ExxonMobil's tribute to People of the River and Singapore

ExxonMobil has commissioned two sculptures as part of the People of the River project led by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), in collaboration with the National Heritage Board (NHB) and Singapore Land Authority (SLA).

The first sculpture entitled A Great Emporium re-creates the typical scene at the Singapore River during its heyday as a bustling trading port. It depicts two merchants of different nationalities negotiating prices over a wide array of goods. They are assisted by two labourers or coolies holding up a traditional weighing scale, known as the daching, measuring the weight of the goods transacted.

The second sculpture aptly named From Chettiars to Financiers shows the growth of Singapore's finance industry in tandem with the success of our trading port. The sculpture comprises an Indian moneylender known as Chettiar, an employee of a Chinese clearing house and a modern day lady Simex trader. The dramatic transformation of the finance industry has been captured in this tableau - from traditional moneylending in the early days to the sophisticated banking services provided by major local and multinational financial institutions today.

Mr Kwa Chong Seng, Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil said, "ExxonMobil is very pleased to present this collection of sculptures to the people of Singapore. The collection comprises A Great Emporium, From Chettiars to Financiers and Millennium. Together, these three sculptures tell the story of Singapore's development - from the hustle and bustle of early commerce to modern day finance, as well as offer a glimpse limited only by imagination of what is yet to be."

A Great Emporium and From Chettiars to Financiers are the works of local sculptors Mr Malcolm Koh and Mr Chern Lian Shan respectively. Located along the riverbanks fronting the Asian Civilisations Museum at Empress Place, they will be officially unveiled by Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Senior Minister of State (Transport and MITA) on 27 August 2002.

"Singapore's history began with the Singapore River. It did not merely mark a physical venue. It was also the lifeline which made Singapore economically relevant to the region. The forefathers of many Singaporeans began their career here. Some made it big; many others toiled to bring up their children and offered them opportunities which they themselves never enjoyed.

The story of Singapore, as the great emporium, and the story of many Singaporeans, from chettiars to financiers, should be told and re-told and re-told, lest modern Singaporeans forget their humble but proud history.

These are no ordinary stories. They are our common heritage. They help to define our roots," said Mr Khaw.

As a further tribute to the historic waterway that shaped the nation's development, the Asian Civilisations Museum will be developing a Singapore River Interpretive Gallery at its new flagship museum at the Empress Place Building. The Gallery will feature a colourful exposition on the history of the Singapore River, featuring artefacts, pictures, videos, sound clips and trivia. Displaying the 'human' face of the River, visitors will see the tattered trousers that a coolie wore; listen to the recollections of a lighterman who worked on the River, or read accounts of 19th century travellers who wandered its banks. 
Mr Lim Siam Kim, Chief Executive of National Heritage Board has added, "While most of these sights and sounds of Singapore's heritage have vanished, the Singapore River Interpretive Gallery to be housed in the soon-to-be opened ACM Empress Place will offer much more than a textbook encapsulation of the history of one of Singapore's national treasures. Intended as a tribute to the waterway which has played a central role in shaping the history of Singapore, visitors will find a colourful exposition on the history of the Singapore River, featuring artefacts, pictures, videos, film clips, sound clips and also River memorabilia." 

Although the Singapore River Interpretive Gallery fills its own niche, it will also be valuable in the overall context of the Asian Civilisations Museum. Throughout its history, Singapore has been a hub of trade and culture, standing at the confluence of various civilisations. The Singapore River was where travellers and traders of many races met. The Singapore River Interpretive Gallery at the new Asian Civilisations Museum thus adds a local face to the concept of 'Asian Civilisations'. 

To be opened by end February 2003, the Singapore River Interpretive Gallery will complement the People of the River series. The vision is that visitors will come to this Gallery to get an overview of the historical development of the Singapore River before exploring the historic district following the People of the River heritage trail on foot or by boat. 

All these initiatives are part of a multi-agency effort spearheaded by STB to bring colour and life back to the Singapore River District. Mr Yeo Khee Leng, Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board said, "The Singapore River will enjoy a new burst of life in the months to come. We have the inauguration of the Merlion Park and the Mid-Autumn Festival all lined up in the month of September alone. With the continued support from partners from the public and private sectors, we hope to develop an exciting and meaningful Singapore River Experience for local residents and overseas visitors to enjoy and remember."