Book launch and Seminar on Chinese temples in Singapore
8 December 2005, 7.30pm at News Centre Auditorium
Guided tour of famous Chinese temples in Singapore
11 December 2005, 9am - 4pm

Singapore, 2 December 2005 - Chinese temples are more than just architectural splendour or mere places of worship and devotion; they reflect the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Chinese community. The history and culture of the Chinese temples in Singapore also reflect how local Chinese community have evolved from a migrant society in the last century into the modern society of today.

To promote a better understanding of Chinese culture and heritage, and awareness of the significant roles that Chinese temples play in the progress of our society, Shin Min Daily News is publishing a book on “Chinese Temples in Singapore”.

The book contains a wealth of materials culled together by journalists who visited and interviewed local Taoist temples, documenting their early days, historical developments and present day features, as well as contribution from various academics, scholars, writers, and experts in the field.

In conjunction with the book launch, Shin Min Daily News is also organising a seminar on Chinese Temples and a guided tour of famous Chinese temples in Singapore in early December.

We cordially invite your reporter and photographer to attend the launch of the publication and its related activities. The details are as follows:

Launch of Publication and Seminar on “Chinese Temples in Singapore”

Date: 8 December 2005 (Thursday)
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: SPH News Centre Auditorium

Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon will officiate the launch of Chinese Temples in Singapore. The launch ceremony will commence at 7:30pm that evening.

About The Publication
Chinese Temples in Singapore is a collection of easy-to-read articles with colourful pictures documenting the historical development and cultural heritage of 38 local Chinese temples of which many are founded more than a century ago.

It also contains articles on how cultural beliefs and traditions have evolved over the years. Some examples include the rituals of Taoism, traditional wedding rites, the deities worshipped by people of different trades, fortunes in the coming Year of the Dog, and others.

The book will be available at all buzz kiosks, major newsstands and bookstores, leading newsstands and bookstores.
Retail price:$5

About the Seminar
The topics and speakers for the seminar, conducted in Mandarin, are as follows:

• Early Chinese Temples in Singapore - A Cultural and Historical Perspective
  by Mr Han Tan Juan, veteran journalist and cultural researcher
• The Architecture of Chinese Temples in Singapore and Malaysia
  by Mr Tan Yeow Wooi, architect
• Chinese Temples and Local Chinese Beliefs
  by Associate Professor Lee Cheuk Yin, Head, Department of Chinese Studies, NUS
• How Do the Younger Generation View Our Ancestral Beliefs
  by Ms Anna Lim, Vice President, UnionWorks

Chairman: Mr Toh Lam Huat, Editor, Shin Min Daily News

Registration
Fee: $5 per person. (Participant will each receive a complimentary copy of the “Chinese Temples in Singapore” publication. Refreshments will be served during the seminar.)

For registration, please contact 6319-1585.

Guided Tour of Famous Chinese Temples in Singapore
Guided by Mr Han Tan Juan, veteran journalist and cultural researcher, the tour offers a rare insight into the rich history and cultural heritage of famous local Chinese temples. It features visits to the following temples:

• Po Chiak Keng Temple (Tan Si Chong Su)
• Singapore Kwong Wai Siew Peck San Theng
• Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple
• Hong San See Temple
• Fook Tek Chinese Temple

Date: 11 December 2005 (Sunday)
Time: 9am - 4pm
Fee: $20 per person (lunch inclusive)

For inquires on the guided tour, please contact 6319 8954

Issued by Singapore Press Holdings Limited
Co. Regn. No: 198402868E

For more information, please contact

Ms Tan Chien Lin
Cultural Industry Promotion
Tel: 6319 1912
Email: tancln@sph.com.sg

About Singapore Press Holdings Ltd
Main board listed Singapore Press Holdings Limited is the leading media company in Singapore, in the print, Internet and broadcasting platforms. It publishes 13 newspapers in the four official languages and about 80 magazine titles. Everyday, 2.8 million individuals, or 88 per cent of the people above 15 years old, read one of the SPH publications. Its Internet Business Unit manages the online editions of SPH's major newspapers and magazines, which together enjoy over 300 million pageviews a month. SPH also owns a 20% stake in MediaCorp TV Holdings Pte Ltd, which operates free-to-air channels 5, 8, U and TV Mobile, and a 40% stake in MediaCorp Press Pte Ltd, which publishes free newspaper Today. SPH operates two entertainment radio channels, UFM 100.3 FM in Chinese and WKRZ 91.3 FM in English, under a joint venture company UnionWorks with NTUC Media, and owns an 80% stake in SPH MediaBoxOffice Pte Ltd, Singapore’s largest LED network media company.