I WONDER why there is little acknowledgement among Singaporeans and, more pertinently, the Singapore Tourism Board, of Haw Par Villa.

A tourist map of the island does not indicate the former attraction's location.

Are we suffering from selective amnesia, and forgetting the contributions of philanthropist Aw Boon Haw, who built Haw Par Villa?

Or do we see it as garish and therefore not worthy of showcasing to tourists?

Do we appreciate our cultural assets and heritage enough?

All this is ironic, considering that Singapore is marketing itself as a culturally vibrant "Renaissance city".

Miss Tan Qian Hui


This letter was first published in my paper on Oct 9, 2008.

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