Singapore bids for #OurHawkerCulture on the UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

National Geographic, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI), jointly launch a #OurHawkerCulture movement, in celebration of Singapore’s rich hawker heritage, and in support of Singapore’s nomination for Hawker Culture on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The #OurHawkerCulture movement, as an extension of #WhatMakesSG collaboration, will explore the Singaporean traditions which have been passed down through generations of hawkers. It also includes how our hawker culture has evolved from street hawkers in the mid-1800s, to today’s communal dining spaces in our modern hawker centres.

The #OurHawkerCulture photography contest invites Singaporeans and Singapore residents to share their personal perspectives on #WhatMakesSG Hawker Culture an integral part of Singapore’s way of life starting today until 12 January 2019. Entries will be judged by a panel comprising renowned National Geographic celebrity chef and host David Rocco, Chief Executive of Makansutra KF Seetoh, and representatives from MCI.

A special video vignette series delving into the culture, heritage, people and food behind Singapore’s hawker culture will be launched, told through National Geographic’s distinctive creative lens. The video series will be co-hosted by David Rocco and KF Seetoh as they explore stories behind hawker centres in Singapore. The winning entries from the photography contest will be showcased in an exhibition.

Miss Karen Tan, Senior Director of the Public Communications Division at the Ministry of Communications and Information, said, “Singapore’s hawker culture represents our nations’ diverse multicultural heritage and traditions, held dear in Singaporeans’ hearts and passed from one generation to the next.

“MCI is pleased to partner with National Geographic to tell powerful visual stories of Singapore’s hawker history, in support of Singapore’s nomination of Hawker Culture for UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural History.”

Visit #WhatMakesSG official website for more info about the campaign. The public is also encouraged to pledge their support for Singapore’s Hawker Culture UNESCO bid at Our SG Heritage official website.