The Patron of Heritage Awards celebrates a record year in heritage philanthropy. Now in its third year, the prestigious national accolade by the National Heritage Board (NHB) recognises S$110 million of donations and loans contributed to heritage causes islandwide in 2008 – the highest sum received within a year.
Coming from 66 selfless benefactors, this unprecedented contribution is a result of S$10.2 million of cash
sponsorships, in-kind donations amounting to S$99.2 million, with the rest being the value of long-term loans. Rear Admiral (NS) Lui Tuck Yew, Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, will grace the awards ceremony as Guest of Honour on 17 April 2009 at the National Museum of Singapore.
Patron of Heritage Awards 2008 turns its spotlight on heartwarming gestures of heritage philanthropy. Renowned China artist Mr Wu Guanzhong initiated a first for Singapore’s heritage scene with a S$73.8 million donation consisting of 113 paintings to the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) in 2008. It is the largest donation ever made to a museum here. Mr Koh Seow Chuan donated more than 2,700 pieces of rare printed materials such as early legal documents, rare books and antique maps from his prized possession to the National Library Board and over 90,000 historic postcards and photographs to the Singapore Philatelic Museum (SPM), while a Singapore Peranakan family dedicated over 300 pieces of ornate
Peranakan artefacts to the Peranakan Museum – the largest gift received by the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) which runs the Peranakan Museum.
Inspired by the generous nature of his late mother, photographer Mr Dominic Khoo put his photography expertise to a charitable cause raising funds for a few non-profit organisations, including the National Heritage Board. Puan Noor Aishah Bte Md Salim – wife of the first President of Singapore, Yusof bin Ishak – also shared photographs taken by the late President with the nation. In addition, outstanding sportsman Dr Tan Eng Liang’s in-kind contribution to the Singapore Sports Council came in the form of valuable sports-related artefacts collected over the course of his illustrious sporting career.
The generosity of the award winners has boosted Singapore’s arts and heritage sector. Last year NHB’s museums welcomed 2.5 million visitors, exceeding the previous year’s record of 1.72 million visitors by 45%. We also reached out to 4.27 million participants – an encouraging increase from 2007’s 4.02 million.
Mr Michael Koh, CEO of NHB said: “It is heartening to see our selfless benefactors continuing to support the arts and heritage cause. These generous acts of philanthropy mark our growth as a progressive society that treasures the preservation and continuation of our cultural legacy for future generations. Their gifts have enriched our museums and programmes, which were enjoyed by Singaporeans and visitors alike. They include the Vietnam Festival, Xu Beihong in Nanyang, Night Festival as well as our signature events
such as the Singapore HeritageFest and Explore Singapore!”
About Patron of Heritage Awards
Established in 2006, the Patron of Heritage Awards is an annual event that aims to boost
heritage philanthropy in Singapore by honouring individuals and organisations who have
made significant contributions towards enriching our national heritage.
http://www.nhb.gov.sg/WWW/pr/apr09/Patron_of_Heritage_Awards_2008-Press_Release_and_Factsheet.pdf