REFRESHING OF CULTURAL PRECINCTS
In a speech delivered to nearly 1,000 volunteers, grassroots leaders and community partners gathered at the ITE College Central, Mr Wong also touched on rejuvenation works ongoing in key cultural precincts such as Kampong Glam.
For one, the Malay Heritage Centre in the district has been closed for redevelopment.
The National Heritage Board is working closely with stakeholders on the revamp, said Mr Wong, adding that new galleries and enhanced programmes that tell the unique stories of Singapore Malays and their contributions to Singapore can be expected when the centre reopens “possibly in two years’ time”.
Restoration works to reinvigorate the Masjid Sultan, another jewel of Kampong Glam, are also ongoing to “preserve and reflect its stature and significance”, said Mr Wong.
The mosque, which just celebrated its 200th anniversary, is a “symbol of faith for the Muslim community, and continues to play a key role in fostering understanding between different communities”, he added.
Over at Geylang Serai where a “cultural belt” is being developed, the Tanjong Katong Complex, a familiar landmark within the area, has been put up for sale on a 30-year lease.
The tender, launched in October, will close on Feb 25, 2025.
When reopened in 2029, the shopping complex will be another “key node” for the local Malay/Muslim community, in addition to Wisma Geylang Serai, while serving as a vibrant destination for Singaporeans, Mr Wong said.
The complex will also house the Mendaki headquarters and a MUIS office in future.
Doing so will “further concentrate the presence of the M3 agencies within the precinct”, said Mr Wong, who described the set-up of M3 as having allowed the organisations “to better identify and deal with issues in the community, to provide more integrated support and strengthen last-mile delivery of services”.
He added that both Kampong Glam and Geylang Serai are areas of special significance to Singapore’s Malay community.
“We will work closely with the community to refresh these precincts, to make them more modern and vibrant, while ensuring they retain their unique and distinctive character,” Mr Wong said.
