(Banner above) Winning entry by Eli Ze En Tan (7), who recreated the former Majestic Theatre on Eu Tong Sen Street , 2024 . Courtesy of Empire Code.
Engaging Singaporean youths with their heritage is crucial for preserving cultural identity and fostering a sense of belonging in an increasingly globalised world. However, traditional methods of heritage education often struggle to resonate with the younger generation. Recognising this challenge, the National Heritage Board (NHB) has leveraged the popular Minecraft platform to bridge the gap between history and contemporary youth culture. By recreating historical landmarks and cultural sites within the game's familiar, interactive environment, NHB hoped to demonstrate the relevance of heritage to young Singaporeans' lived reality. This innovative approach not only captures their attention but also allows them to explore and interact with their heritage in a format that speaks to their digital native sensibilities, thereby making the past more accessible and engaging.
In August 2024, NHB and Hua Language Centre collaborated with Empire Code Education for their annual Minecraft Championship, highlighting conserved buildings and National Monuments around the greater Chinatown and Telok Ayer area. From 31 August to 11 September 2024, 43 children aged 7 to 12 participated in the Minecraft Championship. Contestants were offered a selection of 12 heritage buildings to construct and were tasked with producing a brief video highlighting their creation's historical and architectural importance. Additionally, participants were required to incorporate a relevant Chinese idiom into their build.
Example of how Chinese idioms were incorporated into the build of Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church. An NPC was used to explain the meaning of the idiom. Built by Aiden Yong (10) who won the Best Accuracy Award, 2024. Courtesy of Empire Code.
The selection also encompassed religious monuments such as Masjid Al-Abrar, Masjid Jamae, Nagore Dargah and Sri Mariamman Temple. This diverse range of structures was included to highlight that Chinatown was a place where people of different races and religious beliefs co-existed harmoniously since the early days of Singapore as a British colony.
Built of Nagore Dargah by Zachary Chang (10), who won the Best Creativity Award, 2024. Courtesy of Empire Code.
The build of Nagore Dargah incorporated information about the National Monument using NPCs, 2024. Courtesy of Empire Code.
The top entries were announced at an award ceremony at The Peranakan Museum on 22 September 2024. Other that the top three winners, prizes were also given for Best Presentation, Best Accuracy, Best Creativity, Best Build and Best Use of Chinese Idiom.
Many of the buildings such as the former Majestic Theatre, former Nam Tin building and former Lai Chun Yuen Opera House have been converted from their original purposes to modern uses. Hence, while some chose to reflect the adaptive reuse of these structures as they are today, some contestants relied on their imaginations to recreate historical interiors based on limited available information.
The reimagined interior of the former Majestic Theatre by the winner of the Championship- Eli Ze En Tan (7). The conserved building is currently used as a senior activity centre, 2024. Courtesy of Empire Code.
Former Nam Tim Building built by Leo Kwan (12), the first runner-up in the Minecraft Championship. He reimagined the seating area of the hotel reception area of the Great Southern Hotel that used to be located within the building, 2024. Courtesy of Empire Code.
By reimagining and recreating Chinatown's heritage buildings in Minecraft’s digital realm, participants have shown that heritage is a dynamic, living entity that can adapt to and thrive in the modern world. As we move forward in this increasingly digital age, initiatives like this remind us that heritage and buildings are not merely relics of the past. Through the creative use of technology, we can ensure that our heritage continues to evolve, inspire, and forge connections across generations. This approach proves that the story of our past is an integral part of our future, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary relevance.
