Google Shophouse marries technology with the SG50 flavour - Alvinology

Google Shophouse marries technology with the SG50 flavour

Shophouses are a prominent symbol of Singapore’s heritage and history – evolving through the years without losing any of their charm. The Google Shophouse celebrates that tradition, packed with new ways to explore Singapore’s history and heritage through technology.

The Google Shophouse at 63 Spottiswoode Park Road.
The Google Shophouse at 63 Spottiswoode Park Road. (Photo: Gel ST)
A detailed view of the window furnishing at the Google Shophouse. (Photo: Gel ST)
A detailed view of the window furnishing at the Google Shophouse. (Photo: Gel ST)
Interior of the Google Shophouse.
Interior of the Google Shophouse. (Photo: Gel ST)

Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, graced the opening launch of the Google Shophouse, an interactive pop-up with fun digital tributes, where visitors are encouraged to get hands-on with new products Google has launched to celebrate the nation’s birthday.

Mr Lawrence Wong enjoying the sharing session of the Google Coding Camp.
Mr Lawrence Wong enjoying the sharing session of the Google Coding Camp. (Photo: Gel ST)

There are 5 booths at the within the shophouse:

  1. Doodle 4 Google Gallery
  2. Singapore Time Walk
  3. Cultural Institute Initiatives
  4. New 360* panoramic views of Singapore
  5. Coding Camps for Students

One of the highlights of the #Googleshophouse is the larger-than-life size of doodle by 8-year-old Moh Journ Hayden of Beacon Primary School. The winner of the Singapore: The next 50 years competition got one of the biggest claim to fame for any school-goer; Hayden’s doodle will be featured on Google Singapore homepage for 24 hours on Singapore’s National Day, August 9.

Hayden (centre) with Ms Joanna Flint, and Minister for MCCY Mr Lawrence Wong.
Hayden (centre) with Ms Joanna Flint, and Minister Mr Lawrence Wong. (Photo: Gel ST)
Jayden with an enlarged print of his doodle.
Hayden with an enlarged print of his doodle. (Photo: Gel ST)
Mr Lawrence Wong trying out the Google Time Walk app on an Android phone.
Mr Lawrence Wong trying out the Singapore Time Walk app on an Android phone. (Photo: Gel ST)
Set-up of the learning booth of the Google TIme Walk app
The set-up of the learning booth of the Singapore Time Walk app. (Photo: Gel ST)
Google Cultural Institute.
Google Cultural Institute, one of the booths on display at the Google Shophouse. (Photo: Gel ST)
Part of the Google Cultural Institute Booth.
Part of the Google Cultural Institute Booth. (Photo: Gel ST)
Info panel at the Google Cultural Initiative booth.
Info panel at the Google Cultural Institute booth. (Photo: Gel ST)
Mr Lawrence Wong wearing Google Trekker device, which weighs over 20kg.
Mr Lawrence Wong wearing Google Trekker device, which weighs over 20kg. (Photo: Gel ST)
15 cameras? All installed on the Google Trekker.
15 cameras? All installed on the Google Trekker. (Photo: Gel ST)
Packing a huge battery pack for all that processing power for the Google Trekker.
Packing a huge battery pack for all that processing power for the Google Trekker. (Photo: Gel ST)
Our writer, Gel, wearing the 20kg Google Trekker device, posing with one of the official walkers with put in many kilometres wearing his own Trekker.
Our writer, Gel, wearing the 20kg Google Trekker device, posing with one of the official walkers with put in many kilometres wearing his own Trekker. (Photo: Gel ST)

If you’re not the tech kind of person, it’s more than just gadgets galore within the gallery space Google Shophouse. We spied plenty of carefully curated items on display that’ll bring back good memories, even if you don’t remember how toys like chapteh occupied huge chunks of your recess time in school.

It’s okay. I don’t remember it either!

Google packs in titbits of Singaporean childhood.
Old Maid, Donkey, and Happy Family – classic card games. (Photo: Gel ST)
Ever experienced playing soccer with these tiny inflatable balls?
Ever experienced playing soccer with these tiny inflatable balls? (Photo: Gel ST)
We don't recommend stealing the pillow cases. Just leave them there and take good photos okay!
We don’t recommend stealing the pillow cases. Just leave them there and take good photos okay! (Photo: Gel ST)
If you know how to pry open these biscuit tins...
If you know how to pry open these biscuit tins… (Photo: Gel ST)

If you have been nice, you might be rewarded with a “secret stash” of freshly-baked iced gem biscuits just before leaving the Google Shophouse. I did. Or you can just ask nicely from the friendly staff!


The Google Shophouse will be open to the public for six days – over the weekend leading up to National Day (Aug 1-2) as well as the National Day weekend (Aug 7-10), from 10am to 5pm.

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