Chinese Singaporean Culture made more Accessible

In this new climate, the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) has expanded its reach beyond physical experiences to leverage the online space to engage the public in all things fun about local Chinese culture. A hybrid format with these digital content complementing onsite experiences will be the Centre’s direction forward.

Connecting with audiences in the new normal

Image Courtesy of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre

Since June, the Centre has released a series of bite-sized video content on its YouTube channel, inviting online users to discover, and rediscover, traditional Chinese festivals celebrated in Singapore today. Titled Kaki Says, the adorable animation series follows the protagonist Kaki (‘friend’ in Malay) as he serves up little-known facts and myths behind commonly-celebrated festivals such as Duanwu, Zhongyuan and Mid-Autumn, making the content more accessible and fun for younger audiences.

The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre also reopened its permanent exhibition SINGAPO人：Discovering Chinese Singaporean Culture in July, and will continue to introduce new experiences for visitors, including a free self-guided activity kit that families can pick up in September, while ensuring that measures are in place for the safety of visitors and staff.

Engaging activities in refreshing formats

Beyond making content on Chinese Singapore culture more accessible online, the Centre has also introduced interactive activities in refreshing formats, including:

Interactive mini-games

Image Courtesy of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre

The online mini-games allow online users to learn more about Chinese Singaporean culture in an engaging manner. One example is the Zhongyuan Festival Dos and Don’ts released in August for the public to learn more about the taboos of the seventh lunar month in this choose-your-own-adventure interactive game.

Rediscover traditions with young Singaporeans

The video series Keeping Traditions Alive and Try leh, Singaporeans! highlight the importance of keeping our heritage alive. The feature videos will showcase youths’ involvement in disappearing Chinese traditions and trades in Singapore and teach viewers to try out some hands-on activities at home, such as crafts related to a festival, or make a cup of nanyang coffee.

Celebrating together

We managed to continue our annual National Singalong session online via Zoom and Facebook Live. Traditionally held as a physical event in past editions, Singaporeans from all walks of life came together virtually to sing their favourite National Day tunes. President Halimah Yacob also delivered a special message and a tribute was given to the many unsung heroes amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supporting the local arts and culture scene

Image Courtesy of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre

Despite the pandemic, SCCC stayed its course in supporting and nurturing the local arts and culture community. In July, it launched its popular TGIF Music Station in a new livestream format, allowing people from across Singapore or even overseas, to tune in to discover and enjoy Singapore’s vibrant pop music scene. SCCC also collaborated with NHB in Music at Monuments Series that was launched in September, featuring a selection of acoustic performances by local artists at various national monuments in Singapore.

SCCC also jointly organised the fourth edition of SG:SW I Write The Songs 2020. The festival continues to build a supportive home-grown music community while providing a platform for new  talents in songwriting to be discovered. The experience is fully digitalised for the first time, creating the opportunity to drive greater awareness of and attention on Singapore’s local music scene and its aspiring songwriters. The online finale concert will be broadcasted on 27 November on SG:SW Facebook Page.