Speech by Mr Murali Pillai, Minister of State, Ministry of Law & Ministry of Transport at the Refreshed Singapore Maritime Gallery Official Opening

Distinguished guests, 

Ladies and gentlemen, 

Introduction 

1.     Good morning. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the official opening of the refreshed Singapore Maritime Gallery. First established in 2012 by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Gallery showcases Singapore’s evolution as a global maritime hub and reflects our commitment to preserving our rich maritime heritage. 

2.     As Singapore marks its 60th year of independence, we celebrate the resilience, ambition, and spirit behind the Singapore story, qualities which are also exemplified in our nation’s maritime journey. We have grown from a colonial entrepôt to a global hub port with a vibrant International Maritime Centre. We can trace this from the early Tanjong Pagar Terminal to the bustling City Terminals, and the current Pasir Panjang Terminal, and onward to Tuas Port. When completed in the 2040s, Tuas Port will be the world’s largest fully automated container port. For six decades, Singapore has successfully navigated the wind and the waves, buoyed by our thriving maritime sector. 

Singapore’s Maritime Heritage 

3.     The refreshed Gallery, the only exhibition space in Singapore solely focusing on our rich maritime history, captures this journey through the new "Tides of Time" heritage zone, which highlights pivotal moments in our maritime history. This dates back to the first written records of Singapore as a strategic trading post by Chinese explorers in the 3rd century. From the early Temasek settlement near Fort Canning to its transformation under British colonial rule, the trades of old have given way to new beginnings. 

a.     Porcelain, tea and spices were once Asia’s prized exports, sailing from the East to the West. Today, vessels sail through Singapore laden with all manners of consumer goods from smartphones to electric vehicles. 

b.     Where the silver trade once connected the Americas to Asia, we now see an active trade in critical minerals that drive the global clean energy transition. 

4.     I have also found great interest in the 1603 Santa Catarina incident off the coast of Changi and the ensuing naval battle between the Dutch and Portuguese. This led Dutch jurist and philosopher, Hugo Grotius, to advocate for the freedom of navigation of the seas for all nations – a principle that continues to shape international maritime law today.

5.     With a selection of artefacts curated in partnership with the National Heritage Board and the National University of Singapore, visitors to the refreshed gallery can take the opportunity to learn more about Singapore’s fascinating maritime heritage. 

Singapore Maritime Gallery, Reimagined 

6.     The "Future is Now" zone where we currently stand offers a unique vantage point of how our maritime sector is embracing new technologies and sustainable practices to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. 

a.     Through the glass windows on my left, visitors can observe the electrification infrastructure at Marina South Pier, and the next-generation ammonia and methanol-capable vessels further out at sea – highlighting Maritime Singapore’s commitment towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. 

b.     As we build up our multi-domain capabilities, we can also expect to see greater usage of drones for aerial operations, underwater robotics for the subsea domain, and digital tools to enhance sustainability and cybersecurity in future. Here in the gallery, visitors can get a closer look at one such drone on display, as well as a model Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) system used for underwater hull cleaning.

7.     This zone also highlights the diverse career pathways in the maritime industry, including shore-based roles such as maritime law, insurance, and ship financing and chartering —fields that are integral to the continued success of Singapore as an international maritime centre. With its interactive exhibits and immersive experiences, I hope that the Gallery will continue to serve as a dynamic learning space that sparks curiosity and inspires a deeper appreciation for the maritime sector in our future generations. 

A Space for Learning and Engagement 

8.     Finally, education has always been at the heart of the Gallery’s mission. The introduction of “PlayPort”, a dedicated children’s space developed in collaboration with the National Library Board, aims to foster an early interest in the maritime world through e-resources, storytelling sessions, craft workshops, and interactive educational programmes.

9.     The Gallery also serves as a platform for industry collaboration and community engagement. 

a.     Our Maritime Youth Ambassadors and Singapore Maritime Gallery volunteers have used this space for music festivals, heritage talks, and events that bring together industry leaders, students, and maritime enthusiasts. We even have our own version of a “Night at the Museum”, where MPA worked with the National Youth Council to host secondary school student leaders overnight at this gallery. 

10.    I am heartened by the growing interest from schools such as Bedok View Secondary, Holy Innocents’ High, and Hougang Secondary, which have incorporated maritime education into their curricula. Xingnan Primary’s Environmental Club has also capitalised on the Gallery’s potential as a living classroom for students to explore topics such as marine biodiversity and conservation. Indeed, this refreshed gallery offers something for everyone, with interactive exhibits such as “Maritime Quest” that appeal to a wide age group, from preschoolers to post-university graduates. 

Conclusion 

11.    The transformation of the Gallery would not have been possible without the dedication of our partners – government agencies, schools, industry leaders, volunteers and community groups. With their support, we have created a space where we hope people of all ages can discover, appreciate, and foster a deeper connection with Maritime Singapore. 

12.    From our early days as a trading port to a global maritime hub today, Singapore's raison d’etre has always been linked to the sea. I invite everyone to visit the Singapore Maritime Gallery and be a part of Maritime Singapore’s exciting transformation towards a digital, sustainable and innovative future. 

13.    Thank you, and I wish you all a wonderful time exploring the Gallery.