Honoring Singapore’s Cultural Guardians: The Stewards of Intangible Cultural Heritage Award 2023

Singapore, April 2, 2024 – In a celebration of Singapore’s rich cultural tapestry, the National Heritage Board (NHB) proudly recognized three exemplary heritage practitioners at The Stewards of Intangible Cultural Heritage Award 2023. Established by NHB in 2019, this prestigious award underscores the commitment to document, preserve, and promote Singapore’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH) alongside community stakeholders.

The recipients of this esteemed award, each bestowed with a S$5,000 cash prize, stand eligible for a Project Grant of up to S$20,000, in addition to opportunities to showcase and promote their ICH elements at NHB’s festivals and programs. This recognition not only celebrates their dedication but also serves as a testament to their vital role in safeguarding Singapore’s cultural legacy.

The three distinguished award recipients were honored for their exceptional contributions in the realms of crafts and practices, specifically in the areas of “Chinese Opera,” “Malay Dance,” and “Peranakan beadwork, embroidery, and kebaya making.” Through their unwavering dedication and mastery of these cultural traditions, they have played pivotal roles in preserving and transmitting these heritage practices to both the community and future generations.

The award ceremony, held on April 1, 2024, was graced by Mr. Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, who commended the recipients for their invaluable contributions to Singapore’s living heritage. Their efforts not only preserve cultural practices but also serve as pillars that uphold the essence of Singapore’s diverse cultures, traditions, and values.

These three recipients mark the fourth cohort of ICH practitioners and organizations to be honored with the prestigious award, bringing the total number of individuals and organizations recognized as Stewards of Singapore’s ICH to 17.