Kampong Glam a microcosm of what S’pore should be like: Dr Yaacob

SINGAPORE: The historic neighbourhood of Kampong Glam is a microcosm of what Singapore should be like — multi—cultural and multi—religious. Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, said this at the launch of the Kampong Glam Heritage Trail.

Dr Yaacob said the area was once a place which was home to traders and craftsmen from various parts of the peninsula and the region — serving the needs of the community.

Visitors on the Kampong Glam Heritage Trail will get an insight into the area’s history, and hear stories behind iconic landmarks such as the Sultan Mosque and the Malay Heritage Centre.

The trail will feature 12 new heritage markers along three routes. The routes take visitors through conserved areas like Arab Street and Beach Road, as well as nearby areas along the Kallang and Rochor Rivers.

The new trail brings the National Heritage Board’s total number of heritage trails to 10.

Dr Yaacob said: "The most important thing for me now, is that (the trail) will be used and utilised by the different groups. Schools are already making use of it, but we also want the tourists, we also want ordinary Singaporeans to make this a part of their everyday activity, like how we visit cinemas.

"Let’s organise families to come and visit the trails. The guides are there. I hope people will make use of it, not just as a way to educate, but also for communities to come together."

—CNA/ac