SINGAPORE DISCOVERY CENTRE Inaugural Annual Report 1996-1998 Hear the Past See the Present Touch the Future
1 H e a r t h e P a s t S e e t h e P r e s e n t T o u c h t h e F u t u r e
c o n t e n t s Chairman's Statement Board of Directors Steering Committee Management Team Attractions at SDC New Attractions Promotion & Publicity Activities National Education Programmes & Activities 2 4 5 6 8 10 12 16 Corporate Membership Scheme 20
Chairman's Statement The Singapore Discovery Centre (SDC) has made an impact on National Education since it was officially opened by the President of Singapore, Mr Ong Teng Cheong, on 23 November 1996. I am pleased to report that in our first seventeen months of operation from October 1996 to March 1998, we received more than half a million visitors. Feedback from our visitors indicates that they thoroughly enjoyed the unique SDC experience. They found educational value in our attractions and also had a good time. School children today make up about 30% of our visitorship. With its emphasis on National Education, provided by hi-tech and interactive exhibits, the SDC has become an important destination for school visits. We are one of the 20 national institutions listed in "Learning Journeys", a programme initiated by the Ministry of Education to instil pride in young Singaporeans and foster an understanding of the factors that have contributed to Singapore's success. Our link with the schools has also been strengthened by our successful Institutional Membership Scheme and by our popular School Roadshows. The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) also recognise our role in National Education. The scheme for active servicemen to visit the SDC has now been extended to include Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen). Personnel from the Police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force also visit the SDC as part of their training curriculum. 2
The SDC, while focused on its educational role, has also emphasised fun and entertainment in its programmes. Through this "edu-tainment" approach, the SDC has successfully organised many fun-filled events, activities and promotions to attract visitors. At the same time, we have also introduced new attractions, upgraded and replaced existing exhibits to offer visitors new and exciting experiences, as well as to attract repeat visits. We strongly believe that the continuous introduction of new and unique attractions will determine, to a large extent, the success of the SDC. To this end, a masterplan for the long-term development of the SDC will be developed. As a new attraction, the SDC has worked hard to attract tourists. Our vision for the future is also to position ourselves as a unique attraction which will enable tourists to have a deeper insight into Singapore's past, present and future. I would like to thank all our sponsors, the SAF, the Police, the SCDF, the schools and corporations which have supported us. I would also like to record my deepest appreciation to members of the SDC Board and Steering Committee for their vision and ideas which have helped make the SDC what it is today. Finally, my thanks to the management and staff of SDC for their dedication and hard work throughout the year. Peter Ho Chairman, SDC 3
From left: BG Stephen Wong Kong Yip, Mr Peter Ho Hak Ean, BG (Ret) Chin ChowYoon and LTC Soh Poh Theen (Absent: Mr Chiang Chie Foo) Board of Direetors Chairman Deputy Chairman Members Mr Peter Ho Hak Ean Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) BG Stephen Wong Kong Yip Commandant, SAFTI Military Institute Mr Chiang Chie Foo 2nd Permanent Secretary (Education) BG (Ret) Chin Chow Yoon Executive Director, SDC & CEO Bintan Resort Management LTC Soh Poh Theen Commander ASB, RSAF Past Members of the Board of Directors: LTC (NS) Lim Boon Wee Mr Ng Yoke Weng COL Soon Eng Boon LTC (NS) William Yap Guan Hong (10 July 1995-10 October 1996) (19 October 1994-20 May 1997) (25 October 1993-19 October 1994) (19 October 1994-10 July 1995)
Standing (from left): COL Chong Kim Chye, Adj Prof Kwa Chong Guan, COL Soon Eng Boon, Mr Lai Kim Fatt, LTC Soh Poh Theen and Ms Chong Phit Lian Seating (from left): Prof Leo Tan, BG Stephen Wong Kong Yip, Mr Peter Ho Hak Ean & BG (Ret) Chin Chow Yoon (Absent: Mr Chiang Chie Foo) Steering Committee Chairman Mr Peter Ho Hak Ean Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) Members Mr Chiang Chie Foo 2nd Permanent Secretary (Education) BG (Ret) Chin Chow Yoon Executive Director SDC & CEO Bintan Resort Management COL Chong Kim Chye Director Public Affairs, MINDEF Ms Chong Phit Lian Group GM, SAFE Enterprises Adj Prof Kwa Chong Guan Head of External Programmes, Institute of Defence & Strategic Studies Mr Lai Kim Fatt Director Systems & Computer Organisation, MINDEF Prof Leo Tan Dean School of Science, NIE LTC Soh Poh Theen Commander ASB, RSAF COL Soon Eng Boon Dy Comdt/Head Curriculum Dept, SAFTI Military Institute BG Stephen Wong Kong Yip Commandant, SAFTI Military Institute Past Members of Steering Committee COL (Ret) Kwan Yue Yeong COL (Ret) Lee Seng Kong Prof Lui Pao Chuen COL (Ret) Ramachandran Menon Mr Shih Chih Chung LTC Sng Seow Lian (20 March 1990-22 January 1997) (15 October 1994-27 March 1997) (22 August 1991-13 November 1992) (20 March 1990-15 October 1994) (20 March 1990-26 February 1996) (26 February 1996-22 October 1996) 5
From left: Mr Lawrence Low, Mr G.K. Pillai, Ms France Goh. LTC (Ret) Victor Pinto. BG (Ret) Chin Chow Yoon, Ms Faye Kee, Ms Jan Chang & Mr Lee Choon Nam Management Executive Director BG (Ret) Chin Chow Yoon General Manager (Operations) LTC (Ret) Victor Pinto Finance & Administration Manager Ms Faye Kee Education Manager Ms France Goh Marketing Manager Ms Jan Chang Operations Manager Mr G. K. Pillai Technical Manager Mr Lawrence Low Deputy Estate Manager Mr Lee Choon Nam 6
Attractions at SDC... The SDC has strong outdoor and indoor dimensions. Its outdoor perspective includes a lake, the nearby wooded hills and the colourful elements of its architecture. It has a unique triangular roof structure and supporting rectangular buildings. The relationship of these geometric forms and luminous colours instantly identify the SDC as a compelling public attraction. Indoors, the SDC has been designed to an "open gallery " concept. Singapore Dynamics Gallery This Gallery traces Singapore's development and vision. Singapore's milestones are creatively captured through a combination of thought-provoking dioramas and interactive exhibits. A total of fourteen significant span the country's years in 1942 to what it hopes to be in future. The Gallery comprises three main sections, the development years from 1942 to 1987, Singapore Today and Promise of Peace. Tactics Gallery As its name suggests, the Tactics Gallery showcases the wonders of tactics in history and modern life. The Gallery's attractions include Everyday Park, Tintoy Theatre, Swiss Success, Safe & Happy Home, Urban Survival, Global Situation Room, Faces of Battle and What If? iwerks Theatre The 350-seat iwerks Theatre works the magic of story-telling through large format films. The highly successful show A New Day has been screened since SDC's opening. It captures the contributions of ordinary Singaporeans to the success of the nation. A. Scenes of Singapore's past are authentically re-created. Technology Gallery The highly interactive Technology Gallery presents the impact of technology on warfare over the years. "Must-sees" in this Gallery are Technology Theatre, Jungle Survival, Super Troopers, Great Armies, Soldier 21, Shipbridge 21, Guardian of Our Skies and Military Body Shop. An exciting moment during the screening of the show A New Day at the iwerks Theatre. 8
Shooting Gallery The Shooting Gallery is a four-lane computerised simulated firing range for aspiring marksmen to put their shooting skills to the test. First-time visitors to this Gallery are often surprised by the level of co-ordination and quick reflex needed in target shooting. Simulator Ride The 60-seat simulator has six-degree-of-freedom movement, making the experience real and enjoyable. Strike Force, a film which captures the three services of the SAF in an exciting exercise, is immensely popular and has been screened since SDC's opening. The Shooting Gallery offers plenty of fun & excitement for all visitors. Outdoor Exhibits and Children's Adventureland Beyond the Galleries, eight items of real military hardware from the Army, Navy and Air Force are on display in the Outdoor Exhibits Area. The beautifully landscaped Children's Adventureland is next to the Outdoor Exhibits and is popular with children. SAFTI Coach Tour A. This 60-seat simulator which offers visitors a thrilling ride, is a first in this region. Visitors to the SDC can also enjoy a complimentary coach tour of the SAFTI Military Institute. The 20-minute tour highlights interesting buildings and landmarks in SAFTI. ^ The Children's Adventureland is a hit with adults and children alike. 9
New Attractions True to its spirit of education and entertainment, the SDC always explores new attractions and upgrades existing ones. This is to ensure the SDC experience is always fresh and inspiring for first-time and repeat visitors. Niagara : Miracles, Myths and Magic In April 1997, SDC began screening a second 70mm film at the iwerks Theatre. This was Niagara : Miracles, Myths and Magic, a very popular show. Well-received by visitors, Niagara ended its run in January 1998. Interactive Robot - Little George In May 1997, a new interactive robot named Little George joined the SDC. It was first used for the TechLabs Exhibition and School Roadshows. Later, in September 1997, Little George found its home at SDC's main entrance, the ideal spot to welcome and exchange greetings with visitors. RGB Adventure In June 1997, a second simulator ride film entitled RGB Adventure was introduced. This show is especially popular with younger visitors. 4 Witty Little George will entertain you with his wisecracks when you "".entre. Second Virtual Reality Game In August 1997, a second Virtual Reality Mandala System was introduced. Three new games were also brought in - Turbo Kourier, Netminder and Colour Trip: Digital Drums/Body Paint. So far, this new virtual reality attraction has proved to be popular, just like the first virtual reality game, Airborne Rangers. The virtual reality attraction allows visitors to be the hero of the day! 10
r Sonar, Thermal Imaging and Tunnel of Illusions These three attractions were introduced in October 1997. They teach the technology of sound, heat and vision by inviting visitor participation. These attractions are very popular with our visitors. Visual Dynamics Theatre This 50-seat Visual Dynamics Theatre was opened in November 1997. Serving Singaporeans: Today & Tomorrow, a 3-D video show first produced for the PS21 Exhibition, is now screened in this theatre. See Sparky and his family zoom "out ^ of the screen" as they introduce Singapore in the 21 st century.. 3-D Laser & Film Spectacular In January 1998, the 3-D Laser & Film Spectacular 8th Wonder of the World was launched in the iwerks Theatre. This highly animated experience tells the Singapore story dramatically and colourfully through laser animation, special visual and sound effects. Infra-red technology at work at Thermal Imaging. Headlines, Lifelines In October 1997, the Headlines, Lifelines multimedia programme at the Global Situation Room was launched. This was a joint effort with The New Paper. Focusing on the events of the 1940s. Headlines, Lifelines brings alive the events and facts of the past in an interesting manner. Black Box The Black Box was also opened in October 1997. This 25-seat sound-proof, dark room is equipped with high quality sound equipment. A combination of unique 3-D effects and state-of-the-art technology features an authentic re-creation of life during the Japanese Occupation (1942-45). High in education and emotional content, Black Box is open to schools and organised groups only. Audiences were captivated by the high-tech 3-D laser effects. 11
Promotion Publicity Activities / ince the SDC's opening, it has hosted a wide number of events - some fun, others for charily and many which underline the role of ordinary Singaporeans in Singapore's success story, past, present and future. From photograph exhibitions to footballers, from actors to art competitions, the SDC has been a venue which marries education and entertainment, fun and knowledge. Christmas Charity (December 1996) A Christmas Charity was organised on 26 December 1996. About $4,000 worth of gifts were presented to five charities. These included the Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home and the Boys' Town. West Coast Attractions (March 1997) On 15 March 1997, the SDC joined seven other attractions located in the western part of the island to form West Coast Attractions, an initiative supported by the Singapore Tourism Board. To encourage more visitors to West Coast Attractions, a 10% discount was offered for visits to second and subsequent attractions. National Students On-the-Spot Art Competition (April 1997) The SDC co-hosted the 1997 National Students On-the-Spot Art Competition with Singapore Press Holdings on 5, 6, 12 and 13 April 1997. A total of 8,000 students from 4 to 16 years old participated in the competition. Mr Peter Chen, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Education, was the guest-of-honour. One of the highlights of the event was an education event entitled A Walk Down Memory Lane. Stalls selling foodstuffs and games were set up amidst a carnival-like atmosphere. Jk. The contestants had great fun during the competition as they get to exchange ideas with others. 12
Charity Activity - Joint Promotion with The New Paper and Friday Weekly (June 1997) The promotion took off on 8 June 1997 during which 20% discount was given on ticket prices. As part of the Charity Drive, the SDC donated 50% of the amount collected from admission tickets sale of that day to the Down Syndrome Association. Photography Contest and Exhibition (August - September 1997) The Photography Contest and Exhibition, which coincided with National Day celebrations, was jointly organised by the SDC and the Photographic Society of Singapore. The theme for the contest was "Singapore's Past, Present and Future". The contest was divided into two categories - Junior (below 21 years) and Adult (21 years and older). Three top prizes and three merit prizes were awarded in each category. A school prize was also awarded to the school that had the most winners in the Junior Category. TCS Photo Exhibition for Drama Serial "The Price of Peace" (August 1997) Television Corporation of Singapore (TCS) held a photo exhibition at the SDC for the Chinese drama serial "The Price of Peace" from 10 to 17 August. The lead artistes in the drama serial made an appearance at the SDC on the first day to support the event. A. BG (Ret) Chin ChowYoon, Executive Director SDC, welcoming the stars of the popular show "The Price of Peace". 13
A. The fans took the opportunity to meet Fandi when the Warriors visited the SDC. Meet the members of the SAF Football Club - The Warriors (August 1997) On 31 August 1997, members of the SAF Football Club including Fandi Ahmad visited the SDC together with their families. The Warriors took the opportunity to meet up with their fans for an autograph session. Army Open House (September 1997) In conjunction with Army Open House, held on 6 and 7 September 1997 at the SAFTI Military Institute, the SDC offered special admission packages for all SAF personnel and their families. Bikers' Carnival (October 1997) Jointly organised by the SDC and Two Wheelers, this Carnival was held at the SDC on 18 and 19 October 1997. On display were the latest motorcycles from Honda and Harley Davidson. There was also a display of vintage motorcycles, all dated before the 1940s. 14
^ From left BG (Ret) Chin Chow Yoon, Executive Director SDC; the 421,123 d visitor Mr John Chao and family with the guest-of-honour, Mr Matthias Yao, Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (6th from left). Extreme right. BG Stephen Wong, Deputy Chairman, SDC. The SDC's 1st Anniversary Celebration (November 1997) The SDC celebrated our first anniversary on 23 November 1997. Mr Matthias Yao, Minister of State, Ministry of Defence, was the guest-of-honour. One of the highlights was the 421,123rd visitor to the SDC. The number 421,123 was significant as "42" represented the 420,000 visitors we had at the SDC as at 23 November 1997, while " 1123" represented the date of the SDC's anniversary. Roadshows at Shopping Centres (October 1996 - December 1997) In order to create a greater awareness of the SDC among the public, roadshows were held at shopping centres around the island. At the roadshows, a light-hearted skit gave audiences a feel of the SDC experience. It was also an opportunity for the public to discover more about the SDC. The roadshows were held at Jurong Point Shopping Centre, Parkway Parade, NTUC Hougang Mall, Suntec City Mall and Tiong Bahru Plaza. 15
National Education Programmes & Activities Objective The objective of national education of the SDC is to complement and supplement the history and social studies syllabi of schools. Target Groups Target audiences are : All schools in Singapore, ranging from Pre-Primary, Primary, Secondary, Pre-University, ITEs and Polytechnics. National Servicemen in the SAF, the SCDF and the Police Force. 16
Education Programmes The following programmes were introduced to maximise the national education benefits of the attractions in SDC: Worksheets and Teachers' Guides To ensure that the visits by the students are meaningful and that the students focus on the salient aspects of the attractions, three sets of worksheets were produced, catering to each of the three levels - Primary, Secondary and Tertiary. Teachers' Guides were produced to give teachers a better understanding of the exhibits as well as provide essential material for them to conduct a tour of the SDC for their students. ^ Students were totally engrossed as they listened to the narrations of the guide. Character Guided Tours Covering the attractions in the Singapore Dynamics Gallery, the Character Guided Tours were led by hosts who dressed up as characters who had witnessed the significant milestones in Singapore's history. The characters recounted these historical events in a personal and heart-warming manner. Attachment Scheme Eleven NUS Theatre Studies students were attached to the SDC in December 1996. As part of their assignment, they wrote a drama script for selected exhibits and performed at the exhibits. Talks-cum-Discussion On 29 October 1997, Dr Melanie Chew held a talk-cum-discussion for 80 Junior College students. Her talk, titled "Leaders of Singapore" was the first in a series by distinguished or well known personalities Ak. Dr Melanie Chew on earnest discussion with students. 17
A. The students were totally immersed in the re-enactment of life under the Japanese. POW-WOW Camp The Pow-Wow Camp was successfully carried out on 26 and 27 November 1997 for 30 Jurongville Secondary School students. 8 Hwa Chong Junior College students acted as Japanese soldiers and 2 Jurongville teachers took on the role of civilians. Through this camp, the students had a vivid experience of what life was like during the Japanese Occupation. This camp will be organised yearly. Besides conducting national education programmes and activities in SDC, an outreach to the schools was undertaken. programme School Roadshow A total of 54 schools benefited from the school roadshows in 1997. Through the use of laser technology in the film show, the lessons of National Education were brought home by the students. 18 The school roadshows proved to be highly popular among students.
Institutional Membership The Institutional Membership scheme was opened to schools from March 1997. So far, more than 63% of schools are members. Institutional members are offered a range of privileges ranging from priority booking for the roadshows to discounted admission and simulator ride rates. Education Programmes for National Servicemen In March 1997, MINDEF approved a scheme to enable active servicemen to visit the SDC, as part of national education. In October 1997, this scheme was extended to NSmen. Worksheets on the salient aspects of the attractions in the SDC are distributed to national servicemen on their visit to the SDC. To ensure that the NSmen understand certain key messages, a short quiz is provided at the end of the worksheet. Successfully completed quizzes are eligible for a lucky draw. To enable national servicemen to benefit more from the Centre, we provide training to selected SAF servicemen so that they can conduct tours for the men in their charge. j*. Interpretive dramas effectively conveyed the feelings of ordinary Singaporeans during momentous times. 19
Corporate j Membership Scheme The Corporate Membership Scheme was launched in March 1997. Corporate members are given special privileges when visiting the SDC or when holding corporate events at the SDC. Corporate Events Held at the SDC A total of 80 organisations and 225 SAF units held their corporate functions such as Family Day and Anniversaries at the SDC's outdoor picnic area and indoor facilities. The Hospitality Suite and the Discovery Gallery were some of the facilities that are used. The size of these corporate functions ranged from 100 to 8,000. A total of 85,000 adults and children enjoyed themselves at the SDC during these corporate events. Corporate events were held regularly at the SDC. 20
SINGAPORE DISCOVERY CENTRE 510 Upper Jurong Road Singapore 638365 Tel: 792 6188 Fax: 792 1233 Website: http://www.sdc.com.sg