1 A Heritage Institution of Press Release For immediate release SUN YAT SEN NANYANG MEMORIAL HALL LAUNCHES ENHANCED PERMANENT GALLERIES AND SPECIAL EXHIBITION “ZHONGSHAN WARSHIP & ITS TREASURES” CO-PRESENTED WITH CHINA Guest of Honour, Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, on a guided tour of the newly launched special exhibition titled Zhongshan Warship & its Treasures at SYSNMH. A visitor explores SYSNMH’s enhanced permanent galleries, which incorporated new exhibits and more engaging multimedia features such as a hologram presentation of Dr. Sun Yat Sen's activities when he stayed in the villa. Photos courtesy of the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Singapore, 18 October 2014 – From today, visitors to the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (SYSNMH) will be treated to a new experience with the introduction of 160 new exhibits to its enhanced permanent galleries, and the debut of more than 50 national treasures from China at a special exhibition titled Zhongshan Warship & its Treasures. 2 SYSNMH – a heritage institution managed by the National Heritage Board – has recently completed the enhancement of its permanent galleries. Part of the Memorial Hall’s ongoing development since its reopening in October 2011, the refreshed galleries feature a more comprehensive storyline, supplemented by artefacts from the community and Singapore’s National Collection. Visitors can also expect an immersive experience with the upgrading of the galleries’ presentation techniques to include more engaging multimedia features. 3 Among the 160 new exhibits at the permanent galleries, 17 artefacts are contributed by the community and are displayed to the public for the first time. These include prominent artefacts such as an English translation of a poem ‘Li Sao’ (composed by Chinese poet Qu Yuan) by local pioneer, Dr. Lim Boon Keng, as well as original documents signed by Dr. Sun Yat Sen donated by a descendant of a close associate of Dr. Sun.
Transcript
1
A Heritage Institution of
Press Release
For immediate release
SUN YAT SEN NANYANG MEMORIAL HALL LAUNCHES ENHANCED PERMANENT
GALLERIES AND SPECIAL EXHIBITION “ZHONGSHAN WARSHIP & ITS TREASURES”
CO-PRESENTED WITH CHINA
Guest of Honour, Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for
Culture, Community and Youth, on a guided tour of the
newly launched special exhibition titled Zhongshan
Warship & its Treasures at SYSNMH.
A visitor explores SYSNMH’s enhanced permanent
galleries, which incorporated new exhibits and more
engaging multimedia features such as a hologram
presentation of Dr. Sun Yat Sen's activities when he
stayed in the villa.
Photos courtesy of the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Singapore, 18 October 2014 – From today, visitors to the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
(SYSNMH) will be treated to a new experience with the introduction of 160 new exhibits to its
enhanced permanent galleries, and the debut of more than 50 national treasures from China at
a special exhibition titled Zhongshan Warship & its Treasures.
2 SYSNMH – a heritage institution managed by the National Heritage Board – has recently
completed the enhancement of its permanent galleries. Part of the Memorial Hall’s ongoing
development since its reopening in October 2011, the refreshed galleries feature a more
comprehensive storyline, supplemented by artefacts from the community and Singapore’s
National Collection. Visitors can also expect an immersive experience with the upgrading of the
galleries’ presentation techniques to include more engaging multimedia features.
3 Among the 160 new exhibits at the permanent galleries, 17 artefacts are contributed by
the community and are displayed to the public for the first time. These include prominent
artefacts such as an English translation of a poem ‘Li Sao’ (composed by Chinese poet Qu
Yuan) by local pioneer, Dr. Lim Boon Keng, as well as original documents signed by Dr. Sun
Yat Sen donated by a descendant of a close associate of Dr. Sun.
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4 Guest of Honour Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, said:
“The Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall is an important focal point for the Chinese community
to connect with their culture and heritage. Through collaborations with its overseas partners, the
Memorial Hall has brought quality programmes to Singaporeans. The community is also getting
involved to volunteer and contribute new artefacts. I am glad to know that the Memorial Hall will
be doing more to engage a wider audience, such as introducing free guided walks for the public
to explore Balestier’s multicultural heritage. Such commendable efforts will help the institution
reach out to our diverse, multi-racial society.”
Special Exhibition on Zhongshan Warship Co-presented with China
5 Co-presented by SYSNMH and the Zhongshan Warship Museum in Wuhan, China,
Zhongshan Warship & its Treasures showcases more than 50 rare artefacts, which were
salvaged from the historic Zhongshan Warship, in this inaugural presentation outside of China.
These artefacts from China’s National Collection range from honorary plaques to military
equipment. Together with historical pictures and documents, the exhibition features a total of
close to 100 exhibits.
6 This special exhibition explores the rich and illustrious history of the Zhongshan Warship,
a vessel that anchored its place in Chinese history through its involvement in various significant
events, most notably its role in saving Dr. Sun Yat Sen and Madam Soong Ching Ling after the
rebellion led by Chen Jiong Ming in 1922.
7 General Manager of SYSNMH, Dr. Tan Teng Phee, said: “We are honoured to work with
the Zhongshan Warship Museum to bring these national treasures outside China for the first
time, and provide our visitors with deeper insights into modern Chinese history. Charting the
voyages of the vessel, this exhibition tells an inspiring tale of service and valour, which evokes
the revolutionary spirit of Dr. Sun Yat Sen. In addition, it also complements the story of Dr. Sun
and our local pioneers in SYSNMH’s permanent galleries.”
Other Plans
8 In 2014 and 2015, SYSNMH plans to bring in more exhibitions relating to the 1911
Revolution from other cities in China, as well as continue to extend its reach overseas while
strengthening its research and transnational ties. For instance come November, SYSNMH is
invited to launch an exhibition – Dr. Sun Yat Sen & the Revolutionary Comrades from Nanyang
– which features the contributions of Singapore and Malaya pioneers, to be showcased at the
Wuhan 1911 Revolution Museum. SYSNMH has also been invited to travel its exhibitions to
Beijing and Guangzhou in China in 2015. Such increasing recognition of SYSNMH’s content
and curatorship by renowned counterparts marks a key milestone in SYSNMH’s development.
9 For more information, please refer to:
Annex A for highlights of SYSNMH’s enhanced permanent galleries
Annex B for highlights of the special exhibition
Annex C for background information on the Zhongshan Warship and the special
exhibition
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Annex D for the special exhibition listings blurb and programmes held in conjunction
with it
For speeches delivered by the VIPs on 18 October, please refer to this link:
Highlights of SYSNMH’s Enhanced Permanent Galleries SYSNMH’s four permanent galleries have been enhanced with new features and exhibits to provide a more enriching experience for visitors. The refresh not only involves the enhancement of the galleries’ content to make their storyline more comprehensive, it has also incorporated artefacts from Singapore’s National Collection, artefacts contributed by the community, photographs, and other archival materials. Visitors can also expect an immersive experience with the upgrading of the galleries’ presentation techniques to include more engaging multimedia features such as a hologram presentation of Dr. Sun Yat Sen's activities when he stayed in the villa, and multimedia projection mapping of archival materials. SYSNMH is one of the first local museums to incorporate such multimedia presentations to engage its audiences.
Gallery 1: This gallery introduces visitors to the history of the villa and how it came to be known as Wan Qing Yuan. It also features the lives and contributions of Teo Eng Hock, Lim Nee Soon and Tan Chor Lam, the three key supporters of Dr. Sun Yat Sen in Singapore. New features:
A new multimedia presentation of the series of historical events which led to the decline of the Qing Dynasty is added to enable visitors to understand why the three key supporters supported Dr. Sun’s revolutionary cause.
Additional historical images are included to trace how the three key supporters turned from moderate reformists to revolutionaries.
New artefacts which provide further insights to the lives of the three key supporters
Gallery 2 Nanyang played a crucial role in the success of the 1911 Revolution. This gallery explores the role played by Singapore as the headquarters of the revolutionary movement (Tong Meng Hui) in Southeast Asia. New features:
A hologram projection which depicts the activities of Dr. Sun in the villa
A multimedia animation which further narrates the event that happened during the sworn-in ceremony of the Tong Meng Hui members in the villa
A "revolutionary wall" which introduces the key supporters of Dr. Sun in the region
Gallery 3 Dr. Sun Yat Sen’s revolutionary ideals had far-reaching effects beyond the geographical boundaries of China. Gallery 3 highlights the impact the 1911 Revolution had on the Chinese community in both Singapore and the region. New features:
Three new sections on the responses of the overseas Chinese community to the political changes in China, how social reforms in China affected Chinese community in Singapore, and how the Chinese community in the region commemorated Dr. Sun and the 1911 Revolution
Projection mapping on the Newspaper Wall, which complements the existing newspaper articles on the 1911 Revolution with historical images, and complete the narration of the founding of the Chinese republic after the 1911 Revolution
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Gallery 4 Gallery 4 explores the changes that swept the Chinese world as a result of the 1911 Revolution. Its impacts on economy, education and vernacular literature in various parts of the world will be expanded on. New features:
Content of the existing sections are enhanced in the following ways: o Education: Introduces the change in the syllabus of the Chinese education in
Singapore, and highlights the contributions of Dr. Sun's supporters in Singapore towards education in Singapore
o Clan Associations: Introduces the social function of the clan associations in Singapore and features a typical set up of the main hall of a pre-war clan association
o Vernacular literature: Introduces the shift from classical literature to vernacular literature and the development of the Chinese literature in pre-war Singapore
o Economy: Includes tin mining, an important economic activity in Malay Peninsula
One new section on the role played by Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce which inherited the villa in 1951, and a realistic architectural model of the villa in early 20th century
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Artefact Highlights of SYSNMH’s Revamped Permanent Galleries
Calligraphy of the words "Jian Wei Gong De" (Thriftiness is a universal virtue) by Dr. Sun Yat Sen (date unknown) Collection of Dr. John Bosco Lee The phrase "Jian Wei Gong De" first appeared in Du Guan Shan, a poem by famous figure Cao Cao in late Han Dynasty. This phrase has its origins from the Spring and Autumn Annals, a chronicle of the state of Lu from 722 BCE to 481 BCE which stated the belief that thriftiness is a common virtue. This calligraphy, written by Dr. Sun Yat Sen, reflected his value that thriftiness is a universal virtue that should be embraced by all.
孙中山亲题“俭为共德”横幅（年份不详）
李思豪先生 (Dr. John Bosco Lee) 珍藏
“俭为共德”虽出于曹操《度关山》一诗，但更早于
《春秋》已出现“俭，德之共也”词句，显示古人一
般认为节俭是有德行的人之共通点。孙中山亲题“俭
为共德”字句，反映出他个人的价值观，认为“节
俭”是个共同德行。
Certificate of Appointment as Head of Hong Kong Fundraising Committee (1922) Courtesy of Mr. Lincoln Cheng Cheng Tian Dou (1881-1936) went to Honolulu in his early years where he worked his way through high school and subsequently enrolled into the University of Chicago. After graduation, he returned to China and began his career. In 1917, he set up the Industrial and Commercial Bank. He was also a member of the delegation which visited the United States to study her railway system. Cheng was appointed as the Head of the Hong Kong Fundraising Committee and Commissioner of Finance for Guangdong by Dr. Sun Yat Sen who was then the “Extraordinary President”.
香港筹饷委员长委任状（1922 年）
程令嘉先生捐赠
程天斗（1881 – 1936 年）早年赴檀香山半工半读，
后考入芝加哥大学。毕业后返回中国，投身经济与政
治事业。他于 1917 年组织工商银行，曾担任美国铁路
调查委员。1921 年 4 月非常国会推选孙中山为“非常
大总统”后，孙中山曾委任程天斗为香港筹饷委员长
及广东财政厅长。
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Flag case with the characters "Min Guo Wan Sui" (Long Live the Republic) (date unknown) Collection of Mr. Chen Ke Zhan Before World War II, many Chinese showed their affiliation and respect for Dr. Sun Yat Sen and the nation by collecting items relating to the Chinese republic.
“民国万岁”的旗盒（年份不详）
陈克湛先生珍藏
二战前，许多华人家中的收藏都反映他们认同于孙中
山和他所创立的民国。
English Translation of Li Sao (1929) Collection of Mr. Alex Tan Tiong Hee, Trustee of the Settlement of Dr. Lim Boon Keng This is one of the two known copies of the 1929 edition of Li Sao translated into English and published by Dr. Lim Boon Keng. This reflected the importance of classical Chinese literature in the early Chinese community of Singapore, especially for the Peranakans who desired to learn more about their cultural origins. This book is Dr. Lim's attempt to introduce Chinese culture to the Peranakans who were mostly English-educated.
《离骚》英译本（1929 年）
林文庆博士基金受托人陈仲熙先生珍藏
1929 年，林文庆翻译并出版了屈原的《离骚》英译
本。
此次展出的版本为 1929 年初版本。目前所知的 1929
年版本只遗存两本，而此为其中之一。林文庆所翻译
的《离骚》音译本反映出当时新加坡华社仍注重传统
中国文学，并且是土生华人认识中华文化的重要途径
之一。林文庆将《离骚》翻译成英语，主要目的是将
之介绍给受英文教育的土生华人。
Plaque presented by the President of the Chinese Republic to the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce (1920) Collection of Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry This plaque was presented by Xu Shi Chang, then President of the Chinese Republic, to the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce in 1920.
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This shows that the Chinese government recognised the Singapore Chamber of Commerce as a leading organisation of the Chinese community in Singapore, and hoped to connect to the Chinese community in Singapore through the Chamber.
中华民国大总统颁赠新加坡中华总商会之“宗风远
鬯”匾额（1920 年）
新加坡中华总商会珍藏
此幅“宗风远鬯”牌匾由当时中华民国大总统徐世昌
于 1920 年赠送给新加坡中华总商会，寓意该会影响深
远。
这个匾额显示当时的中国政府认同中华总商会为新加
坡华社的主要机构之一，并且希望通过总商会获得新
加坡华社的支持。
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ANNEX B
Artefact Highlights of Special Exhibition – Zhongshan Warship & its Treasures
1. Zhongshan Warship
Reproduced with permission from Zhongshan
Warship Museum
Zhongshan Warship, originally named Yongfeng
Warship, was one of the two modernised warships
the Qing Government ordered from Japan in 1910 at
a cost of 680,000 dollars.
1. 中山舰
中山舰博物馆特许复制
中山舰，原名永丰舰, 是 1910 年中国清政府向日本
订造两艘现代化炮舰之一。当时造价总额为日币
68 万元。
2. "Inspiring Spirit" Silver Plaque
Collection of Zhongshan Warship Museum
In April 1934, Wang Zhao Ming (1883 –1944), then
the Head of the Executive Yuan of the Nationalist
Government, accompanied by the Minister of the
Navy, Chen Shao Kuan (1889 –1969) boarded the
Zhongshan Warship.
The words, “Inspiring Spirit”, are inscribed
horizontally on the plaque with the following:
Yongfeng Warship shall be renamed as
Zhongshan Warship in memory of Dr. Sun Yat
Sen when he led a counterattack against Chen
Jiong Ming in June 1922. This renaming also
serves to commend the officers on board for
their bravery.
– In the words of Wang Zhao Ming.
These words illustrate why Yongfeng Warship was
renamed Zhongshan Warship.
2. “精神如见”银质匾牌
中山舰博物馆馆藏
1934 年 4 月，时任国民政府行政院院长的汪兆铭
（1883 － 1944 年）在海军部长陈绍宽（1889 -
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1969 年）的陪同下乘坐中山舰时所题之匾牌。
其正面横刻“精神如见”， 以及竖刻楷书八行： “十
一年六月十六日广州变作大总统孙公誓师讨逆以永
丰舰为座舰凡五十余日事后锡名为中山舰以存纪念
二十三年四月偕海军陈部长同乘此舰追怀前迹谨识
数语以勖将士汪兆铭”。寥寥数语，概述了永丰舰更
名为中山舰的历史缘由。
3. The Zhongshan Warship Emblem
Collection of Zhongshan Warship Museum
The emblem is rectangular in shape. The four
Chinese characters on the front mean "Zhongshan
Warship". The back features a patterned design that
is a combination of the characters "Zhongshan" – in
the form of an anchor – and the Kuomintang party
logo.
3. “中山军舰”标牌
中山舰博物馆馆藏
标牌为长方形，正面刻有楷体“中山军舰”四字，背
面中央是形似铁锚的“中山”字样和国民党党徽组合
图案。
4. Stone Seal belonging to Sa Shi Jun, the last
Captain of Zhongshan Warship
Collection of Zhongshan Warship Museum
This personal seal is carved out of a clear rose
quartz. The top of the seal is sloped while its surface
is engraved with cloud patterns. The seal bears the
words “Sa Shi Jun’s Seal” in traditional Chinese
calligraphy.
4. 末任舰长萨师俊（1895 – 1938 年）之石刻印章
中山舰博物馆馆藏
此枚印章为芙蓉石料随形章，石质温润、通
体透明；印章上部呈斜坡状，坡面雕有云
纹。印面为“萨师俊印”四篆体字。
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5. Group photograph of Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Madam
Soong Ching Ling and the officers on board
Yongfeng Warship dated August 1923
Reproduced with permission from Zhongshan
Warship Museum
5. 1923 年 8 月，孙中山和夫人宋庆龄重登永丰舰与
舰上官兵合影
中山舰博物馆特许复制
6. Heavy Machine Gun
Reproduced with permission from Zhongshan
Warship Museum
This heavy machine gun was produced by the
Guangdong Arsenal. After the founding of the
republic, all types of arsenal were directly
administered by the Army Ordinance Department.
However, the military governors in the different
provinces had de facto control over the bureaus.
6. 重机枪
中山舰博物馆特许复制
此重机枪由广东兵工厂于 1926 年制造。民国成立
后，各兵工厂、制造局统归陆军部军械司管辖。但
实权和经费均由各省地方督军掌控。
7. Silver Medal for Land, Naval and Air Units
Collection of Zhongshan Warship Museum
This medal presented the highest of honours for
those in the army, navy and air force. It is circular
and consists of a plum blossom, five-pointed star
and flowers that twirl from inside-out. The words
“Medal for the Land, Naval and Air Units” are on the
back.
This medal possibly belonged to Captain Sa Shi Jun
as it was found in his cabin.
7. 陆海空银质勋章
中山舰博物馆馆藏
此勋章为陆、海、空军通用最高之奖章。略呈圆
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形，正面由内到外由梅花、几何图案、五角星与花
卉等组成。背面“陆海空军勋章”字样。此章出自舰
长室，可能属舰长萨师俊生前所有。
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ANNEX C
Background Information on the Zhongshan Warship and the Special Exhibition
About Zhongshan Warship
Originally named Yongfeng, the Zhongshan Warship was one of two modern warships
commissioned by the Qing Government in 1910. Upon its completion in 1912，the warship was
assigned to the Beiyang Government Navy of the newly established Chinese republic. It was
renamed Zhongshan in honour of Dr. Sun's achievements and contributions after his passing in
1925. On 24 October 1938, after suffering extensive damage from attacks launched by
Japanese fighter planes, the warship sank in the waters of the Yangtze River near Jinkou, a
town in Wuhan. There, the Zhongshan Warship lay submerged until it was salvaged 59 years
later, in 1997.
During its 26 years of voyaging, the Zhongshan Warship participated in five major historical
events: the Anti-Monarchy War (1916), the Constitutional Protection Movement (1917), the
Chen Jiong Ming Incident (1922), the Zhongshan Warship Incident (1926), and the Battle of
Wuhan during the Sino-Japanese War (1938), leaving behind a glorious legacy in the history of
modern China.
Timeline of events that the Warship participated in
In 1916, the Warship supported the Anti-Monarchy War.
A year later, it headed south to support the Constitutional Protection Movement led by Dr.
Sun Yat Sen (1866-1925).
In 1922 when the troops under the command of Chen Jiong Ming (1878-1933) besieged Dr.
Sun’s Presidential Palace, Yongfeng Warship was the vessel from which Dr. Sun Yat Sen
commanded the counter-attack.
The voyage to Beijing to discuss the state of national affairs in 1924 marked the very last
time Dr. Sun was on board Yongfeng Warship.
After Dr. Sun passed away in 1925, Yongfeng Warship was renamed Zhongshan Warship in
honour of Dr. Sun's achievements and contributions in establishing the Chinese republic.
In 1926, Chiang Kai Shek’s fight for leadership led to the historic Zhongshan Warship
Incident.
After the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War in 1937, Zhongshan Warship suffered
extensive damage from attacks launched by Japanese fighter planes.
On 24 October 1938, it sank in the waters of the Yangtze River near Jinkou, a town in
Wuhan.
After lying submerged in the waters of the Yangtze River for 59 years, Zhongshan Warship
was recovered in 1997, along with approximately 5,000 artefacts.
About the exhibition’s theme and layout
The exhibition presents more than 50 cultural artefacts that are displayed outside China for the
first time. Visitors in Singapore will have a chance to experience the rich and exciting history of
Zhongshan Warship through the showcase of these timeless artefacts.
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The exhibition is grouped according to four segments – "Honour, Code and Loyalty", "Life On
Board", "Nautical Equipment" and "Naval Weaponry". Through these artefacts, official
documents and newspaper articles, visitors will have a better understanding of the famous
warship and as well as the naval, economic and social history of modern China.
关于中山舰
中山舰，原名永丰舰, 是 1910 年中国清政府向日本订造两艘现代化炮舰之一；1912 年 6
月永丰舰建成下水；1913 年加入中国北洋政府海军；1916 年加入海军护国舰队；1917
年南下支持孙中山的护法运动；1922 年陈炯明部下围攻孙中山官邸，孙中山登临该舰指
挥反击；1924 年孙中山最后一次搭乘永丰舰，赴北京商讨国事；1925 年在他逝世后, 为
纪念其功绩永丰舰更名为中山舰；1926 年蒋介石为争夺领导权而发生了错综复杂的中山
舰事件；1937 年中日战爭爆发后，中山舰于 1938 年 10 月 24 日在武汉会战中遭日本战
机重创，沉没于长江金口水域。在 26 年的航程中, 中山舰经历了五大历史事件, 在中国近
代史上留下精彩的篇章。
关于中山舰特展
展览主标题为“精神如见”， 寓意孙中山革命精神的再现与传承，亦体现中山舰乘风破
浪的不屈精神。在沉睡江底 59 年后，中山舰于 1997 年重见天日，出水文物近 5000 件。
本次特展呈现 50 余件出水文物, 其中既有反映西方文明进程又有承载中国传统文化之用
品。籍由这些首次在新加坡展出的珍贵文物，向国人介绍中山舰的传奇故事, 并从铭牌标
志、舰载设施、舰上生活、武器设备四个主题展区，以及历史照片与文件、本地剪报资
料让大家走进中山舰的历史，认识一代名舰的风采，从而了解中国近代海军史、经济史
和社会史。
此特展由晚晴园－孙中山南洋纪念馆与中国武汉中山舰博物馆合作举办，首次在海外展
出中山舰出水文物。
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ANNEX D
About the Special Exhibition and Programmes -- Event Listings
ZHONGSHAN WARSHIP & ITS TREASURES (精神如见：中山舰出水文物特展)
A joint exhibition presented by Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (Singapore) and
Zhongshan Warship Museum in Wuhan, China.
Date: 18 October 2014 – 19 April 2015
Venue: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, 12 Tai Gin Road
Guest-of-Honour: Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and
Second Minister for Communications and Information
Opening hours: 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday
Admission fees apply (All Citizens and Permanent Residents will enjoy free admission to this
