Did you know Jurong Island was reclaimed by amalgamating at least nine offshore islands – hence the name Selat Sembilan or “the Strait of 9”? Find out more at the launch of NUS Museum’s new prep-room that reviews island heritage with A/P Hamzah Muzaini and Dr. Hadi Osni. From Jurong Island to Selat Sembilan documents the individual offshore islands that now make up Jurong Island, and their evolution over the years.

The prep-room specifically sheds light on the former inhabitants from some of the islands, how their lives and livelihoods were impacted by industrialisation, land reclamation and resettlement, as well as suggests ways to commemorate this moving forward. It is drawn from a research project supported by My Community and the National Heritage Board Heritage Research Grant.

This event also officially launches “Shore to Shore”, a heritage festival dedicated to revitalising interest in Singapore’s Southern Islands. It is put together by a group of passionate young individuals: Elaine Mok, Saw Yone Yone, Rachel Edith Lie, Ng Zheng Hong and Demetria Tay.

By focusing on the intersections of folklore, biodiversity, and family, the festival aims to inspire long-term stewardship and preservation of the islands’ tangible and intangible heritage. “Shore to Shore” is part of the TF-NUS Heritage Champions programme, an initiative of NUS Libraries, catalysed through partnerships with Temasek Foundation and the National Heritage Board.