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The second theme under the Collecting Contemporary Singapore series looked at technology. Technology plays an indispensable role in our daily lives, and has pivotally transformed the ways in which we live, work, play and socialise.
The National Museum invited residents in Singapore to share their technological objects from the 2000s onwards up to the present day, along with their related experiences and stories of the objects that have shaped their lives in the areas of work, communications, home living and play. These contributions would enrich the National Museum’s collection in the area of technology as the museum seeks to broaden the scope of our contemporary collecting.
The collection drive ran from 7 June to 31 December 2022. Below are some highlights of the objects that were collected and first displayed at the OFF / ON: Everyday Technology that Changed Our Lives, 1970s – 2000s experiential showcase from 10 June to 30 October 2022.
Jonathan Lim
"The iPhone 3GS was my first smartphone. It is not an exaggeration to call it a life-changing experience when you literally have Internet in your pocket."
Retro DNA
"The launch of the PSP represented a real shift, that you could finally take the same level of home gaming, movie and entertainment experience with you anywhere on -the -go."
Local Technology Company - Creative Technology Ltd
"The Zen Micro was one of the most popular models in this series of MP3 players which were a mainstay amongst users worldwide during the 2000s."
T.L Tan
"The fax machine was an important communication equipment in the office that helped to send and receive documents, before emails took over that function."
The National Museum is expanding our public engagement efforts to crowdsource objects and related stories/photos from residents in Singapore, so as to broaden our contemporary collection. We will be focusing on different themes each year to encourage Singaporeans to contribute to this project and reflect upon life in Singapore in recent times.
These contributions may reveal different perspectives of contemporary Singapore that will shape and inform the curation of the museum’s future exhibitions. Selected objects may also be featured in relevant exhibitions presented by the National Museum.
If you have other objects that you are keen to contribute to the National Museum of Singapore but which do not fit the ongoing theme(s) of our current open call(s), please email your story and photos of the object to NHB_NMS_Curatorial@nhb.gov.sg for our curators’ assessment.
Sections
02 January 2025
Due to restoration works, there will be no vehicular entry for pick-up / drop-off at our L1 lobby, until further notice. Drop-offs and pick-ups can only be done at our Level 2 Glass Atrium/Coach Bay. Our escalators connecting Basement, Level 1, and Level 2 are scheduled to be replaced from Feb 2025 to July 2025 and will not be available for use during this time. Lifts and stairs are available as alternative access. Kindly plan and allow for extra time during your visit. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
01 January 2025
Parts of the National Museum of Singapore are undergoing restoration and upgrading works. We remain open with exhibitions, programmes as well as dining and retail offerings.