"Syonan Gallery" controversy (2017): Difference between revisions
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On 9 February 2017, the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) announced that the newly revamped exhibit at the former Ford Factory will be renamed the ''Syonan Gallery: War and Its Legacies''.<ref name=":0">Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ | On 9 February 2017, the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) announced that the newly revamped exhibit at the former Ford Factory will be renamed the ''Syonan Gallery: War and Its Legacies''.<ref name=":0">Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/year-long-revamp-for-wwii-museum Year-long revamp for WWII museum]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 07, 2016. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref><ref>Afifah Ariffin. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/new-world-war-ii-exhibition-to-open-at-former-ford-factory-7606312. New World War II exhibition to open at former Ford Factory]”. ''Channel NewsAsia.'' February 9, 2017. Accessed November 11, 2019.</ref> The name sparked debate for being insensitive and “glorifying” this era of Singapore’s history. | ||
== History of the former Ford factory == | ==History of the former Ford factory== | ||
=== Ford factory & Japanese Occupation (1941 - 1980) === | ===Ford factory & Japanese Occupation (1941 - 1980)=== | ||
On 15 February 1942, the British surrendered Singapore to the Japanese in the Ford factory board room.<ref>“[https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/syonantimes19430812-1.2.7?ST=1&AT=search&k=former%20ford%20factory&QT=former,ford,factory&oref=article DJAWA LEADERS]”. ''Syonan Shimbun''. August 12, 1943. Accessed on 9 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref><ref>“[https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20050304-1.2.28.4?ST=1&AT=search&k=former+ford+factory&P=2&Display=0&filterS=0&QT=former,ford,factory&oref=article You can add to WW II exhibits]”. ''TODAY''. March 4, 2005. Accessed on 9 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> During the Japanese occupation, Nissan took over the premises to assemble Japanese military vehicles.<ref>“[https://www.nas.gov.sg/formerfordfactory/about-history FORMER FORD FACTORY]”. ''National Archives of Singapore''. Accessed on 9 December 2019. </ref> | On 15 February 1942, the British surrendered Singapore to the Japanese in the Ford factory board room.<ref>“[https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/syonantimes19430812-1.2.7?ST=1&AT=search&k=former%20ford%20factory&QT=former,ford,factory&oref=article DJAWA LEADERS]”. ''Syonan Shimbun''. August 12, 1943. Accessed on 9 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref><ref>“[https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20050304-1.2.28.4?ST=1&AT=search&k=former+ford+factory&P=2&Display=0&filterS=0&QT=former,ford,factory&oref=article You can add to WW II exhibits]”. ''TODAY''. March 4, 2005. Accessed on 9 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> During the Japanese occupation, Nissan took over the premises to assemble Japanese military vehicles.<ref>“[https://www.nas.gov.sg/formerfordfactory/about-history FORMER FORD FACTORY]”. ''National Archives of Singapore''. Accessed on 9 December 2019. </ref> | ||
Ford resumed manufacturing after the Japanese occupation. The Ford assembly plant at Bukit Timah was active until 1980 when it closed due to Ford’s diversification plans.<ref>“[https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19800827-1.2.35?ST=1&AT=search&k=ford%20factory%20closed&QT=ford,factory,closed&oref=article Ford may start new factory to make auto parts]”. ''The Straits Times''. August 27, 1980. Accessed on 9 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> | Ford resumed manufacturing after the Japanese occupation. The Ford assembly plant at Bukit Timah was active until 1980 when it closed due to Ford’s diversification plans.<ref>“[https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19800827-1.2.35?ST=1&AT=search&k=ford%20factory%20closed&QT=ford,factory,closed&oref=article Ford may start new factory to make auto parts]”. ''The Straits Times''. August 27, 1980. Accessed on 9 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> | ||
=== National monument & exhibition space (2006 - 2016) === | ===National monument & exhibition space (2006 - 2016)=== | ||
Reports and proposals to restore the former Ford Factory into a war exhibition surfaced as early as 1996 and 1997.<ref>“Ford factory here to be marked for preservation [ARTICLE + ILLUSTRATION]”. ''The Straits Times''. February 12, 1996. Accessed on 11 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref><ref>Loh, Chris. “Coming up: war museum next to Hong Leong’s Hillside condos”. July 11, 1997. Accessed on 11 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> However, the building remained dilapidated in the year 2000.<ref>“British surrender site a sorry sight [LETTER]”. ''The Straits Times''. March 28, 2000. Accessed on 11 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref><ref>Yeow, Srephenr. “Forlorn monument of British surrender [ARTICLE + ILLUSTRATION]”. ''The Straits Times''. March 30, 2000. Accessed on 11 December 2019.</ref> | Reports and proposals to restore the former Ford Factory into a war exhibition surfaced as early as 1996 and 1997.<ref>“Ford factory here to be marked for preservation [ARTICLE + ILLUSTRATION]”. ''The Straits Times''. February 12, 1996. Accessed on 11 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref><ref>Loh, Chris. “Coming up: war museum next to Hong Leong’s Hillside condos”. July 11, 1997. Accessed on 11 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> However, the building remained dilapidated in the year 2000.<ref>“British surrender site a sorry sight [LETTER]”. ''The Straits Times''. March 28, 2000. Accessed on 11 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref><ref>Yeow, Srephenr. “Forlorn monument of British surrender [ARTICLE + ILLUSTRATION]”. ''The Straits Times''. March 30, 2000. Accessed on 11 December 2019.</ref> | ||
On 15 February 2006, the former Ford factory was officially gazetted as a national monument.<ref>Fang, Joyce. “Ford Motor Factory gazetted a national monument [ARTICLE + ILLUSTRATION]”. ''The Business Times''. February 8, 2006. Accessed on 11 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref><ref>Fang, Joyce. “Site of WWII British surrender to be made national monument”. ''The Straits Times''. February 8, 2006. Accessed on 11 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> The building housed a permanent exhibition and was opened to the public the next day.<ref>“WWII surrender site to house war exhibition”. ''The Straits Times''. September 26, 2003. Accessed on 11 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> | On 15 February 2006, the former Ford factory was officially gazetted as a national monument.<ref>Fang, Joyce. “Ford Motor Factory gazetted a national monument [ARTICLE + ILLUSTRATION]”. ''The Business Times''. February 8, 2006. Accessed on 11 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref><ref>Fang, Joyce. “Site of WWII British surrender to be made national monument”. ''The Straits Times''. February 8, 2006. Accessed on 11 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> The building housed a permanent exhibition and was opened to the public the next day.<ref>“WWII surrender site to house war exhibition”. ''The Straits Times''. September 26, 2003. Accessed on 11 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> | ||
== Refurbished permanent exhibit (2017) == | ==Refurbished permanent exhibit (2017)== | ||
[[File:Syonan Gallery 1.jpg|thumb|''Syonan Gallery signboard. Photo taken from [https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/syonan-gallery-exhibition-is-a-reminder-of-a-traumatic-period-in-singapore-history-pm-lee The Straits Times.]'']] | [[File:Syonan Gallery 1.jpg|thumb|''Syonan Gallery signboard. Photo taken from [https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/syonan-gallery-exhibition-is-a-reminder-of-a-traumatic-period-in-singapore-history-pm-lee The Straits Times.]'']] | ||
In 2016, the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) announced that ''Memories at Old Ford Factory'' gallery will be temporarily closed for a year-long revamp.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/year-long-revamp-for-wwii-museum Year-long revamp for WWII museum]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 7, 2016. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> The plan was to develop a more updated and interactive exhibit.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/year-long-revamp-for-wwii-museum Year-long revamp for WWII museum]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 7, 2016. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> The gallery was slated to be opened to the public on 16 February 2017.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/world-war-ii-exhibition-to-reopen-on-feb-16-at-former-ford-factory World War II exhibition to reopen on Feb 16 at former Ford Factory]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 9, 2017. Accessed November 11, 2019.</ref> | In 2016, the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) announced that ''Memories at Old Ford Factory'' gallery will be temporarily closed for a year-long revamp.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/year-long-revamp-for-wwii-museum Year-long revamp for WWII museum]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 7, 2016. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> The plan was to develop a more updated and interactive exhibit.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/year-long-revamp-for-wwii-museum Year-long revamp for WWII museum]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 7, 2016. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> The gallery was slated to be opened to the public on 16 February 2017.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/world-war-ii-exhibition-to-reopen-on-feb-16-at-former-ford-factory World War II exhibition to reopen on Feb 16 at former Ford Factory]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 9, 2017. Accessed November 11, 2019.</ref> | ||
=== Exhibit highlights === | ===Exhibit highlights=== | ||
The new exhibit retained a replica of the board room table where the surrender documents were signed. It also boasted more multimedia displays and oral history recordings.<ref | The new exhibit retained a replica of the board room table where the surrender documents were signed. It also boasted more multimedia displays and oral history recordings.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/year-long-revamp-for-wwii-museum Year-long revamp for WWII museum.]” ''The Straits Times.'' February 07, 2016. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> The new exhibit has 4 sections centred around the following themes:<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/world-war-ii-exhibition-to-reopen-on-feb-16-at-former-ford-factory World War II exhibition to reopen on Feb 16 at former Ford Factory]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 9, 2017. Accessed November 11, 2019.</ref> | ||
* Pre-war Singapore and the history of Singapore’s Ford factory | *Pre-war Singapore and the history of Singapore’s Ford factory | ||
* The fall of Singapore and Japanese aggression | *The fall of Singapore and Japanese aggression | ||
* Singapore during the Japanese Occupation | *Singapore during the Japanese Occupation | ||
* The aftermath of World War II | *The aftermath of World War II | ||
== Negative public reception == | ==Negative public reception== | ||
'' | [[File:Syonan Gallery 2.png|alt=First revised sign for Syonan Gallery|thumb|''The first revised sign of Syonan Gallery. Photo from [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/name-of-syonan-gallery-does-not-express-approval-of-japanese-occ-7597198 Channel NewsAsia.]'']] | ||
=== ''Syonan Gallery: War and Its Legacies'' === | ===''Syonan Gallery: War and Its Legacies''=== | ||
The permanent exhibit at the former Ford Factory received a new name to accompany its new look.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/world-war-ii-exhibition-to-reopen-on-feb-16-at-former-ford-factory World War II exhibition to reopen on Feb 16 at former Ford Factory]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 9, 2017. Accessed November 11, 2019.</ref> | The permanent exhibit at the former Ford Factory received a new name to accompany its new look.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/world-war-ii-exhibition-to-reopen-on-feb-16-at-former-ford-factory World War II exhibition to reopen on Feb 16 at former Ford Factory]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 9, 2017. Accessed November 11, 2019.</ref><ref>Afifah Ariffin. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/new-world-war-ii-exhibition-to-open-at-former-ford-factory-7606312 New World War II exhibition to open at former Ford Factory]”. ''Channel News Asia.'' February 9, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> The exhibition was renamed as ''Syonan Gallery: War and Its Legacies''.<ref>Afifah Ariffin. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/new-world-war-ii-exhibition-to-open-at-former-ford-factory-7606312 New World War II exhibition to open at former Ford Factory]”. ''Channel News Asia.'' February 9, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> The name was poorly received due to its insensitivity. | ||
=== General public === | ===General public=== | ||
The general public was split in their views. Some welcomed the name change while others mentioned that it was a “ridiculous name that glorifies the occupiers of the war”. The descendants of war hero Lim Bo Seng remarked that it “would not have felt right” to step into a compound the name “Syonan Gallery”. | The general public was split in their views. Some welcomed the name change while others mentioned that it was a “ridiculous name that glorifies the occupiers of the war”.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/revamped-war-museums-name-sparks-questions Syonan Gallery: Revamped war museum's name sparks questions]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> The descendants of war hero Lim Bo Seng remarked that it “would not have felt right” to step into a compound the name “Syonan Gallery”.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/use-of-syonan-brings-back-painful-memories Use of 'Syonan' brings back painful memories]”. ''The Straits Times.'' December 18, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|'''Name''' | |'''Name''' | ||
|'''Profile''' | |'''Profile''' | ||
|'''Comments''' | |'''Comments''' | ||
|'''Refs''' | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Garry Bor | |Garry Bor | ||
|A member of the public | |A member of the public | ||
|The word “Syonan” carries a negative and painful meaning, especially for those who experienced the occupation. | |The word “Syonan” carries a negative and painful meaning, especially for those who experienced the occupation. | ||
|<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/revamped-war-museums-name-sparks-questions Syonan Gallery: Revamped war museum's name sparks questions]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
|K Nadarajah | |K Nadarajah | ||
|A member of the public who lived through the war | |A member of the public who lived through the war | ||
|He mentioned that “... enough time has passed'.' | |He mentioned that “... enough time has passed'.' | ||
|<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/revamped-war-museums-name-sparks-questions Syonan Gallery: Revamped war museum's name sparks questions]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Andrew Fong | |Andrew Fong | ||
|A member of the public | |A member of the public | ||
|The new name sheds attention on the “important and dark period of [Singapore’s] history” rather than glorifying the Japanese Occupation. | |The new name sheds attention on the “important and dark period of [Singapore’s] history” rather than glorifying the Japanese Occupation. | ||
|<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/nlb-explains-rationale-behind-naming-new-museum-syonan-gallery-name-had-sparked-debat NLB explains rationale behind naming new museum Syonan Gallery; name had sparked debate]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> | |||
|} | |} | ||
=== History enthusiasts === | ===History enthusiasts=== | ||
Several history enthusiasts have mentioned that the name choice suggests a commemoration of a dark event in history. | Several history enthusiasts have mentioned that the name choice suggests a commemoration of a dark event in history.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/revamped-war-museums-name-sparks-questions Syonan Gallery: Revamped war museum's name sparks questions]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|'''Name''' | |'''Name''' | ||
|'''Profile''' | |'''Profile''' | ||
|'''Comments''' | |'''Comments''' | ||
|'''Refs''' | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Kwek Li Yong | |Kwek Li Yong | ||
|Founder of heritage civic group ''My Community'' | |Founder of heritage civic group ''My Community'' | ||
|The Japanese renamed Singapore “Syonan-to” (Light of the South) during the occupation. Hence, the word has a negative connotation. | |The Japanese renamed Singapore “Syonan-to” (Light of the South) during the occupation. Hence, the word has a negative connotation. | ||
| | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Jerome Lim | |Jerome Lim | ||
|Heritage blogger on ''The Long and Winding Road'' | |Heritage blogger on ''The Long and Winding Road'' | ||
|While the name had negative connotations, it was “a good way to jolt those who are less aware of the horrors of the associated with the war. | |While the name had negative connotations, it was “a good way to jolt those who are less aware of the horrors of the associated with the war. | ||
|<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/revamped-war-museums-name-sparks-questions Syonan Gallery: Revamped war museum's name sparks questions]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Kevin Tan | |Kevin Tan | ||
|Heritage expert and law professor | |Heritage expert and law professor | ||
|The new name suggests a celebration of the period. | |The new name suggests a celebration of the period. | ||
| | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Yeo Kang Shua | |Yeo Kang Shua | ||
|Executive member of the ''Singapore Heritage Society'' | |Executive member of the ''Singapore Heritage Society'' | ||
|The new name was an improvement from the old name. | |The new name was an improvement from the old name. | ||
|<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/revamped-war-museums-name-sparks-questions Syonan Gallery: Revamped war museum's name sparks questions]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> | |||
|} | |} | ||
== Name revisions == | ==Name revisions== | ||
''(Picture) Workers | [[File:Syonan Gallery 3.jpg|alt=Workers covering the Syonan Gallery signboard|thumb|''Workers covering the Syonan Gallery signboard. Photo from [https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/syonan-gallery-renamed-minister-yaacob-ibrahim-apologises-for-pain-that-name-caused The Straits Times].'']] | ||
<br /> | |||
[[File:Syonan Gallery 4.jpg|alt=Workers removing the lettering from Syonan Gallery signage.|thumb|''Workers removing the lettering from Syonan Gallery signage.'' ''Photo from [https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/syonan-gallery-renamed-minister-yaacob-ibrahim-apologises-for-pain-that-name-caused The Straits Times]''.]] | |||
''(Picture) Workers removing the lettering from Syonan Gallery signage.'' | |||
Minister for Communication and Information Yaacob Ibrahim decided to remove “Syonan Gallery” from the name after reading the comments about the issue over 2 days. He apologised for the hurt caused.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/syonan-gallery-renamed-minister-yaacob-ibrahim-apologises-for-pain-that-name-caused ”Syonan Gallery" renamed; Minister Yaacob Ibrahim apologises for pain that name caused”]. ''The Straits Times.'' February 17, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> | |||
'' | |||
Overall, there were 2 revisions to the gallery’s name: | Overall, there were 2 revisions to the gallery’s name: | ||
| Line 91: | Line 97: | ||
|'''Changes made''' | |'''Changes made''' | ||
|'''Revised name''' | |'''Revised name''' | ||
|'''Refs''' | |||
|- | |- | ||
|15 February 2017 | |15 February 2017 | ||
| Line 97: | Line 104: | ||
“An Exhibition at Former Ford Factory” | “An Exhibition at Former Ford Factory” | ||
|''Syonan Gallery: War and Its Legacies - An Exhibition at Former Ford Factory'' | |''Syonan Gallery: War and Its Legacies - An Exhibition at Former Ford Factory'' | ||
|<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/syonan-gallery-name-does-not-express-approval-of-the-japanese-occupation-yaacob-ibrahim Signages of Syonan Gallery in former Ford Factory tweaked]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 15, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
|17 February 2017 | |17 February 2017 | ||
|The name “Syonan Gallery” was completely removed and taken down within 12 hours. | |The name “Syonan Gallery” was completely removed and taken down within 12 hours. | ||
|''Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and Its Legacies'' | |''Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and Its Legacies'' | ||
|<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/syonan-gallery-renamed-minister-yaacob-ibrahim-apologises-for-pain-that-name-caused ”Syonan Gallery" renamed; Minister Yaacob Ibrahim apologises for pain that name caused”]. ''The Straits Times.'' February 17, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref><ref>“[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/war-gallery-name-change-a-timeline The Syonan Gallery name change saga: A timeline]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 18, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> | |||
|} | |} | ||
Tan Fong See, a retiree who lived through the Japanese occupation, could not bring himself to step into the exhibition but welcomed the name change. He remarked that the name change was “a good move” as “many people did not like the Syonan name." | Tan Fong See, a retiree who lived through the Japanese occupation, could not bring himself to step into the exhibition but welcomed the name change. He remarked that the name change was “a good move” as “many people did not like the Syonan name."<ref>Seow, Bei Yi. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/visitors-welcome-name-change-of-wwii-gallery Visitors welcome name change of WWII gallery]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 19, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> | ||
== Official responses == | ==Official responses== | ||
=== National Library Board (NLB) === | ===National Library Board (NLB)=== | ||
The NLB shared that the original name came from focus group discussions with history academics, museum guides, students and parents. | The NLB shared that the original name came from focus group discussions with history academics, museum guides, students and parents.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/revamped-war-museums-name-sparks-questions Syonan Gallery: Revamped war museum's name sparks questions]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> | ||
They added that “Syonan” was deemed appropriate as it is an “easily recognisable” historical term. After consulting historians and its advisory panel, there were “no other names that captured the time and all that it stood for”. | They added that “Syonan” was deemed appropriate as it is an “easily recognisable” historical term.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/revamped-war-museums-name-sparks-questions Syonan Gallery: Revamped war museum's name sparks questions]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> After consulting historians and its advisory panel, there were “no other names that captured the time and all that it stood for”.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/nlb-explains-rationale-behind-naming-new-museum-syonan-gallery-name-had-sparked-debat NLB explains rationale behind naming new museum Syonan Gallery; name had sparked debate]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> | ||
=== Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong === | ===Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong=== | ||
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed his support of the name “Syonan Gallery” in a Facebook post dated 15 February 2019. He remarked that the name is a part of Singapore’s past no matter how tragic. In his own words: | Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed his support of the name “Syonan Gallery” in a Facebook post dated 15 February 2019. He remarked that the name is a part of Singapore’s past no matter how tragic.<ref>Chew, Hui Min. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/syonan-gallery-exhibition-is-a-reminder-of-a-traumatic-period-in-singapore-history-pm-lee Syonan Gallery exhibition at the Former Ford Factory is a reminder of a traumatic period in Singapore history: PM Lee]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 15, 2019. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> In his own words: | ||
“... the exhibition is a reminder of a traumatic period in our history and the suffering our pioneers experienced when Singapore lost its freedom and even its name." | “... the exhibition is a reminder of a traumatic period in our history and the suffering our pioneers experienced when Singapore lost its freedom and even its name."<ref>Chew, Hui Min. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/syonan-gallery-exhibition-is-a-reminder-of-a-traumatic-period-in-singapore-history-pm-lee Syonan Gallery exhibition at the Former Ford Factory is a reminder of a traumatic period in Singapore history: PM Lee]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 15, 2019. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> | ||
=== Yaacob Ibrahim (''then'' Minister of Communication and Information) === | ===Yaacob Ibrahim (''then'' Minister of Communication and Information)=== | ||
At the official launch of the gallery, Yaacob Ibrahim acknowledged that the name “Syonan Gallery” has “evoked some strong reactions in the community”. He mentioned that some older Singaporeans who lived through the Japanese occupation felt that the name legitimises the occupation. He remarked that “calling it as it was” was important. However, he clarified that the name was not an approval of the Japanese Occupation. | At the official launch of the gallery, Yaacob Ibrahim acknowledged that the name “Syonan Gallery” has “evoked some strong reactions in the community”.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/syonan-gallery-name-does-not-express-approval-of-the-japanese-occupation-yaacob-ibrahim Signages of Syonan Gallery in former Ford Factory tweaked]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 15, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> He mentioned that some older Singaporeans who lived through the Japanese occupation felt that the name legitimises the occupation. He remarked that “calling it as it was” was important.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/syonan-gallery-name-does-not-express-approval-of-the-japanese-occupation-yaacob-ibrahim Signages of Syonan Gallery in former Ford Factory tweaked]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 15, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> However, he clarified that the name was not an approval of the Japanese Occupation.<ref>Zaccheus, Melody. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/syonan-gallery-name-does-not-express-approval-of-the-japanese-occupation-yaacob-ibrahim Signages of Syonan Gallery in former Ford Factory tweaked]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 15, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.</ref> | ||
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<references /> | |||
Revision as of 17:44, 18 December 2019
On 9 February 2017, the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) announced that the newly revamped exhibit at the former Ford Factory will be renamed the Syonan Gallery: War and Its Legacies.[1][2] The name sparked debate for being insensitive and “glorifying” this era of Singapore’s history.
History of the former Ford factory
Ford factory & Japanese Occupation (1941 - 1980)
On 15 February 1942, the British surrendered Singapore to the Japanese in the Ford factory board room.[3][4] During the Japanese occupation, Nissan took over the premises to assemble Japanese military vehicles.[5]
Ford resumed manufacturing after the Japanese occupation. The Ford assembly plant at Bukit Timah was active until 1980 when it closed due to Ford’s diversification plans.[6]
National monument & exhibition space (2006 - 2016)
Reports and proposals to restore the former Ford Factory into a war exhibition surfaced as early as 1996 and 1997.[7][8] However, the building remained dilapidated in the year 2000.[9][10]
On 15 February 2006, the former Ford factory was officially gazetted as a national monument.[11][12] The building housed a permanent exhibition and was opened to the public the next day.[13]
Refurbished permanent exhibit (2017)
Syonan Gallery signboard. Photo taken from The Straits Times.
In 2016, the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) announced that Memories at Old Ford Factory gallery will be temporarily closed for a year-long revamp.[14] The plan was to develop a more updated and interactive exhibit.[15] The gallery was slated to be opened to the public on 16 February 2017.[16]
Exhibit highlights
The new exhibit retained a replica of the board room table where the surrender documents were signed. It also boasted more multimedia displays and oral history recordings.[17] The new exhibit has 4 sections centred around the following themes:[18]
- Pre-war Singapore and the history of Singapore’s Ford factory
- The fall of Singapore and Japanese aggression
- Singapore during the Japanese Occupation
- The aftermath of World War II
Negative public reception
The first revised sign of Syonan Gallery. Photo from Channel NewsAsia.
Syonan Gallery: War and Its Legacies
The permanent exhibit at the former Ford Factory received a new name to accompany its new look.[19][20] The exhibition was renamed as Syonan Gallery: War and Its Legacies.[21] The name was poorly received due to its insensitivity.
General public
The general public was split in their views. Some welcomed the name change while others mentioned that it was a “ridiculous name that glorifies the occupiers of the war”.[22] The descendants of war hero Lim Bo Seng remarked that it “would not have felt right” to step into a compound the name “Syonan Gallery”.[23]
| Name | Profile | Comments | Refs |
| Garry Bor | A member of the public | The word “Syonan” carries a negative and painful meaning, especially for those who experienced the occupation. | [24] |
| K Nadarajah | A member of the public who lived through the war | He mentioned that “... enough time has passed'.' | [25] |
| Andrew Fong | A member of the public | The new name sheds attention on the “important and dark period of [Singapore’s] history” rather than glorifying the Japanese Occupation. | [26] |
History enthusiasts
Several history enthusiasts have mentioned that the name choice suggests a commemoration of a dark event in history.[27]
| Name | Profile | Comments | Refs |
| Kwek Li Yong | Founder of heritage civic group My Community | The Japanese renamed Singapore “Syonan-to” (Light of the South) during the occupation. Hence, the word has a negative connotation. | |
| Jerome Lim | Heritage blogger on The Long and Winding Road | While the name had negative connotations, it was “a good way to jolt those who are less aware of the horrors of the associated with the war. | [28] |
| Kevin Tan | Heritage expert and law professor | The new name suggests a celebration of the period. | |
| Yeo Kang Shua | Executive member of the Singapore Heritage Society | The new name was an improvement from the old name. | [29] |
Name revisions
Workers covering the Syonan Gallery signboard. Photo from The Straits Times.
Workers removing the lettering from Syonan Gallery signage. Photo from The Straits Times.
(Picture) Workers removing the lettering from Syonan Gallery signage.
Minister for Communication and Information Yaacob Ibrahim decided to remove “Syonan Gallery” from the name after reading the comments about the issue over 2 days. He apologised for the hurt caused.[30]
Overall, there were 2 revisions to the gallery’s name:
| Date | Changes made | Revised name | Refs |
| 15 February 2017 | Signages were tweaked to include the following sentence:
“An Exhibition at Former Ford Factory” |
Syonan Gallery: War and Its Legacies - An Exhibition at Former Ford Factory | [31] |
| 17 February 2017 | The name “Syonan Gallery” was completely removed and taken down within 12 hours. | Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and Its Legacies | [32][33] |
Tan Fong See, a retiree who lived through the Japanese occupation, could not bring himself to step into the exhibition but welcomed the name change. He remarked that the name change was “a good move” as “many people did not like the Syonan name."[34]
Official responses
National Library Board (NLB)
The NLB shared that the original name came from focus group discussions with history academics, museum guides, students and parents.[35]
They added that “Syonan” was deemed appropriate as it is an “easily recognisable” historical term.[36] After consulting historians and its advisory panel, there were “no other names that captured the time and all that it stood for”.[37]
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed his support of the name “Syonan Gallery” in a Facebook post dated 15 February 2019. He remarked that the name is a part of Singapore’s past no matter how tragic.[38] In his own words:
“... the exhibition is a reminder of a traumatic period in our history and the suffering our pioneers experienced when Singapore lost its freedom and even its name."[39]
Yaacob Ibrahim (then Minister of Communication and Information)
At the official launch of the gallery, Yaacob Ibrahim acknowledged that the name “Syonan Gallery” has “evoked some strong reactions in the community”.[40] He mentioned that some older Singaporeans who lived through the Japanese occupation felt that the name legitimises the occupation. He remarked that “calling it as it was” was important.[41] However, he clarified that the name was not an approval of the Japanese Occupation.[42]
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Year-long revamp for WWII museum”. The Straits Times. February 07, 2016. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Afifah Ariffin. “New World War II exhibition to open at former Ford Factory”. Channel NewsAsia. February 9, 2017. Accessed November 11, 2019.
- ↑ “DJAWA LEADERS”. Syonan Shimbun. August 12, 1943. Accessed on 9 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
- ↑ “You can add to WW II exhibits”. TODAY. March 4, 2005. Accessed on 9 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
- ↑ “FORMER FORD FACTORY”. National Archives of Singapore. Accessed on 9 December 2019.
- ↑ “Ford may start new factory to make auto parts”. The Straits Times. August 27, 1980. Accessed on 9 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
- ↑ “Ford factory here to be marked for preservation [ARTICLE + ILLUSTRATION]”. The Straits Times. February 12, 1996. Accessed on 11 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
- ↑ Loh, Chris. “Coming up: war museum next to Hong Leong’s Hillside condos”. July 11, 1997. Accessed on 11 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
- ↑ “British surrender site a sorry sight [LETTER]”. The Straits Times. March 28, 2000. Accessed on 11 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
- ↑ Yeow, Srephenr. “Forlorn monument of British surrender [ARTICLE + ILLUSTRATION]”. The Straits Times. March 30, 2000. Accessed on 11 December 2019.
- ↑ Fang, Joyce. “Ford Motor Factory gazetted a national monument [ARTICLE + ILLUSTRATION]”. The Business Times. February 8, 2006. Accessed on 11 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
- ↑ Fang, Joyce. “Site of WWII British surrender to be made national monument”. The Straits Times. February 8, 2006. Accessed on 11 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
- ↑ “WWII surrender site to house war exhibition”. The Straits Times. September 26, 2003. Accessed on 11 December 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Year-long revamp for WWII museum”. The Straits Times. February 7, 2016. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Year-long revamp for WWII museum”. The Straits Times. February 7, 2016. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “World War II exhibition to reopen on Feb 16 at former Ford Factory”. The Straits Times. February 9, 2017. Accessed November 11, 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Year-long revamp for WWII museum.” The Straits Times. February 07, 2016. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “World War II exhibition to reopen on Feb 16 at former Ford Factory”. The Straits Times. February 9, 2017. Accessed November 11, 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “World War II exhibition to reopen on Feb 16 at former Ford Factory”. The Straits Times. February 9, 2017. Accessed November 11, 2019.
- ↑ Afifah Ariffin. “New World War II exhibition to open at former Ford Factory”. Channel News Asia. February 9, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Afifah Ariffin. “New World War II exhibition to open at former Ford Factory”. Channel News Asia. February 9, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Syonan Gallery: Revamped war museum's name sparks questions”. The Straits Times. February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Use of 'Syonan' brings back painful memories”. The Straits Times. December 18, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Syonan Gallery: Revamped war museum's name sparks questions”. The Straits Times. February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Syonan Gallery: Revamped war museum's name sparks questions”. The Straits Times. February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “NLB explains rationale behind naming new museum Syonan Gallery; name had sparked debate”. The Straits Times. February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Syonan Gallery: Revamped war museum's name sparks questions”. The Straits Times. February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Syonan Gallery: Revamped war museum's name sparks questions”. The Straits Times. February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Syonan Gallery: Revamped war museum's name sparks questions”. The Straits Times. February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “”Syonan Gallery" renamed; Minister Yaacob Ibrahim apologises for pain that name caused”. The Straits Times. February 17, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Signages of Syonan Gallery in former Ford Factory tweaked”. The Straits Times. February 15, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “”Syonan Gallery" renamed; Minister Yaacob Ibrahim apologises for pain that name caused”. The Straits Times. February 17, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ “The Syonan Gallery name change saga: A timeline”. The Straits Times. February 18, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Seow, Bei Yi. “Visitors welcome name change of WWII gallery”. The Straits Times. February 19, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Syonan Gallery: Revamped war museum's name sparks questions”. The Straits Times. February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Syonan Gallery: Revamped war museum's name sparks questions”. The Straits Times. February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “NLB explains rationale behind naming new museum Syonan Gallery; name had sparked debate”. The Straits Times. February 10, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Chew, Hui Min. “Syonan Gallery exhibition at the Former Ford Factory is a reminder of a traumatic period in Singapore history: PM Lee”. The Straits Times. February 15, 2019. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Chew, Hui Min. “Syonan Gallery exhibition at the Former Ford Factory is a reminder of a traumatic period in Singapore history: PM Lee”. The Straits Times. February 15, 2019. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Signages of Syonan Gallery in former Ford Factory tweaked”. The Straits Times. February 15, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Signages of Syonan Gallery in former Ford Factory tweaked”. The Straits Times. February 15, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.
- ↑ Zaccheus, Melody. “Signages of Syonan Gallery in former Ford Factory tweaked”. The Straits Times. February 15, 2017. Accessed 11 November 2019.