| Criteria |
Requirements - Heritage |
| 1. |
Uniqueness and
characteristics of heritage |
Natural Heritage |
| 1.1 |
Significance of ecological
systems and natural habitats.
The Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) is the home to the Gelam tree, which
was how the area derived its name from - Kampong Glam.
|
| 1.2 |
Existence of rare and unique
species present at the site.
The Gelam tree is a rare species currently, though the tree used
to grow in abundance in the area. The bark of the tree was used by the Bugis
and Malays to caulk the seams of boats, while the timber was used to replace
rotted hull planks and doubled as firewood. The fruit was dried, ground,
and used as a type of black pepper, Mercha Bolong.
|
| Cultural Heritage |
| 1.3 |
Significance of the existing
cultural and historical resources.
A building of European architecture with Malay influences, the design of
the MHC (the former Istana) is similar to that of other popular 18th century
Palladian Style buildings. Understated and simple, yet elegant, its symmetrical
plan, details and the front façade held distinct traces of the famed
architect G.D.Coleman's influences.
The original building had suffered from benign neglect and careless repair.
Many undesirable additions such as shed-like structures had sprung up. Termites
infested all the existing timber doors and windows, and the existing timber
roof trusses were badly damaged.
The additions were removed to recover the inherent spirit of the building
and its compound. Doors and windows were replaced with new ones of the same
design and details found in archival drawings. The timber roof trusses were
removed in parts and replaced with a similar roof system. Some of the existing
timber members were salvaged, treated and made into benches. Existing intact
clay roof tiles were cleaned and sorted out in quantity for reuse on the
roofs of the side entrance gates. Existing timber members were also salvaged
and converted to benches.
The new ancillary buildings did not reduce the prominence of the former
Istana building, but instead acted as a neutral foil to the majesty of the
estate. Boundary walls were retained and openings inserted to improve connectivity
with the surrounding developments.
A central water feature was added to the front courtyard to highlight the
main axis of the building, updating the design while promoting the regal
feel of the palace.
|
| 1.4 |
Degree of survival of the archaeological
remains, human values, ways of life, customs, land use, events and living
traditions.
Most of the architecture of MHC today was preserved in its original form
since the day it was built. The centre today is the venue of many events
and traditions, for example the launch of the Hari Raya Celebrations at
Kg Glam and the home to the Som Said performing group which showcases the
beautiful and graceful traditional dances.
|
| 2. |
Site protection
and conservation |
| 2.1 |
Existence of management control/measures
to ensure that the site capacity (in terms of resources and facilities)
can absorb tourism activities.
The Malay Heritage Centre involves the restoration of Istana Kampong Gelam
and its conversion into a museum as well as the construction of ancillary
blocks in the compound to house other facilities such as staff offices,
workshop areas, a resource centre and a theatre Studio. It also includes
the restoration of the neighboring Gedung Kuning building and its transformation
into a thematic restaurant, equipped with a viewing gallery.
|
| 3. |
Tourism and site
management |
| 3.1 |
Appropriate tourism activities compatible
with local heritage, values and character.
The MHC today houses the Malay Heritage Museum which tells the story of
the Malay community in Singapore, and is also the venue housing the traditional
dance performance group (Som Said Performing Group). There are also Batik
and Pottery workshops conducted in the premise of MHC by famous Malay personalities
such as Iskandar Jalil and Sarkasi Said.
|
| 3.2 |
Involvement of local communities in the
development and the management of the cultural and the natural heritage
site.
The management of the MHC developed the programmes available in the MHC
with the local communities such as the cultural performances, the pottery
and batik workshops. During festivities such as Hari Raya, the local community
and business association (Kg Gelam Business Association - KGBA) played an
important and worked closely with the MHC on Hari Raya Celebrations 2005
in Kampong Glam.
|
| 3.3 |
Creation of jobs that encourage the use
of local knowledge, skills and traditions.
The team in MHC is made up of local Malays who possess a deep understanding
of the Muslim culture and way of life in Singapore. This is vital in providing
an accurate historical account of the early Malay life in Singapore.
|
| 3.4 |
The use of appropriate off-site and on-site
interpretive media to educate visitors such as:
- Signage /panel
- Brochure
- Visual/ audio presentation
- Guide book
- Special events
There are 4 directional signages (multi lingual - in Bahasa
Melayu, English, Chinese and Japanese) to direct visitors to the centre.
The centre also produces brochures (in English currently) for all visitors.
In the Malay Heritage Museum, there are 2 touch screen gallery guides which
tell the story of the early Malay settlers in Singapore and the trades they
were involved in.
As mentioned earlier, the MHC also organizes special events and activities
during festivities such as Hari Raya Puasa, and other special days such
as National Day.
|
| 3.5 |
Monitoring program in place to assess
tourism impacts on the site.
The MHC was restored and catered to welcome visitors, both local and foreign,
and hence is well-placed to cater to tourists.
|
| 4. |
Environmental management |
4.1 |
Zoning parking area for the site.
There are car parks and bus bays at the centre to cater for all parking
needs.
|
| 5. |
Accessibility |
5.1 |
Adequate and clear directional signage to the site.
There are 4 directional signages placed around the vicinity of MHC to direct
both vehicles and pedestrians to the centre.
|
| 6. |
Support facilities |
6.1 |
Availability of skilled staff, officials/ local guards
and other measures to take care of safety and security for visitors.
The centre has a skilled team of estate management, marketing and advertising
staff to look after the various aspects of the centre.
|
