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Singapore Memory Project honours older generation with new exhibition

SINGAPORE – When 56-year-old Teo Khai Seng was growing up, he earned a meagre monthly salary of S$40 working in a plastics factory with only one day off every month. To support his fledging fish farm, he also took on two jobs as a butcher and an insect catcher. Later in life, he sought to overcome his illiteracy by reading novels, Chinese history books and subtitles on television programmes.

Woodlands Regional Library plays host to an exhibition about Singapore's pioneer generation called The Greatest Gift Of A Generation.

Woodlands Regional Library plays host to an exhibition about Singapore's pioneer generation called The Greatest Gift Of A Generation.

SINGAPORE – When 56-year-old Teo Khai Seng was growing up, he earned a meagre monthly salary of S$40 working in a plastics factory with only one day off every month. To support his fledging fish farm, he also took on two jobs as a butcher and an insect catcher. Later in life, he sought to overcome his illiteracy by reading novels, Chinese history books and subtitles on television programmes.

His life story is just one of the many featured stories in a new exhibition called The Greatest Gift Of A Generation–Life Stories, currently running at the Woodlands Regional Library. The exhibition features anecdotes and memories of 39 people that pay tribute to the strength and perseverance of our pioneer generation in overcoming the odds. These are told through first-person narratives on text panels and video displays located across the library and complemented by portraiture shots taken by students from the Nanyang Technological University’s School of Arts, Design and Media.

“The stories featured are drawn from the pool of memories that the Singapore Memory Project has captured and documented through road shows, interviews, campaigns and the Singapore Memory Portal since the project began in 2011,” said Yee Yeong Chong, manager of Engagement at National Library Board. “The pioneer generation has a wealth of experiences that the young can learn from and we hope that they serve as role models for young Singaporeans.”

The exhibition also includes video installations of five pioneers sharing their stories of personal struggle. “The National Library Board is happy to preserve our pioneer generation’s memories,” said Elaine Ng, chief executive officer, National Library Board. “These add a human touch to Singapore’s history that will inspire our future generations.”

The Greatest Gift Of A Generation–Life Stories is on at the Woodlands Regional Library until May next year. Opening hours: 10am to 9pm (closed during public holidays).

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