INDIAN HERITAGE CENTRE

Mr Shriniwas Rai asked the Minister for Information and the Arts if he will consider allocating a building for an Indian Heritage Centre in Little India if the Indian community wants to set up such a Centre.

Mr Lee Yock Suan: The Government supports the various communities' efforts to establish their own heritage centres and the promotion of their culture, history, traditions and values. In 1992 the Government agreed to provide premises to the Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian communities for use as heritage centres at nominal rental.

The Chinese Heritage Centre was set up by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations at the former Nantah Administration Block. Preparatory work for the Malay Heritage Centre at Kampong Glam is now in progress. The National Heritage Board is similarly prepared to assist the Indian community in its efforts to set up an Indian Heritage Centre in Little India or other suitable location.