LRT AND MRT/NEL STATIONS (Placement of heritage signboards and history templates)

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LRT AND MRT/NEL STATIONS (Placement of heritage signboards and history templates): 7.

Miss Penny Low asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider placing heritage signboards and brief history templates at suitable LRT and MRT/NEL stations to explain the names of the stations and help cultivate a sense of history and belonging to Singapore.

The Minister of State for Transport (Mrs Lim Hwee Hua) (for the Minister for Transport): Sir, Miss Penny Low asked whether the Ministry will consider placing heritage signboards and brief history templates at suitable LRT and MRT stations to explain the names of the stations and help cultivate a sense of history and belonging to Singapore.

The idea is certainly an interesting one. I am glad to inform the House that LTA has already taken a step in this direction. Some of our MRT stations are designed to reflect the character of the vicinity. A good example is the Minangkabau-styled Eunos station which reflects the Malay heritage of the environment. The inclusion of Chinese language signs at Chinatown station, and Tamil signs at Little India and Farrer Park stations also helps to reflect the ethnic character of these two sites.

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Some of the art works in the Art in Transit programme for the North East Line are also inspired by local culture and history. Wherever possible, the artists have tried to capture the flavour and culture associated with the stations' locality.

Take, for example, Kovan station. The artist, Eng Tow, used early and current topographical maps to illustrate the passage of time on Kovan, which was once a close-knit rural community. The resultant art works reflect the area's journey from an agricultural community to one in which modern infrastructure dominates. Over at Farrer Park station, the murals depicting various sporting activities serve to remind commuters that Farrer Park used to be the focal point for all who were passionate about sports.

LTA will continue to work with the National Heritage Board to see what else can be done to cultivate a sense of history and belonging among Singaporeans, including the suggestion to put up heritage signboards.

Miss Penny Low (Pasir Ris-Punggol): Sir, would there also be an intention to extend these heritage signboards to LRT stations? I understand that the Street Naming Committee, the grassroots organisations and even STB are involved in the whole naming process. But, very often, when the signs are put up, they are not easily comprehended by the local residents who are new in those areas.

Mrs Lim Hwee Hua: Sir, certainly the suggestion by the Member will be taken into consideration as well.