Singapore Heritage Visit organised by Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations brought close to 100 participants to discover the multicultural charm of Waterloo Street on Sunday, 14th October 2018.
Waterloo Street was one of Singapore’s oldest street which was renamed in 1858 in commemoration of Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Waterloo Street with several names such as Church Street, or fourth road (Si Beh Lor, in Hokkien) due to its rich history.
In this heritage visit, participants visited Singapore Arts Museum, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, Sri Krishnan Temple, The Theatre Practice (TPP), Singapore Calligraphy Centre, Maghain Aboth Synagogue and Church of Saints Peter & Paul etc. Tours will be conducted in both English and Mandarin, and participants can get to try the unique Jews cuisine for lunch.
Even with the drizzle, that did not dampen the participants’ enthusiasm as they visit Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, Sri Krishnan Temple, Singapore Calligraphy Centre, The Theatre Practice (TPP), Singapore Arts Museum, Church of Saints Peter & Paul and Maghain Aboth Synagogue.
Tour was conducted in both English and Mandarin as the guides introduced the famous landmarks to the participants. Bustling temple of Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, adorned with colourful and magnificent sculptures of the Sri Krishnan Temple a,d the majestic church of Saints Peter & Paul. Showing displays of Singapore’s inclusive spirit of her multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.
Tour guide explaining to participants on Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple’s history
Taking in the view of the colourful statues of Sri Krishnan Temple
Statue of St. Paul outside the church
In addition, the participants were able to immerse in to strong artistic and cultural atmosphere as they visited to the Singapore Calligraphy Centre, The Theatre Practice (TPP), Singapore Arts Museum.
Walls of Singapore Calligraphy Centre decorated with many calligraphy masterpieces
Staff from the Theatre Practice briefing visitors on Kuo Pao Kun’s career and founding of TPP
One of the main highlights for this heritage visit was to visit the Maghain Aboth Synagogue. Constructed in 1878, the synagogue is one of the oldest surviving Jewish buildings in Southeast Asia and stands in what used to be the country’s Jewish quarter. The building itself preserved the traditional colonial style architecture, with traditional columns and rustic walls which emits elegance in simplicity.
Rabbi of the Maghain Aboth Synagogue, giving a talk to the participants on the origin of the Synagogue
Participants were treated to the Jewish cuisine for lunch
“Singapore Heritage Visits”, a project initiated by SFCCA since 2015 had brought participants to various landmarks of cultural and historical significance such as Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Little India and Katong/Joo Chiat to enable participants to experience the rich diversity of Singapore’s cultures and different religions across various communities. This project is also supported by National Integration Council.
