Synopsis and Concept

The theme for the National Heritage Board's (NHB) IMD Singapore Symposium 2024, Museums, Education, and Research, recognises the important role museums play in the research and activation of initiatives for youth engagement, the well-being of its visitors and as institutions that provide quality education to help shape our understanding of the world.

To register for the symposium, please visit: https://go.gov.sg/IMD24.

Symposium Programme and Speakers List

Singapore Time (GMT+08)	Programme
0930 - 1000	Registration and Breakfast
1000 - 1005	Welcome and Introduction
1005 - 1010	Welcome Address by: Chang Hwee Nee Chief Executive Officer of National Heritage Board, Chair of ICOM Singapore and Chair of the Museum Roundtable
1010 - 1015	Opening Message by: Eunice Baez Vice Chair of ICOM Advisory Council and President of ICOM Costa Rica
1015 - 1040	Keynote Speech by: Tan Tai Yong President of Singapore University of Social Sciences
1040 - 1100	Morning Break
1100 - 1240	Panel 1: Insights on Youth Engagement and Education in Museums With varied modes of online entertainment and social media targeting youths nowadays, museums are finding it harder to compete for the attention of younger audiences. This panel will feature youth engagement efforts by museums in Bangladesh, the Philippines, and the United States of America, and highlight how these museums leveraged research and data to address issues faced by youth and help make their content more relevant to youths. Speakers: Michele Y. Smith Chief Executive Officer Museum of Pop Culture United States of America Abigail S. Buendia Associate, Tours and Education Ayala Museum The Philippines Hasibul Haque Imon Programme Coordinator Liberation War Museum Bangladesh Moderated by: Stephanie Tham Assistant Director, Strategic Planning and Data Management Secretariat, NHB Youth Panel National Heritage Board
1240 - 1350	Lunch Break
1350 - 1530	Panel 2: Insights on Social Prescriptions in Museums Social prescription refers to the professional referral of patients to community-based institutions to improve their health and well-being. As social spaces, museum visits have been recommended in some countries to address these non-medical needs. This panel will showcase case studies about the impact of social prescription programmes in museums using examples from museums in the United Kingdom, Canada and France. Speakers: Nancy Hey Director, What Works Wellbeing Trustee, National Centre for Creative Health United Kingdom Melanie Deveault Director, Learning and Community Engagement Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Canada Selma Toprak Deputy Director, Visitors and Education Head, Education and Outreach Centre Centre Pompidou France Moderated by: Shawn Ee Clinical Psychologist Lecturer, Murdoch University Founder, the Psychology Practice Singapore
1530 - 1550	Afternoon Break
1550 - 1730	Panel 3: Insights on New Approaches to Accessibility for Museums Museums are also social spaces for the public and should be constantly developing new approaches and initiatives with the help of their communities to ensure that their offerings are more accessible to wider segments of their communities. This panel will showcase case studies from the United Kingdom, France and the United States of America Speakers: Alison Eardley Reader in Psychology, Cultural Heritage and Inclusion, University of Westminster United Kingdom Noemie Giard Head of Visitor Services Musée Carnavalet, Histoire de Paris / Paris Musées France James Monroe Creative Director of Programming, Centers for Public Science Learning Museum of Science, Boston United States of America Moderated by: Eunice Baez Vice Chair of ICOM Advisory Council President of ICOM Costa Rica
1715 - 1725	Closing Remarks and Feedback
1725 - 1730	Photo Taking

To register for the symposium, please visit: https://go.gov.sg/IMD24.

About IMD Singapore Symposium

IMD Singapore Symposium is a signature event organised by ICOM Singapore in collaboration with NHB and the Museum Roundtable to encourage thought leadership and the sharing of international best practices amongst museum professionals.

About ICOM Singapore

The ICOM Singapore National Committee represents all ICOM members in Singapore. Presently chaired by Ms Chang Hwee Nee, Chief Executive Officer of NHB, ICOM Singapore is supported by a secretariat at NHB and works closely with the Museum Roundtable.

About the Museum Roundtable

The Museum Roundtable is a collective established by NHB in 1996 to promote a museum-going culture amongst Singaporeans and to position museums as unique cultural destinations. The members comprise over 60 public and private museums and heritage galleries covering the subjects of national history, culture and community, art, defence, lifestyle and collectibles, healthcare, science and innovation. Together, members collaborate on exhibitions, festivals and programmes, share best practices, and focus on building and raising the capabilities of its members.