More exhibition exchanges between Singapore and Britain in coming years

SINGAPORE - The National Heritage Board (NHB), Singapore and the British Museum have signed a newly introduced Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to intensify cultural cooperation and exchanges between both institutions.

This collaboration is expected to last five years from Sept 2 this year to Sept 1, 2019.

The inaugural MOU was signed by Mrs Rosa Daniel, chief executive officer of NHB and Mr Neil MacGregor, director of the British Museum. Also present was Mr Lawrence Wong, Singpore's Minister for Culture Community and Youth, as the witness to the signing.

The NHB-British Museum MOU will pave the way for future collaborations such as exhibition exchanges and joint research projects, according to Minister Lawrence Wong.

He added that the National Museum of Singapore is looking to host a special exhibition in 2015 that will feature the British Museum's treasures of various world cultures dating from prehistoric times to the 20th century. He said this will also coincide with Singapore's 50th birthday celebrations next year.

Four broad areas of interest have been identified in the MOU. They are: joint research projects; exhibitions and loan exchanges; curatorial and staff exchanges in the areas of expertise, attachments, study visits, lectures, training programmes, workshops and seminars; and collegial exchange of information relating to museum collections and practice.

Minister Lawrence Wong said: "The signing of the MOU marks an important milestone for Singapore's museum and heritage scene. It signifies the mutual commitment of both institutions towards increasing mutual appreciation of our past and heritage in an increasingly interconnected world."

ssandrea@sph.com.sg