SHC’s reservoir of knowledge in general and local history, with specialised capabilities in heritage tourism, education and military battlefield studies, places us in a privileged position as consultants.
Over the years, our reputation and credibility has earned the respect of various national agencies and private organisations, which have engaged us as consultants in projects related to heritage conservation and historical research.
In the course of these projects, our work has taken us to all kinds of strange and wonderful places. We have been commissioned to name new roads on Pulau Ubin, discovered secret tunnels at Labrador Park, developed heritage markers that line various ethnic districts of Singapore, acted as consultants for local and international TV programmes, and more. We live and breathe knowledge and information and convey them in spectacular ways to meet your needs.
Our expertise includes:
- Historical Research
- Exhibit Development
- Military History
- Tour Design & Training Programmes
If you have a research project enquiry, contact us using the form!
Historical Research
Tanglin Trust School Centenary Research Project
Commissioned by Tanglin Trust School, 2022 – 2024
The team conducted historical research and oral history interviews to uncover the rich history and heritage of the school as it approached its centenary. Guided by the vision of its founder, Ms Anne Laugharne Griffith-Jones, the school flourished, expanded, merged and moved several times before settling at its current Portsdown Road site. The research culminated in a final report which will be shared with the school’s teachers and students as they plan their commemorative activities for the centenary in 2025.
The Kallang Story: A Sports, Arts & Heritage Trail
Commissioned by Sports Hub Pte Ltd, 2018 – 2019
The team is proud to have put together a narrative of the rich history and heritage of Kallang, which was launched as part of Singapore’s Bicentennial activities in 2019. The research resulted in the creation of a heritage booklet, wayfinding map, 18 physical storyboards on-site at Sports Hub and the creation of three original self-guided walking trails. Be transported through time from pre-colonial Singapore with kampong houses on stilts at the mouths of Singapore’s rivers, to its significance to our seas and skies, and even its present-day use as an Arts and Sports Hub. This is where the roar of the Stadium was heard, and when the famous Kallang Wave began in Singapore.
Former Ford Factory Educational Materials
Commissioned by the National Archives of Singapore, Dec 2016
The team was appointed as an educational consultant to conceptualise and design educational activity worksheets, teachers’ guide and parent’s guide for Primary & Secondary School levels for the new exhibits and galleries at the Former Ford Factory accompanied by a teachers guide and parents’ guide.
Research Consultancy on the History and Heritage of Mandai
Commissioned by Mandai Rainforest Safari Park (Temasek Holdings), 2014 – 2015
A year-long in-depth research study spanning a wide variety of sources, field studies and oral interviews allowed us to uncover the history and heritage of Mandai, its key landmarks and village life in the area. The research led to the discovery of long-forgotten villages, the original site of a Catholic church in the depths of the lush Mandai Forest. The project culminated in a comprehensive final research report, and a concept development paper which was shared with the Board of Directors, architectural consultants and designers to guide the team of architectural consultants and designers as they formulated their plans for the site.
Historical Study of Labrador Park
Commissioned by National Parks Board, 1998 – 1999 and 2001 – 2002
This exciting venture led to our ground-breaking discovery of secret underground tunnels at Labrador. Through the study of maps and archival records, SHC was able to uncover the location of the original 19th century Fort Pasir Panjang tunnels and batteries. Content was curated for the development of storyboards to educate the public about the casemate, guns, gun emplacements and tunnels. These storyboards have remained in place for more than 20 years, educating thousands of park visitors and students.
Rustic Charm Tourism
Commissioned by Singapore Tourism Board, Mar – Sep 1999
SHC conducted a consultancy study for the preservation and development of spaces with rustic charm in Singapore. The team also proposed names for the roads in Pulau Ubin based on historical authenticity. The study report included a proposal for Changi Chapel & Museum.
Chinatown Enhancement Project
Commissioned by Singapore Tourism Board, Jun – Sep 1997
The team conducted a comprehensive research study on the historical background and development of Chinatown and proposed topics which should be presented in a Chinatown Interpretive Centre. Historical data on street names and key buildings in Chinatown was also compiled as part of the research.
Exhibit Development
Hell’s Museum Content Development
Commissioned by Haw Par Villa Pte Ltd, 2017 – Oct 2021
The team designed, curated and launched Hell’s Museum – the world’s first museum on death and the afterlife, at Haw Par Villa. We developed content for 10 permanent exhibition galleries and eight original videos for the museum. Existing storyboards within the 10 Courts of Hell were also updated for accuracy. We created the Hell’s Museum guided tour and trained docents for the conduct of the tour.
Chinatown Heritage Centre Multimedia Guided Tour
Commissioned by The Chinatown Heritage Centre Pte Ltd, Oct 2016 – May 2017
SHC was appointed as research consultant and developed an original multimedia guided tour to enhance the visitor experience at the Chinatown Heritage Centre. Utilising headsets and a proprietary device, the tour incorporated soundscapes, archival images, oral interviews and augmented reality.
The Battlebox at Fort Canning Park
Commissioned by the National Parks Board, 2013 – 2016
The team completely re-developed the former exhibits within the Battlebox by curating a new experience for visitors. Through new galleries, exhibits, video presentations and guided tours, the restored underground command centre unveiled the true causes behind “the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British history”.
The Great War in Great Outlines
Commissioned by the Belgian Embassy of Singapore, Sep – Nov 2014
The team was involved in the creation of an international travelling exhibition on World War I.
Tourism50 at Haw Par Villa
Commissioned by the Singapore Tourism Board, 2014
SHC developed exhibition panels and a heritage booklet and conducted public talks for the ‘Reliving Haw Par Villa’ project as part of Tourism50 commemorations. We also created and conducted training for Guided Tours for the ‘Reliving Haw Par Villa’ project.
World War II Heritage Markers, Booklet and Map
Commissioned by the National Heritage Board, Dec 2011 – Feb 2012
We conducted research and copywriting of heritage markers, book and trail map of 50 significant sites relating to military history in Singapore to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Fall of Singapore.
Remaking Our Heartland (Jurong and Hougang)
Commissioned by the National Heritage Board and Housing Development Board, Dec 2011 – 2013
The team conducted research, developed a concept design and content for the creation of heritage corner storyboards, heritage trail markers and booklets.
Gardens by the Bay Heritage Gardens
Commissioned by Gardens by the Bay and National Parks Board, Mar – Sep 2010
SHC conducted research and conceptualised story outlines for the ‘People and Plants’ permanent exhibition, which covers the heritage of plants related to the Malay, Chinese, Indian and Colonial communities and to the commercial history of cash crops in Singapore. The research contributed to the development of the Heritage Gardens at Gardens by the Bay.
Pinnacle@Duxton
Commissioned by the Housing Development Board, May – Dec 2009
The team was commissioned to research, conceptualise storylines and develop the Historical Garden at The Pinnacle @ Duxton capturing the history of housing in Singapore; history of Duxton Plain; and 20 key landmarks. The content developed was featured in an outdoor museum and 20 lookout points at the sky garden.
The Changi Museum
Commissioned by the Singapore Tourism Board, Jun – Aug 2005
SHC was involved in the research, concept design and copywriting of new exhibits that were developed for the upgrading of The Changi Museum.
Tour Design & Training Programmes
We have designed hundreds of original tour programmes commissioned by and in collaboration with both government and private organisations. Some examples of past clients include the National Heritage Board, National Arts Council, Singapore Tourism Board, Ministry of Education, NEXUS, Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.
Our programmes are painstakingly crafted to maximise learning and appreciation of Singapore’s history, heritage and culture. They are conducted by a handpicked team of knowledgeable and experienced facilitators who have undergone extensive training. On top of that, we provide comprehensive logistical support for a full experience for students and companies alike.
We have also been commissioned by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to conduct training for Singapore Travel Agents and STB Guides. In addition, we have conducted several Professional Development Training Courses for STB Guides over the years. Apart from guides and travel agents, we have also provided training for Teachers from the Ministry of Education and other commercial projects.
Racial and Religious Harmony Seminar and Tour
Commissioned by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Home Team Academy, 2019 – 2022
SHC designed a seminar focused on diversity and inclusivity training and a tour to share with Singapore Police Force recruits and regulars the importance of racial and religious understanding. The seminar raised issues of racial bias and profiling while the tour introduced participants to tenets and practices of Syncretic Buddhism and Taoism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. The tour included visits to four places of worship.
Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa Guided Heritage Trail
Commissioned by Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, Aug 2017 – Mar 2018
The team conducted research and developed an original guided heritage trail of the resort and precinct for the resort to offer to its guests. A training programme was also conducted for the hotel staff equipping them to conduct the trail.
ION Orchard Food, Art and Heritage Trail
Commissioned by Orchard Turn Developments Pte Ltd, Jan – Jul 2016
SHC was appointed as a consultant to conduct research and develop a food and heritage trail which the shopping mall could offer to tourists and locals. The team also conducted training for the Information Officers at ION Orchard for the conduct of the trail.
The Lion’s Trail: A Total Defence Tour
Commissioned by NEXUS, MINDEF, 2001 – 2002
SHC was commissioned by MINDEF to create the inaugural Total Defence Tour. We managed the successful administration and implementation of the tour for thousands of SAF personnel 2002 – 2007.
Design and Training of innovative tours for Travel Agents & Tourist Guides
Commissioned by STB 1997 – 1998
SHC researched and curated a series of tours to align with STB’s new branding – “New Asia Singapore”. Tourists guides were trained by SHC to conduct these new tours.
Travel Agents were also introduced to the concept of Walking Tours and encouraged to incorporate new and innovative methods of delivering high quality experiences to their customers.
Design and Training of innovative tours for Travel Agents & Tourist Guides
Commissioned by MOE, STB, NHB 1997 – 1998
Due to the expertise that SHC had already developed since 1994 for curating and implementing educational tours for schools, we were commissioned to train STB licensed guides for the newly established
Military Topics
One of SHC’s core expertise is in military history. Our Director, Mr Jeya Ayadurai MBE, was a former lecturer in Military History and International Relations at the former Department of Strategic Studies at the Singapore Command & Staff College. Mr Jeya continues to conduct lectures for the Goh Keng Swee Command & Staff College on a regular basis.
We have also conducted programmes for foreign services, such as the Australian army.
In addition, we are often engaged to conduct military history tours for VIP visiting officials from Commonwealth members of the diplomatic community. This typically includes the conduct of lectures, tours as well as a wreath-laying at Kranji War Cemetery.