As a history major, I'm always looking for opportunities to engage with Singapore's heritage beyond the classroom. Since this was also my very first hackathon (and one centred on heritage, no less) it felt like the perfect opportunity to sign up for it!
Day 1 was a real highlight. I left with fresh perspectives, thoughtful conversations, and plenty of notes. I especially appreciated Firdaus Sani's session on Unlocking Grants & Growing Community Movements. As someone who has long admired the work of Orang Laut SG, it was inspiring to hear about the dedication behind preserving and advocating for a living cultural heritage.

A big thank you to Cornelius Tan for sharing his passion and candid reflections on the evolving landscape of Singapore's hawker culture during our walk through the wet market at Chinatown Complex. It's very clear that preserving hawker culture is a topic that you hold close to your heart 💌
As we later journeyed along the streets of Chinatown, we arrived at Chop Wah On, Singapore's oldest medicated balm and oil manufacturer. Meeting the Tong family and hearing about their journey gave us a glimpse into how a business rooted in centuries-old TCM continues to adapt to changing government regulations and the realities of the modern world. This issue isn't a unique one, but it certainly raises important questions on how heritage businesses can remain relevant without losing the traditions that define them.

Huge thanks to Lynn Wong and Bridging Generations for organising such a meaningful event. It was encouraging to see so many young people coming together to think creatively about how we can preserve and reimagine our shared heritage.