Corporate organisations provide sustained support for the Singapore Botanic Gardens

In celebration of the Gardens’ successful inscription, property developer, City Developments Limited (CDL) initiated a gala dinner and hosted some 400 distinguished guests from both the public and private sectors this evening. Co-organised by CDL and the Garden City Fund (GCF), a registered charity under the National Parks Board (NParks), the dinner raised some S$350,000 in support of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Gracing the event  was Guest-of-Honour Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Communications and Information, who witnessed the launch of a limited edition photo art book by CDL Deputy Chairman Mr Kwek Leng Joo. Titled “Embrace”, the book features images taken by Mr Kwek Leng Joo, within the lush grounds of the Gardens, and celebrates the Gardens’ successful inscription.

Two other organisations have provided sustained corporate support for the Singapore Botanic Gardens since July. Global shipping firm BW Group donated a bronze and stainless steel sculpture, titled “Fifty Wings” to the Gardens, adding to the Gardens’ collection of over 20 donated art pieces. The Jubilee Weekend festivities at the Singapore Botanic Gardens were made possible with Sembcorp Industries, who was the presenting sponsor for the celebrations. These contributions have provided visitors with more opportunities to learn about the rich botanical and cultural heritage of the Gardens. Prior to the inscription, a number of corporate sponsors have also contributed to outreach and education programmes as well as enhancements to conserve the Gardens’ heritage.

Professor Leo Tan, Chairman of the Garden City Fund said, “Corporate organisations have lent their strong support to a number of initiatives that will go a long way in educating visitors on the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ rich historical and cultural heritage. The CDL Green Gallery for instance, has housed greening-related exhibitions to raise awareness on our City in a Garden. We believe that “Embrace” will garner greater interest in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The generosity of these organisations has benefited the Gardens’ visitors and we hope that the community will continue joining us in creating a shared legacy for future generations.”

Launch of limited edition photo art book titled “Embrace”

A strong supporter of the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ UNESCO bid since 2013, Mr Kwek has dedicated the book to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew for his vision and trailblazing contributions to our Garden City. In early 2013, as part of the inscription process, Mr Kwek was invited to contribute his photographs of the Gardens for the inaugural presentation at the 37th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Mr Kwek also shared his orchid images in a beautiful orchid photographic installation at the National Heritage Board’s (NHB) “More than a Garden” exhibition, an exhibition dedicated to the Gardens, at the National Museum of Singapore in 2014.

Mr Kwek said, “I am privileged to have been part of this worthy national mission and this book is the culmination of the tireless efforts of many distinguished persons and organisations. Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s foresight has no doubt led the Gardens and our Garden City to what they are today. In 1963, Singapore’s Garden City journey began when Mr Lee, who was then the Prime Minister, planted a Mempat tree, signifying the start of the greening campaign. The Gardens’ successful inscription is one of the most significant highlights for Singapore’s golden jubilee.”

He added, “I am grateful to Prime Minister for his support of this collaboration between the public and private sector. Our thanks also go to our donors for their generous contributions, which will go towards the conservation of the Gardens and heritage.”

Twenty exclusive copies of Mr Kwek's “Embrace”, autographed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, were also sold to raise funds for the National Monuments Fund (NMF) under the NHB. With the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth's Cultural Matching Fund providing dollar-for-dollar matching grants for private cash donations to the arts and heritage sector, CDL raised S$320,000 for the NMF. This will be used to preserve Singapore’s heritage landscape.

“Embrace” can be purchased at the National Museum of Singapore and book stores in the Gardens at S$99 each (without GST). Sales proceeds will be donated to the two funds, GCF and NMF. Proceeds that go towards the GCF will be earmarked for outreach and education programmes in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. 

Gala Dinner

Some $350, 000 was raised from the dinner as well as from the auction of special items during the dinner, which included a gold-plated Renanthera Singapore Botanic Gardens orchid.

With the successful inscription of Singapore Botanic Gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, more support will be required to enable greater education and outreach to connect our community with our natural heritage. Organisations and individuals who would like to help can find out more by contacting NParks’ registered charity and Institution of Public Character, Garden City Fund at www.gardencityfund.org .