Nearly 500 secondary school students participated in Cultural Heritage Walk for Students 2017
Heritage came alive for some 500 students last Saturday (1 July 2017), as they walked around Chinatown and Bukit Pasoh, as part of the second Cultural Heritage Walk for Students 2017. The students were divided into three groups and each embarked on different trails to explore 12 different cultural and historical landmarks. Cultural Heritage Walk was jointly organised by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) and the Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning (CPCLL), and it aims to encourage students to explore Singapore’s rich heritage and cultural diversity through experiential learning.
This year, the number of participating students more than doubled, with the number of participating schools increasing from six to twelve, and the number of cultural landmarks increasing from five to twelve. In addition, student volunteers from Nan Hua High School, Ngee Ann Polytechnic Institute, National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University served in various capacities, including being tour guides.
Student from Nan Hua High School, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University volunteered as tour guides
Two students from National University of Singapore served as emcees for the event
Student volunteers from Nan Hua High School
This year, the organisers specially set the newly opened Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) as the assembly area for the walk, so that the students could see the new local Chinese cultural landmark for themselves. They were also encouraged to participate actively in SCCC’s future activities, to develop and promote local Chinese culture. The students also visited the “Creativity in Pulses” exhibition at SCCC, which explored the fusion of traditional and modern local Chinese culture.
Students assembled at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre this year
Organisers prepared gift packs for the students
Guest of Honour Ministry of Education & Ministry of Trade and Industry, Chairperson of Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning (CPCLL) Ms Low Yen Ling (third from left) hit the gong at the opening ceremony, accompanied by CPCLL Secretary Ms Lin Mei Jun, Ministry of Education Curriculum Planning & Development Director Mr Pang Choon How, SFCCA President Mr Chua Thian Poh, SFCCA Treasurer Mr Perng Peck Seng, SFCCA Cultural Committee Council Member Mr Wan Shung Ming
The twelve participating schools were divided into three groups, and every group visit four historical and cultural landmarks. The various trails were carefully designed to include organisations of different races and varied natures, to give the students a comprehensive look at Chinatown’s diverse culture.
The schools that participated in the first route include Serangoon Secondary School, Hwa Chong Institution (High School), Bowen Secondary School and Admiralty Secondary School. The students visited Masjid Jamae, the Chinatown Heritage Centre, Singapore Hok San Association and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum.
Students visited Masjid Jamae, one of the oldest mosques in Singapore, at South Bridge Road
Tour guide introduced the mosque to everyone
The Chinatown Heritage Centre interior features a restored model of a Chinatown shophouse in the 1950s. The tour guide tells students about early tailor shops in Chinatown
Students learnt about the stories of early inhabitants of Chinatown at the Chinatown Heritage Centre
Singapore Hok San Association was established in 1939, and is famous for its Lion Dance Troupe
Students enjoyed a Lion Dance performance at Hok San Association
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum was built in 2007, the temple is based on Tang dynasty architectural style and Buddhist Mandala, a symbol of Buddhist culture that represents the universe
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum houses many Buddhist relics, making it an ideal place to learn about Buddhist culture
Greendale Secondary School, Nanyang Girls’ High School, Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary) and Yishun Secondary School students took the second route of the walk. They visited Singapore Chin Woo Athletic Association, Siong Leng Musical Association, Goethe-Institut Singapore and Singapore Eng Teng Association.
Singapore Chin Woo Athletic Association was established in 1921, with the aim of promoting martial arts and physical fitness, as well as the values of wisdom, benevolence, bravery and love
Junior members of Singapore Chin Woo Athletic Association demonstrated Wushu moves
Siong Leng Musical Association is devoted to the continuation of the art of Nanyin
Students experienced the charm of Nanyin
Non-Chinese students also expressed their interest
Goethe-Institut is Germany’s worldwide cultural institute, which aims to promote German language and culture on a global scale
Students learnt about German culture and language at Goethe-Institut
Eng Teng Association organised a talk for the students to learn more about Hakka earthen buildings
Students sampling Ciba cake at Eng Teng Association
Trying their hands at making Ciba cake
Serangoon Garden Secondary School, Dunman High School, Maris Stella High School and Sengkang Secondary School took the third route, and visited Gan Clan Singapore and Gan Heritage Centre, Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple, Kong Chow Wui Koon and Pioneers’ Memorial Hall.
Student representative from the Gan Clan Singapore giving a guided tour
Students learning about Chinese calligraphy at the Gan Clan Singapore
The three Vinayagar idols in Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple represent wisdom and enlightenment
Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple specially arranged an Indian dance performance for the students
Kong Chow Wui Koon was established in 1840, by “Xinhui ” clansmen who came from Guangdong. The association houses many historical artefacts
Students learnt about Cantonese opera culture at Kong Chow Wui Koon
Students enjoyed a lion dance performance at Kong Chow Wui Koon
Pioneers’ Memorial Hall features exhibits of outstanding business leaders of Singapore’s Chinese community, and aims to inspire visitors with stories on how these pioneers looked beyond their own self-interests to help build a prosperous, peaceful and harmonious Singapore
Students listening to stories on local pioneers at Pioneers’ Memorial Hall
The event ended at one in the afternoon, and was a rewarding experience for the students involved. The organisers expressed interest in holding the event again next year, and stated that they would improve based on feedback provided from this year’s event.
Students gathered at Kreta Ayer Square after the end of the event
Group photo with the volunteers and staff at the ending point
