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Source:
www.nhb.gov.sg |
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NATIONAL HERITAGE BOARD
LAUNCHES SINGAPORE: THE ENCYCLOPEDIA |
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The definitive Singapore
reference with half a million words |
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Did you know that Neo Chwee Kok was the
first Singapore swimmer to compete in the Olympics? |
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Or that Singaporean Naa Govindasamy launched
the first Tamil page on the internet? |
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How about the fact that Singapore is home to
three species of ¡®carnivorous¡¯ pitcher plants? |
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Interesting facts such as these are
faithfully captured in Singapore: The Encyclopedia ¨C a 640 page volume
that is the most comprehensive reference on Singapore. |
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The Encyclopedia was launched on 11 Sep 2006
by President S R Nathan at the Istana. |
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Jointly produced by the National Heritage
Board and publisher Editions Didier Millet, Singapore: The Encyclopedia
is an indispensable compendium of the country¡¯s rich and diverse
heritage. |
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The Encyclopedia has more than 2,500 entries
and features 2,400 photos, maps and illustrations, many of which are
published for the first time. |
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With entries contributed by 231
experts from various fields, it covers diverse topics ranging from
history, geography, flora, fauna, pop culture, the arts, politics,
economics, sports and more. (A full list of the contributors can
be found at
Annex A.) |
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More than 24 months in the making, the
Encyclopedia is a key example of Public-Private-People partnership, with
36 sponsors across various sectors generously donating some S$1.3
million to this landmark project. |
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The list of sponsors include Keppel
Corporation, Khoo Foundation, Lee Foundation, DBS, SingTel, UOB and more.
(A full list of the sponsors can be found at
Annex B.) |
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Professor Tommy Koh, Ambassador-at-Large and
Chairman of the National Heritage Board said: ¡°Singapore: The Encyclopedia
is a milestone for us. It is NHB¡¯s most ambitious publication. With its
publication, Singapore joins the ranks of global cities like Chicago,
London and New York which have their own comprehensive single-volume
reference books. Anyone seeking to learn more about Singapore should refer
to Singapore: The Encyclopedia. We hope that every home, school, library,
office, hotel and embassy will keep a copy.¡± |
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Added Mr. Didier Millet, Publisher of Editions
Didier Millet, ¡°The book is a magnificent piece of collective works, and
we are proud to have had the opportunity of bringing together such a
wealth of talent, and such a range of information. There has never been a
book like this published in Singapore or about Singapore. Through the
Encyclopedia, we aim to tell people everything they might want to know
about this fascinating country.¡± |
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Historic national facts aside, Singapore: The
Encyclopedia also features many interesting and lesser known trivia. |
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For example, Irishman Dennis Santry designed
the Sultan Mosque, drawing inspiration from the Taj Mahal and the Dome of
the Rock; in the 60s and 70s, Singapore hosted the world-class Formula
Asia Grand Prix at Thomson Road; and ¡°The Swallows¡± is the only
Singaporean music band to have had a hit in West Germany. |
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The Encyclopedia covers not just the famous
but also the infamous ¨C with entries on personalities like Michael Fay,
serial killer Adrian Lim and porn star Annabel Chong. |
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Overseeing the Encyclopedia publication is an
Editorial Advisory Board chaired by Professor Tommy Koh. It comprised
distinguished representatives from academia, government, and private
corporations. |
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They include Mr Peter Ho, Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Head, Civil Service, Professor Su Guaning,
President of Nanyang Technological University, Professor Shih Choon Fong,
President of the National University of Singapore, Professor Tan Chin
Tiong, Provost of Singapore Management University, Mr Lim Chee Onn,
Chairman of Keppel, and Mr Alan Chan, CEO of Singapore Press Holdings. (A
full list of the members of the Editorial Advisory Board can be found at
Annex C.) |
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Singapore: The Encyclopedia is available at
major bookstores islandwide at a retail price of S$75. |
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More..... |
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Source:
www.nhb.gov.sg Press Release
11 Sep 2006 |
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Important
Notice |
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Our FrontPage
Editions are a historical record of our Web site and reflect
the changing of the times, and also of our Web site through
time. We do not and will not update the links and stories on
these FrontPages even if they have become obsolete. |
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FrontPage Edition: Sun 1 October 2006
All rights reserved
