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We conducted this email interview so as to get a better understanding of Memories at Old Ford Factory. Special thanks to our contact, Stella, for helping us to answer these questions despite her hectic schedule. 1. Can you let us know more about your job? For example, what do you do here, what are you in charge of and how you go about doing it. I am the Outreach Services Executive for the National Archives of Singapore (NAS), which developed and manages Reflections at Bukit Chandu(RBC) and Memories at Old Ford Factory (MFF). I have a wide range of tasks, ranging from managing marketing, planning programmes for NAS, RBC and MFF, developing educational kits as well as bringing visitors and VIPS on tours for NAS, RBC and MFF. 2. Which historical period(s) is/are the main focus here at the Old Ford Factory? The historical period we are focusing at is on the Japanese Occuaption period from 1942 -1945. The journey begins from 16 February 1942 onwards, which was when Singapore was renamed 'Syonan-To' or 'Light of the South' by the Japanese who took over governing Singapore after the British surrender on 15 Feb 1942. 3. Who is the main target audience of the Old Ford Factory? What can they learn here? How about other audiences? The target audience at MFF is wide and really the hope is that it will appeal to all segments of society. This would include those who lived through the Syonan Years, as well as the students who are in school currently. Of course, beside reaching out to Singaporeans, the themes running behind the exhibition can also be applied across all cultures and nations. We 've also seen a steady stream of tourists visiting and being moved by the Japanese Occupation experience. 4. What are some of the more unique and interesting exhibits or highlights here in the Old Ford Factory? There are many interesting features and as the names suggests, I think each exhibit and artefact that has been laid out in the exhibition will create different memories for each individual. For instance, the wartime garden is one unique highlight as crops from the Japanese Occupation period are featured. Many of the younger visitors today who grew up on MTV, handphones and X-Boxes may have not even seen some of these crops such as padi or tapioca. The key highlight is of course the historic Meeting Room where the British surrendered to the Japanese on 15 February 1942. Visitors will get a chance to glimpse into the past and view the room where history was made. There is much to see and learn so we hope visitors will drop by after seeing your website and share in the many memories which have been gathered for the exhibition. |