ABOUT TOTAL DEFENCE (TD) 30: AN EXPERIENTIAL SHOWCASE

The anchor event of the 2014 TD campaign, TD30: An Experiential Showcase, is an interactive exhibition that presents insightful and honest perspectives on how Singaporeans from different walks of life make meaning of Total Defence in their daily lives. The showcase aims to affirm the roles that everyone has played - and can continue to play - to help build a safe and secure Singapore. The visuals and materials in the showcase are also designed to provoke reflection and challenge notions about TD that have been taken for granted.

Held at the National Museum of Singapore (NMS) from 15 to 23 February 2014, the nine-day showcase will feature key moments from our collective history, as well as personal Total Defence experiences of everyday Singaporeans.

At the start of the showcase, participants can choose to follow five different characters, before beginning a journey based on these character roles to explore how fellow Singaporeans have contributed to Total Defence.

This exhibition is open to the public at the following timings.

•    15, 21, 22 February: 9am-10pm
•    16-20 February; 23 February: 9am-8pm

Admission is free, and museum rules apply.

TD 2014 SUPPORTING EVENTS

On the sidelines of the interactive exhibition, a variety of supporting events will be held during the nine days at the NMS, for Singaporeans to experience Total Defence in novel and fun ways.

These include:

A)    Forum Theatre: Wouldn’t It Be Nice?

"Wouldn't It Be Nice?" was first presented at the "IPS Prism" by the Institute of Policy Studies Singapore in November 2012. The stage is set in the year 2022, and audience members will witness several crisis scenarios that Singapore may face in the future. Thereafter, they will be invited on stage to role-play and act out how they think they would deal with the situations. The aim of the forum theatre is to encourage the audience to evaluate their values and priorities, and find new ways of tackling challenges.

The forum theatre will be held at the NMS, Gallery Theatre, from 16 to 23 February 2014. The daily timings are as follows:

16 Feb (Sun): 11am - 1pm
17 - 19 Feb (Mon - Wed): 11am - 1pm, 2.30pm - 4.30pm
21 - 22 Feb (Fri and Sat): 11am - 1pm, 2.30pm - 4.30pm, 7pm - 9pm
23 Feb (Sun): 11am - 1pm, 2.30pm - 4.30pm

*There will be no shows on 20 Feb (Thurs)
 

B)    The Total Defence Walking Trail

The Total Defence Walking Trail will provide an insight into the period of time when Singapore fell to the Japanese. With the use of a hand-held trail device and accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, participants will take a journey back in time to 1942, the year of the Japanese Occupation. They would be able to reflect on the importance of working together as one, to ensure the safety and security of the country.

The Walking Trail will take place daily, from 15 to 23 February 2014, starting at the NMS to various locations in the Civic District. Those interested can go to www.totaldefence.sg or approach the NMS front desk for more information.

C)    We Are The Stories We Tell Ourselves: A Social Dining Experiment

The social dining experiments are a platform for people from different walks of life to gather at one table to exchange perspectives on Singapore in a casual and relaxed dinner setting. Through an interactive card game, participants will be encouraged to share their views on issues relating to Singapore, to understand the viewpoints of their counterparts, and to realise that Singaporeans all have a stake and a part to play in our country, our home.

This free event will be held at the NMS, on 28 January, 18 & 20 February 2014 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Interested participants will have to answer the following questions to stand a chance to qualify for a place at the dinner.

1.    What always makes a place feel more like home to you?
2.    If your life in Singapore was a colour, what would it be? Why?
3.    Sum up Singapore's future in just one word.

They can email their answers, name and contact details to outreach@foodforthought.com.sg by 1 February 2014. There are 20 seats available for each session. 

D)    How We Fight The Good Fight: Five Mystery Speaker Talks

Five mystery speakers will talk about their lives and trials, and how they overcame adversity. This series of talks seeks to provide Singaporeans with a deeper understanding of how various individuals have contributed towards Total Defence.

This free event will be held at the NMS on 12, 13 & 19 February 2014 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Interested participants can email their name and contact details to outreach@foodforthought.com.sg. They must register two days before the date of the talk they want to attend. There are 20 places available for each session, on a first come first served basis

E)    A Photo A Week II Contest

Back for a second instalment in 2014, the "A Photo A Week (APAW)" contest, organised by Camera Rental Centre, will consist of six different themes that will take place throughout the year. The first theme "Because you played a part", is in support of Total Defence this year. Photos which have been submitted for this theme are being curated by a panel, and selected photos will be displayed at the NMS from 15 to 23 February 2014 during the period of the interactive exhibition.

PARTNER EVENTS
In TD 2014 several initiatives will also be organised in conjunction with partners. These include:

Project Happy Feet Slipper Race 2014 - Total Defence Edition

Project Happy Feet's signature fundraiser, the Slipper Race, supports the education of underprivileged children in Singapore and beyond. The non-competitive 4km walk in slippers (flip-flops) was inspired by children in rural places who have to walk long distances to school - sometimes barefooted. Now in its fourth year, Project Happy Feet is organising a special "Total Defence Edition" of the Slipper Race, to give the public a chance to make footprints of change as a community.

The race will be held on 22 February 2014 and flag-off starts near the NMS, at 4pm. It costs $35 for each participant to sign up, with 100% of proceeds going towards Project Happy Feet's beneficiaries.

For more information, please visit www.phfslipperrace.org.

Le Gluttony X Total Defence: Singapore Food and Film Festival

Le Gluttony is a Singapore food and arts festival that celebrates local culture, by featuring Food & Beverage entrepreneurs and showcasing film and music by local talents. A special edition of Le Gluttony, featuring curated film and music performances related to Total Defence, will be organised to mark the 30th anniversary of Total Defence.

This free event is held near the NMS, and is open to the public at the following times.
•    21 February: 3pm onwards
•    22 February: 2pm onwards