Singapore eyes directory of heritage businesses

Citizens are being urged to patronise companies with cultural significance.

Singapore will launch an online directory of locally owned businesses that are at least three decades old to amplify their reach and preserve the nation’s cultural landscape.

The directory, part of the National Heritage Board's (NHB) SG Heritage Business Scheme, which seeks to drive awareness and boost patronage of culturally significant shops, is expected to go live by the third quarter, when the awardees will be announced.

A survey by the agency last year showed that only 46% of Singaporeans patronise these businesses even if more than 80% think they help promote history, heritage, and culture.

“We want to encourage Singaporeans to participate in sustaining our local heritage by supporting these heritage businesses,” Nasri Shah, assistant director at the NHB, told Singapore Business Review.

“After all, safeguarding our living heritage is a collective effort. Singaporeans must also do their part to ensure that such businesses remain valued and viable,” he said in an emailed reply to questions.

Besides the online directory, eligible businesses will get the SG Heritage Business mark, which will be part of the “marketing toolkit” given to them. The kit will also include assets unique to each business, such as storefront and product photos, that businesses could use for publicity purposes,” Nasri said.

There will also be a marketing campaign highlighting heritage businesses and their legacies.

“Businesses could also appear in placemaking initiatives such as tours or workshops conducted during events like NHB’s festivals and at heritage institutions such as the Indian Heritage Centre,” he added.

The pilot program started on 20 March and will end on 18 May, covering businesses in the Central Area including River Valley, Chinatown, Little India, and Bugis, with plans to extend to the other parts of the city-state.

Under the program, a heritage business must be registered and operating in Singapore for at least 30 years, have at least 30% local equity held by Singapore citizens or permanent residents, and have operated continuously for more than two years.

NHB said they would consider businesses that offer traditional food, crafts, or services, such as heritage restaurants, clothing or jewellery makers, and those that preserve and share cultural knowledge and skills such as tea culture. 

Longstanding businesses passed down through generations or in operation for more than a generation will also be considered.

“The number awarded will depend on the number of quality nominations that meet the award criteria,” Nasri said. Nominations will be announced in July.

A business that fails to make the cut does not mean it is not a heritage business. “The scheme recognises exemplars who have submitted strong nomination applications. It does not aim to regulate who or what can be considered a heritage business.”

“Upon receiving the designation, a business will be subject to terms and conditions that may include ensuring it continues to reflect the values of being an SG Heritage Business,” Nasri said.

Applications for business nominations may be submitted to https://tinyurl.com/4eu92rvm.