streets late at night without fear. The nation’s general economic prosperity and professional, effective police force contribute to the low crime rate, and enable continued success in controlling crime and enhancing personal security. Over the last 15 years, Singapore’s security and emergency response agencies have built up their capabilities to respond to contingencies or threats. These plans are in place and are exercised regularly over the years. Singapore is globally ranked third in the “protection of personal security and private property” and first in “social cohesion as a priority for the government” by the World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY), published by the International Institute for Management Development. The WCY also identified Singapore as the most politically stable country in Asia. In research done by Mercer Human Resource Consulting in 2005, Singapore was ranked second in personal safety among the world’s top 50 cities.

City Ranking Luxembourg 1

Bern 2

Geneva 2

Helsinki 2

Singapore 2 Source: Mercer Human Resource Consulting 2005

SINGAPORE - AN EXCELLENT CONFERENCE VENUE Singapore has networking venues and magnificent and culturally rich social venues which will enhance the overall delegate experience. Furthermore the technologically-advanced environment in Singapore facilitates maximum connectivity and minimum business disruption for all conference attendees. Singapore has been ranked the world’s Second Top Convention City by the Amsterdam-based International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and has been named the top convention venue in Asia for 23 consecutive years by the Brussels-based Union of International Associations (UIA). Successful conventions in Singapore are the norm, rather than the exception, as professionals with experience and expertise will ensure that every last detail is meticulously taken care of, every moment skilfully co-ordinated. AFTER CONFERENCE HOURS Uniquely Singapore - Unique is the word that best captures Singapore - a dynamic, cosmopolitan city-state where different cultures, ethnic groups and religions blend harmoniously. A bridge between the East and the West for centuries, Singapore, located in the heart of fascinating Southeast Asia, continues to embrace tradition and modernity today. Brimming with unbridled energy and bursting with exciting events, the city state offers countless unique memorable experiences waiting to be discovered. With such an exciting diversity of ethnic cultures and attractions, there is always something to do in Singapore. The Lion City also offers duty-free shopping, more than 30 tempting local, Asian and international cuisines plus sports galore including a large number of lush golf courses! Singapore offers exceptional value for money in terms of shopping, dining; entertainment and accommodation. Delegates will enjoy a high quality experience at an affordable price. Furthermore the universal appeal of Singapore, both within Asia and long haul markets, will ensure maximum delegate attendance at the Conference. A spectacular array of arts events is offered all year round. Singapore has it all, from the fine art and antique exhibitions, award-winning music and dance extravagances, to cutting-edge drama, film and comedy. Delegates can immerse themselves in the sights

and sounds of traditional Chinese opera, embark on a leisurely exploration of Singapore’s arts district, visit museums and check out the various performing arts venues and institutions, including the world-class arts complex, The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. EXCHANGE RATES Most banks handle travellers’ cheques and change foreign currencies. Passports are required when cashing travellers’ cheques and a nominal commission may be charged. Apart from banks and hotels, foreign currencies can also be exchanged at licensed money changers who may offer better exchange rates. Most shopping complexes have a licensed money changer which usually has the sign "Licensed Money Changer" displayed. Visitors are not encouraged to change money with unlicensed money changers. Credit/charge cards are widely accepted. Other than the Singapore Dollar, the US and Australian Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in most major shopping centres and big departmental stores. Below is a list of approximate exchange rates for major currencies (accurate as of June 2007):

Currency 1 SGD in SGD

American Dollar 0.651084 1.5359

Australian Dollar 0.769783 1.29907

Brazilian Real 1.24845 0.800991

British Pound 0.326571 3.06212

Canadian Dollar 0.693144 1.4427

Chinese Yuan 4.95996 0.201615

Danish Krone 3.60928 0.277063

Euro 0.484942 2.0621

Hong Kong Dollar 5.08764 0.196555

Indian Rupee 26.4275 0.0378394

Japanese Yen 80.474 0.0124264

Malaysian Ringgit 2.23127 0.448176

Mexican Peso 7.01771 0.142497

New Zealand Dollar 0.853656 1.17143

Norwegian Kroner 3.89876 0.256492

South African Rand 4.62335 0.216293

South Korean Won 603.946 0.00165578

Sri Lanka Rupee 72.2052 0.0138494

Swedish Krona 4.4904 0.222697

Swiss Franc 0.805651 1.24123

Taiwan Dollar 21.5183 0.046472

Thai Baht 20.9714 0.0476839

Venezuelan Bolivar 1396.31 0.000716171

PORTFOLIO

Singapore has hosted many major international conferences, including:

Year Event

Attendance

2007 World Economic Forum – Asian Round Table

300

2007

Herbalife Asia Pacific Extravaganza 18,000

2006 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank

16,000

2006 International Dental Exhibition and Meeting (IDEM)

5,000

2005 117th International Olympics Committee Meeting

5,000

1999

Rotary International Convention 18,000

Singapore has also been selected as host destination for the following events: Year Event Expected

Attendance 2007 World Conference of Family Doctors

(WONCA) 4,000

2007

International Bar Association 2007 Conference

3,000

2007

Asian Festival of First Films (AFFF) 2007 250

2008

International G12 Conference 2008 6,500

2008

International Conference on Cancer Nursing 2008

1,300

2008

SIFE World Cup 2008 1,500

2009 FDI World Dental Congress 13,000

SECTION IV

Proposed Conference Venue

University Cultural Centre

Officially opened in September 2000, the University Cultural Centre (UCC), managed by NUS Centre For the Arts, serves as a vibrant, versatile and innovative arts venue for high profile events. Set amidst the picturesque landscape of Kent Ridge and occupying 18,000 square metres of land, the UCC is a striking architecture that adds a touch of distinction to the University’s multifaceted architecture. UCC Hall Inspired by the majestic concert halls of Europe, this Hall comprises a total of 1,700 seats in three tiers. Despite its large capacity, its special design ensures that no seat is more than 40 metres away from the stage, facilitating an all-embracing relationship between audience and those on stage.

UCC Theatre An excitingly intimate venue, the Theatre seats 450. Hirers have the liberty of manipulating performances in a versatile and flexible space, made possible by fully retractable seating and lighting bars. The Theatre’s intimate construction facilitates a greater degree of resonance, benefiting performances that involve unamplified speech and music. Various versatile spaces are also available for a variety of events, seminars, and breakout sessions.

SECTION V

Accommodation

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION Many of the international hotel chains are well-established in Singapore, including some home-grown brands, such as Raffles Hotels & Resorts, and Millennium & Copthorne. Hotels in Singapore provide excellent value for money and offer the best rates internationally and within the region. Please refer to the list below for average 2006 hotel rates (US Dollars) of cities internationally and in the region. City 5-Star Hotels 3 & 4-Star Hotels Dubai $550 $363 Brussels $330 $230 Beijing $304 $105 Sydney $273 $155 Hong Kong $270 $129 Melbourne $256 $133 Shanghai $220 $147 Singapore $175 $112

The following are some suggested hotels from a list of more than 100 gazetted hotels in Singapore:

Grand Plaza Parkroyal Strategically located at the junction of Coleman Street and Hill Street, this 326-room hotel has been awarded the prestigious Architectural Heritage Award for its architecture style. Part of the building was developed from an integration of the century old shophouses at St. Gregory's Place and refurnished to contemporary appeal. The St. Gregory Marine Spa is within the hotel and commands popularity for its marine spa treatments and traditional Chinese therapies.

Dining outlets offer International, traditional Cantonese fare and bistro-style outdoor wok-prepared or grilled specialties. The hotel's Ballroom is well furnished to accommodate high powered meetings and conference.

The Grand Plaza Parkroyal is conveniently accessible to the business and financial centre and about 5 minutes away from the City Hall MRT Station.

Grand Plaza Parkroyal

Hotel Rendezvous

Hotel Rendezvous A blend of the old within the new, the past with the future. A hotel that is sleek and sophisticated yet retains all the old world charm and gracious style of a bygone era. Every room at Rendezvous Hotel Singapore has been furnished to the highest standard. All 299 rooms and suites have been appointed with functional luxury to ensure every room is a special haven. Rendezvous Hotel Singapore is situated in the heart of the civic, cultural and commercial district.

Swissôtel The Stamford Singapore Conveniently located in the heart of Singapore, Swissôtel The Stamford Singapore, is ideally located at the crossroads of Singapore’s business, cultural, entertainment and shopping districts. With one of the major Mass Rapid Transit stations situated beneath the hotel complex, guests can easily gain access to most parts of Singapore. In addition, Raffles City Shopping Centre and City Link Mall, which are within the vicinity, house more than 100 stores, including a supermarket and a food court. Singapore Changi Airport is just 20 minutes away by car.

Swissotel The Stamford Singapore

Marina Mandarin Singapore

The Marina Mandarin, distinguished by its unique curvilinear façade, has 603 rooms spread over 22 floors, commanding a spectacular, unimpeded view of the city, waterfront and Marina Bay. An epitome of Asian hospitality and elegance, guest rooms are stylishly presented and equipped with the ultimate in luxury and convenience.

The Pan Pacific Singapore With a soaring 35-storey atrium and its warm cosmopolitan ambience, the Pan Pacific is the tallest and largest hotel in Marina Square with 784 rooms. All guest rooms, designed by world-famous John Portman, are elegantly furnished offering a distinctive luxury and warm hospitality. Experience the best authentic Italian, Japanese and Cantonese cuisine at the hotel’s hour restaurants. With its close proximity to the Central Business District, the hotel offers direct access to Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre via a sky bridge.

SECTION VI

Proposed Site Visits in Singapore

SITE VISITS IN SINGAPORE

The NUS Museum is a comprehensive establishment for teaching and research. Focusing on Asian regional art and culture, it seeks to create an enriching experience through its collection, exhibition practices and partnerships. The Museum has three main collections of over 7,000 artefacts and artworks. A rich selection of ceramics, bronzes, paintings and calligraphy from the Lee

Kong Chian Collection allows for the appreciation and study of Chinese culture. The Ng Eng Teng Collection was a donation from the late Singapore sculptor and Cultural Medallion recipient; comprising over 1,000 sculptures, paintings and sketches, this collection is valuable for understanding the creative process and development of Singapore art. The South and Southeast Asian Collection includes works by modern and contemporary Southeast Asian artists, textiles and classical Indian sculptures. Temporary exhibition spaces, such as the NX Gallery, facilitate the presentation of works from visiting artists and experiments in cross disciplinary arts.

Baba House (opening in 2008) 157 Neil Road is one of the last surviving Peranakan houses in Singapore. Visitors to the Baba House will be able to learn about the restoration and conservation efforts on this authentic Peranakan structure and will be exposed to the customs and material culture of the Peranakan community in a living context.

The Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research (RMBR) has its origins in the Raffles Library and Museum which was founded in 1849. Established on 1 October 1998, the RMBR is built on the facilities and personnel of the animal and plant collections and the academic strengths of various faculty, postgraduate researchers and visiting scientists involved in the research on various aspects of biodiversity.

The animal collection is well known to international scientists as the Zoological Reference Collection (ZRC), the successor of the famous 'Raffles Collection'. It contains the historical collection of the former Raffles Museum, as a result of an idea mooted by Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of modern Singapore and an eminent naturalist. Today, it is the proud host to the single largest collection of Southeast Asian fauna in the region containing more than 400,000 catalogued specimens. The Herbarium (SINU) was founded in 1955 as a teaching museum by Professor Gilliland of what was then the Department of Botany. It now serves as a documentation of the rich plant resources in Southeast Asia with 18,730 specimens in its holdings.

Singapore Science Centre is a non-formal educational institution dedicated to the promotion of science and technology among students and members of the public. As a leading Science Centre in the region, the Singapore Science Centre has twelve exhibition galleries with more than

1,000 exhibits, and another 18,000 sq metres of outdoor space showcasing the exhibits of the Waterworks, Ecogarden and the Kinetic Garden. The Centre also houses the Omni-Theatre — Singapore’s only dome-shaped, 5-storey high theatre with a capacity of 276 seats. Apart from IMAX movies, the theatre also screens IMAX DMR movies. The Science Centre receives more than 950,000 visitors annually.

The Chinese Heritage Centre (CHC) was founded in 1995 to advance knowledge and understanding of the Chinese Overseas communities in different parts of the world. The Centre undertakes a range of public education, documentation and research activities.

The CHC also aims to be a leading research and resource center on the Chinese outside China. Its Wang Gungwu Library is an excellent resource center for scholars, researchers and students with over

20,000 books in its collection. The Centre is also the coordinator for Huayinet which is an online website (www.huayinet.org) of the Inter-Agency Committee on Chinese Overseas Databank and Research Collection.The committee is made up of 13 Singapore-based organizations. Through this web site, information and material on the Chinese diaspora is easily accessible to the international community.

A brand new exhibition in the CHC called Chinese More Or Less: An exhibiton on Overseas Chinese Identity has been unveiled in July 2005. Housed in the newly renovated galleries of the former Nanyang University Administration Building (a gazetted national monument), the exhibition will visually showcase themes related to “Chineseness” and the Chinese identity.

The Art Galleries at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts with state-of-the-art lighting and exhibition facilities are available for visual arts projects within the academy as well as public rental by proposal. To date the galleries have hosted a variety of quality exhibitions, partnering both the international and local arts organisations and artists. A mainstay of the gallery’s programming features regular exhibitions of key works from the Academy’s art collection by artist luminaries

such as Chen Wen Hsi, Chen Chong Swee, Cheong Soo Pieng, Wee Beng Chong and Lim Hak Tai. Today, the collection stands at over 750, and reveals the historical traditions in art practice, exchange and friendships forged over the past 69 years. The academy, established in 1938, is the oldest art education institution in Singapore and continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the arts in Singapore today. Founded by artist and the first principal Lim Hak Tai, the academy was the hotbed where the most illustrious Singapore artists were trained, culminating into a generation of artists that sought to put a face and name to Singapore’s artistic traditions.

Established by LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts, the Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore is devoted to the exhibition and research of international and Asian contemporary art. Through its exhibition programme at its exhibition facility, the Earl Lu Gallery, as well as its extensive programme of publications, conferences and research activities, it aims to further the discourses of contemporary art in Asia.

The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is the first museum in the region to present a broad yet integrated perspective of pan-Asian cultures and civilisations. As one of the National Museums of Singapore under the National Heritage Board, it seeks to promote a better appreciation of the rich cultures that make up Singapore's multi ethnic society. While Singapore's forefathers came to settle in Singapore from many

parts of Asia within the last 200 years, the cultures brought to Singapore by these different people are far more ancient. This aspect of Singapore's history is the focus of the ACM. The Museum's collection therefore centres on the material cultures of the different groups originating from China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and West Asia. Housed at the old Tao Nan school building, the Asian Civilisations Museum at Armenian Street first opened its doors on 22 April 1997 with two-thirds of its galleries showcasing the Chinese civilisation. Later on, its displays focused on the Peranakan culture, featuring fine collections of Peranakan silver, porcelain and jewellery and a re-creation of a monumental altar from the mansion of one of the wealthiest Peranakan families in Singapore. The ACM, Armenian Street is currently closed for renovation and plans are in place to develop this museum into a full fledged Peranakan-themed museum by 2008. The Asian Civilisations Museum's flagship at Empress Place opened on 2 March 2003. Occupying over 14,000 square metres at the newly- restored Empress Place Building, it houses 11 galleries which showcase over 1300 artefacts from the Museum's growing collections on the civilisations of China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and West Asia/ Islamic. These collections include recent acquisitions as well as artefacts inherited from the historic Southeast Asian ethnographic collection of the former Raffles Museum. Visitors can enjoy a programme of changing special exhibitions throughout the year.

With a rich history dating back to its inception in 1887, the National Museum of Singapore is Singapore’s oldest museum with the youngest and most innovative soul. Designed to be the people’s museum, the 119-year-old prides itself on introducing cutting-edge and varied ways of presenting history to redefine conventional museum experience. More than just a space for exhibitions and artefacts, the National Museum

distinguishes itself through its challenging and vibrant festivals and events that unleash new creative possibilities in culture and heritage. This programming is supported by Food & Beverage and retail outlets as well as a Gallery Theatre and a Public Sculpture Garden, among others. The National Museum of Singapore’s exhibition galleries was officially open to the public on 8 December 2006.

The Singapore Art Museum’s mission is to preserve and present the art histories and contemporary art practices of Singapore and the Southeast Asian region so as to facilitate visual arts education, exchange, research and development. The objectives of the Museum are to collect and conserve artworks representative of this region; curate, organise and produce exhibitions, publications and public education programmes to promote awareness, appreciation and discussion on

visual arts. SAM is one of the first art museums with international standard museum facilities and programs in Southeast Asia. Dedicated to the collection and display of 20th century Singapore and Southeast Asian modern and contemporary art, SAM joins a league of new generation museums around the world with well-executed exhibitions and community outreach programmes. The Museum houses the national art collection of Singapore and has the largest collection in 20th-century Southeast Asian art by a public institution internationally.

SECTION VII

Post-Conference Visits to Cultural and Nature Sites in Singapore

CULTURAL AND NATURE SITES IN SINGAPORE CULTURAL SITES From its geographical location within the Indianized Kingdoms before the 14th century to today’s new wave of immigrants borne out of new opportunities and economic progression, the movement of people and ideas from the Malay Archipelago, South Asia, China, and the West, have flowed and melded in Singapore due to numerous factors including trade, missionary efforts, and colonial policy. As a cosmopolitan city bearing the imprint of culturally and historically diverse influences, Singapore offers university museum professionals ample opportunities for comparative research and study into Southeast Asian history and culture. For coherence and ease in tourism policy, Singapore’s culture is territorially divided into ethnic precincts, which originate in the creation of ethnic neighborhoods during the early colonial period. NUS Museum will explore working with researchers and guides to provide tours of these ethnic neighborhoods with an academic slant. Singapore's Chinatown is an ethnic neighbourhood featuring distinctly Chinese cultural elements and a historically concentrated ethnic Chinese population.

The district retains significant historical and cultural significance. Large sections of it have been declared national heritage sites officially designated for conservation by the Urban Redevelopment Authority. In Chinese, Chinatown literally means "ox-cart water," as a result of the fact that, because of its location, Chinatown's water supply was principally transported by animal-driven carts in the 19th century. The name is also echoed in the Malay name, Kreta Ayer, with the same meaning.

The street architecture of Chinatown's buildings, the shophouses especially, combine different elements of baroque architecture and Victorian architecture and do not have a single classification. These styles result in a variety of different colours of which pastel is most dominant. Trengganu Street, Pagoda Street and Temple Street are such examples of this architecture, as well as development in

Upper Cross Street and the houses in Club Street. Boat Quay was once a slave market along the Singapore River, Boat Quay has the most mixed-style shophouses on the island.

Attractions in Chinatown include

• Chinatown Heritage Centre, a museum chronicling how Chinatown came to be and the privation suffered by early migrants.

• Jamae Mosque, one of Singapore's oldest mosques, built in the 1830s by Tamil Muslims in an Indian style.

• Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore's oldest and most important Hindu temple and worth a visit for the intricately carved gopuram (statuary above the entrance), which gave adjacent "Pagoda Street" its name.

• Thian Hock Keng Temple, the oldest Hokkien temple in Singapore, dating back to 1821, although the structure was thoroughly refurbished in 2000. The brightly colored, elaborate facade was constructed with ironwork from Scotland, tiles from England and the Netherlands, and dragon-ornamented granite pillars from China.

Little India is an ethnic neighbourhood found in Singapore that has Indian cultural elements. Little India is distinct from the Chulia Kampong area, which, under the Raffles Plan of Singapore, was originally a division of colonial Singapore where Indian immigrants would reside under the British policy of ethnic segregation. However, as Chulia Kampong became more crowded and competition for land escalated, many ethnic Indians moved into what is now known as Little India.

The Little India area is reported to have developed around a former settlement for Indian convicts. Its location along the Serangoon River originally made it attractive for cattle raising, and trade in livestock was once prominent in the area. Eventually, other economic activity developed, and by the turn of the 20th century, the area began to look like an Indian ethnic neighbourhood.

Many of the ethnically Indian commercial or cottage industry usages are concentrated in Little India. This neighbourhood has the patronage of people of all races who wish to eat or buy something specific to Indian culture, such as curry or Indian clothing. One of the more prominent examples of cross-cultural patronage besides those regarding food is that many Chinese parents go to shops in Little India to grind rice to make congee for infants. In such cases, the shops have machinery primarily meant to grind spices into powder for use in Indian cuisine.

Little India's primary attraction is the town itself with the shophouses that are icons of Singapore with Tamil, Hindi, Bengali and other Indian scripts. The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is Little India's busiest and oldest temple, dating back to 1881.

Kampong Glam is a neighbourhood located north of the Singapore River. The area's name is derived from two Malay words, Kampung, meaning "village" or "settlement", and Glam (or Gelam) referring to a variety of eucalyptus (Malaleuca leucadendron) which grew in the area. Its bark was used by boat builders in the village to caulk boats while its leaves provided cajuput oil which could be used to treat muscular aches and pains, as well as respiratory problems.

Prior to colonisation by the British in 1819, the area was home to the Malay aristocracy of Singapore. During the colony's early history, under the Raffles Plan of 1822, the settlement was divided according to different ethnic groups which included European Town, Chinese, Chulia, Arab and Bugis kampongs. Kampong Glam was designated for the Sultan and his household, as well as the Malay and Arab communities, many of whom were merchants.

The second half of the nineteenth century saw the rapid growth of immigrant communities in Kampong Glam, initially from Sumatra, and later from other parts of Indonesia and Malaya. This resulted in the setting up of different kampongs, like Kampong Malacca, Kampong Java and Kampong Bugis. There was also a small but successful Arab community of traders in the area.

In the early twentieth century, commercial activities in Kampong Glam expanded as new shophouses and residential buildings were built. A multiethnic community soon developed there, comprising not only Malays and Arabs but also the Chinese and Indians.

Since the 1980s, several large portions of the area have been declared National Heritage sites and have been protected for conservation. In 1989, Kampong Glam was gazetted as a conservation area by the Urban Redevelopment Authority. Some of the conserved sites in Kampong Glam include the Sultan Mosque, the Hajjah Fatimah Mosque and the Istana Kampong Glam, the palace of the former Sultan. Within the area also stand significant buildings like Bendahara House (1920s) at No. 73, Sultan Gate; and Pondok Java, a drama house where traditional cultural arts of Javanese migrants e.g. Wayang Kulit ("shadow puppet plays"), Wayang Bangsawan ("drama acting"), were performed.

Like Little India and Chinatown, Kampong Glam has been restored and rows of conserved shophouses can be found in Arab Street, Baghdad Street and Bussorah Street. Many of these shophouses have new tenants such as design and IT firms, art galleries, crafts and curios shops, food caterers and restaurants. They blend in with traditional businesses like textile and carpet shops, blacksmiths and shops selling religious items used by Muslims. Attractions at Kampong Glam include

• Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho, a temple dedicated to Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.

• Malay Heritage Centre, set on the grounds of beautifully restored Istana Kampong Glam.

• Sultan Mosque, also known as Masjid Sultan and the largest mosque in Singapore.

• Sri Krishnan, a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu. Situated next door to Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho, it receives a steady stream of Chinese visitors making offerings to Hindu gods.

Katong is a residential area in the east of Singapore near the seafront. Formerly located by the sea, land was reclaimed all the way to East Coast Park to provide more land for housing and recreational purposes due to shortage of land in the late 1960s after Singapore gained independence. Katong is the name of an exotic species of sea turtle now extinct. It also means the rippling effect of a sea mirage when looking at a shoreline. Tanjong Katong was a popular beach along the East Coast. Tanjong means peninsula or promontory in Malay. This coastal

feature was located near the present Tanjong Katong Flyover across East Coast Parkway and had since disappeared due to land reclamation. Katong's history has been rooted in prestige and wealth. Many wealthy English, Portuguese and Chinese settlers bought parcels of land here beside the sea to cultivate plantations. They built business empires from trading in these early international

commodities such as cotton, coconut and gambier. The earliest cultivation took place in 1823, when Francis Bernard, son-in-law of Lieutenant Colonel William Farquhar, the first Resident of Singapore, started a coconut estate in the district. The area is traditionally associated with the Eurasian and Peranakan community. The rich cultural mix has contributed to its unique cuisine. The area is well known for its restaurants serving Peranakan (Straits Chinese) cuisine, particularly a spicy Malay noodle soup called Peranakan laksa. Because it was originally made in Katong, it has come to be known as the Katong laksa throughout the world in Hong Kong and New York.

Many high-rise apartment blocks now stand alongside the traditional shophouses and Peranakan terrace houses. In 1993, the Joo Chiat neighbourhood which comprises the historical centre of Katong, with its delicate and uniquely Singaporean architecture mixing Chinese, Peranakan and English colonial styles, was designated a national heritage conservation area by the Singapore Government.

The second oldest Hindu Temple, the Sri Senpaga Vinavagar Temple which was built in the mid-19th century is found in Katong. Some interesting features include the Rajagopuram entrance tower which features the Chola style of architecture. In the main hall is the temple's most unique feature: four granite pillars with eight sculptures each - making up the 32 different forms of Lord Vinayagar. These 32 forms of Lord Vinayagar are unique to this temple, not seen in any other Vinayagar temple, even in India.

NATURE SITES Singapore, by virtue of its geographical location, has rich biodiversity, in spite of its intense urbanisation. Dryland tropical rainforests, mangroves and coral ecosystems are some of the key habitats found in Singapore. About 23% of Singapore's land area consists of forest and nature reserves. These are several sites to experience wildlife and nature in Singapore.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens at its present site was founded in 1859 by an Agri-Horticultural Society, and was later handed over to the government for maintenance. From an ornamental garden with roads, terraces, a bandstand and even a small zoo, it has come a long way in evolving into a leading equatorial botanic garden of 52 hectares. Today the 139-year old Singapore Botanic Gardens possesses an array

of botanical and horticultural attractions with a rich history and a wonderful plant collection of worldwide significance. Complementing these unique resources are sensitive developments providing visitors educational and recreational facilities. The Singapore Botanic Gardens has been developed along a 3-Core Concept. The three Cores are Tanglin which is the heritage core retaining the old favourites and charms of the historic Gardens; Central which is the tourist belt of the Gardens; Bukit Timah which is the educational and recreational zone. Each Core offers an exciting array of attractions.

At the Tanglin Core, the Library of Botany and Horticulture, holds relevant books and periodicals as reference materials. The library also has a Public Reference Centre, which is opened to the general public. Besides the reference books and magazines, the Centre also holds a fruit and botanical artifact display as well as a collection of herbarium specimens of the common flora of Singapore. Since 1859, orchids have been closely associated with the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The products of the Gardens' orchid breeding programme began in 1928 and over 1000 species and 2,000 hybrids are now found in the National Orchid Garden, and every year, more vibrant and enduring hybrids are added on.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve was established in Singapore in 1883. The 163-hectare reserve retains one of the largest tracts of primary rainforest left in Singapore. The forest has been a botanical collecting ground for more than a century, with the first known specimens of many species of Malayan plants obtained from it. Dr David Bellamy, a renowned conservationist, once pointed out that the number of plant species growing in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is

more than that in the whole of North America!

A walk through the reserve takes the visitor along forest trails covered in dense tropical foliage. Along the way, visitors may see an astonishing variety of plant, animal and insect life, typical of a humid equatorial climate. The dominant tree family is the Dipterocarpaceae. This important family yields the bulk of commercial tropical hardwood timber. Be awed by giant trees like the Dyera costulata

(Jelutong) and the Shorea curtisii (Seraya), which is the characteristic tree of the lowland forest here. Woody lianas, ferns and palms are also commonly seen in the tropical rain forest. The edge of the clearings is a good place to view rattans and other climbers. The Dillenia grandifolia is a rare find in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, mainly because this tree, which has stilt roots, is usually found on swampy ground. The forest is also home to more than 500 species of animals, including butterflies. Keen observers may spot the Common Treeshrew (Tupaia glis), the Flying Lemur (Cynocephalus variegatus) and the nocturnal Pangolin or Ant-eater (Manis javanica).

Semakau Landfill was created in 1999 and was opened in 2005 for nature-related recreational activities. During the construction of the landfill, effort was made to protect the marine ecosystem, especially mangroves and corals. 13 hectares of mangrove were replanted to replace those removed during construction of the bund. The original Pulau Semakau which was not affected by the landfill construction has an enormous intertidal area which is rich in

amazing wildlife. The natural mangroves there shelter a wide variety of plants and animals, many no longer seen on the mainland or other islands. There is a vast seagrass lagoon, possibly the largest in Singapore. The coral reefs that line the edge of the island also thrive with marine life.

Chek Jawa, located on the easternmost tip of Pulau Ubin, is a unique coastal haven, comprising six major habitats. These are coastal forest, sandy beach, mangrove, lagoon, rubble-strewn, coral flat and a tiny island, all packed within a small area of about one square kilometre. The shallow low-tide lagoon, consisting of fine sands, supports a rich marine flora, estimated at 28 species of seaweeds and 7 species of seagrasses. The red algae, Congracilaria babae, was recorded for the first time in Singapore. All four native species of Halophila (seagrass) can be found, including the rare and tiny Halophila beccarrii. The seagrass bed is extensive and supports an astonishing diversity of marine fauna not commonly found elsewhere in Singapore. These include various species of Carpet Anemones, Sea Stars, Sand Dollars and Sea Cucumbers. Rare and multi-colored sponges abound on the degrading coral flat. This living collection

is indeed a potentially valuable asset for our bio-medical research communities in Singapore. Toxins derived from sponges are considered as having potential for AIDS and cancer research throughout the world. Many rare coastal trees, such as the previously extinct Seashore Nutmeg (Knema globularia) and Seashore Mangosteen (Garcinia hombroniana), grow on the sandy beach. A recently recorded species in Singapore, Pouteria linggensis (Chiku Family), has also been found in Chek Jawa.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is an ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Heritage Park and an internationally-important site for migratory shorebird conservation. Singapore's first and only protected wetland reserve, it is home to over 500 species of tropical flora and fauna. The 130-hectare conserved wetland habitat is also a "refuelling point" for birds on the East Asian Australasian Flyway. Carefully constructed hides and boardwalks provide a close-up view of the flora and fauna in the reserve for nature lovers.

SECTION VIII

Post-Conference Options in the Region

POST-CONFERENCE OPTIONS IN THE REGION

Located between the Indian subcontinent, China, and the Pacific Ocean, Southeast Asia is a region of immense cultural diversity - multiethnic, multireligious and multilingual. Its maritime tradition and history facilitated economic, political and social engagements across its vast geography and periods since the 9th century, creating complexities that are marked by cross cultural interactions, assimilation and hybridized expressions discernable through its architecture, languages and the arts. Singapore’s central position in Southeast Asia, and its connectivity to the region will allow conference participants to visit the numerous cultural and heritage sites in Southeast Asia. Several of the heritage sites in Southeast Asia are featured here.

Angkor Archaeological Park, located in northern Cambodia, is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Stretching over some 400 sq. km, including forested area, Angkor contains the magnificent remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century CE. These include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural masterpieces.

Angkor was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992 - the same year it was also placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger. UNESCO has now set up a wide-ranging programme to safeguard this symbolic site and its surroundings.

Angkor Wat is one of the largest of Khmer monuments. Built around the first half of 12th century by King Suryavarman II, the temple's balance, composition and beauty makes it one of the finest monuments in the world.

Built in the latter part of the 12th century by King Suryavarman VII, Bayon is one of the most widely recognised temples in Siem Reap because of the giant stone faces that adorn the towers of Bayon. There are 54 towers of four faces each, totaling 216 faces.

Luang Prabang is the former capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage city. Luang Prabang is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions. The main road, Xiang Thong, of Luang Prabang is a wonderful patchwork of traditional Lao wooden houses and hints of European architecture - reminders of when Laos was part of the French colony of Indochine. Golden-roofed wats (temples), decorated with mosaics and murals of the life of Buddha sit under the gaze of wrap-around balconies and 19th century shuttered windows.

Bagan, formerly known as Pagan, the city was the ancient capital of several ancient kingdoms in Myanmar. It is located in the dry central plains of the country, on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River, 145 kilometres (90 miles) southwest of Mandalay. The religious buildings of Bagan are reminiscent of the popular architectural styles in the period of their constructions. The ruins of Bagan cover an area of 16 square miles. The majority of the buildings were built in the 9th to 11th century, during the time when Bagan was the capital of the first Burmese Empire. Ananda Temple is a Buddhist temple built in 1091 during the reign of King Kyanzittha. The temple adapted Indian architectural styles and houses four standing Buddhas which are adorned with gold leaf, each facing a direction, from north to south. The temple itself is shaped similar to a cross, with several terraces leading to the top which ends with a small pagoda and an umbrella.

Bali is one of over 13,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago and is located just over 2 kilometres from the eastern tip of the island of Java and west of the island of Lombok. The island home of approximately 4 million people is approximately 144 kilometres from east to west and 80 kilometres north to south.

The islands varied landscape of hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides provide a picturesque backdrop to the colourful and deeply spiritual culture of this 'Island of The Gods'. Unlike any other island in largely Muslim Indonesia, Bali is a pocket of Hindu religion and culture, although Balinese Hinduism is so far removed from the original Indian variety that the casual eye will be hard put to spot any similarities. Bali is famous for many forms of art, including painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handcrafts, and performing arts. Balinese gamelan music is highly developed and varied. The dances portray stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana. Famous Balinese dances include pendet, legong, baris, topeng, barong, and kecak (the monkey dance). There are an estimated 20,000 temples on the island, each of which holds festivals at least twice a year and there are many other auspicious days throughout the year.

Borobudur is a ninth century Buddhist Mahayana monument in Central Java, Indonesia. The monument comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. A main dome is located at the center of the top platform, and is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside the perforated stupa. The monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. Evidence suggests Borobudur was abandoned following the fourteenth century decline of Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms in Java, and the Javanese conversion to Islam. It was rediscovered in 1814 by Sir Thomas Raffles, the British ruler of Java. Borobudur has since

been preserved through several restorations. The largest restoration project was

undertaken between 1975 and 1982 by the Indonesian government and UNESCO, following which the monument was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple compound in Indonesia, located in Central Java, approximately 18 km east of Yogyakarta. It was built around 850 CE by either Rakai Pikatan, king of the second Mataram dynasty or Balitung Maha Sambu, during the Sanjaya dynasty. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Hindu temples in south-east Asia. It is characterized by its tall and pointed architecture, typical of Hindu temple architecture, and by the 47m high central building inside a large complex of individual temples.