Part I: "Treasure Hunt" - Backstage With Andy: Channel News Asia's Latest Documentary

On the Singapore Memory Trail

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1. The Television Series
Treasure Hunt is a six-part series that will unravel Singapore’s history through the things we keep in our homes. Our two Treasure Hunters (hosts Anita Kapoor and archaeologist Lim Chen Sian) are on a search to uncover treasures. 

Hosts Anita Kapoor and Lim Chen Sian.

Chen and Anita will travel the length and breadth of the island – visiting ordinary people at home, antique shops, junk yards, archives, shops, and offices – all in the hopes of unearthing things of national heritage. Their challenge is to put together The People’s Collection, an assembly of objects to fill the concourse at the National Museum of Singapore and tell a very personal history of our island.

TV Chat where Andy talks about vinyl and
Trailers: 'Phoenix Theme' with Hosts.
YouTube Video from fhlew888

2. The Museum Exhibition
Following the telecast of the documentary series, a special exhibition (a collaboration between the National Museum and Media Corp Private Ltd/Channel News Asia) centers on the idea that here is a little bit of history in all our homes, and involves a call to Singaporeans to bring out the objects that they hold dear. 

Vika Arliany experienced producer for Treasure Hunt.

 

The items showcased in the documentary, ranging from intricate memorabilia to the cherished heirlooms of individuals, families, collectors, and institutions across the country, will be presented at the National Museum of Singapore as part of a special exhibition highlighting our collective heritage. 

Featuring the personal stories behind each of these objects and their collectors, this exhibition is a testament to how everyday items, which may otherwise be left unappreciated, could be significant to understanding one’s heritage. 
  
3. Behind The Scene
My contribution of local Extended Play vinyl records for the People's Collection is negligible but I thought it would help to make others, especially youth,  appreciate our golden age of music in the 1960s. Local bands like The Silver Strings, Trailers and the songs they recorded on vinyl have been discussed.


Vika Arliany:
The people behind the scene that I met before and during the filming included Vika Arliany, the producer who came to my home to meet me and select the records. She's a joy to chat with, an experienced lady with some years of producing documentaries.

Lim Chen Sian and Anita Kapoor
 Chen Sian is fun-lovingly serious.  He's got a tightly filled roomful of books piled up from floor to ceiling.  Even fanned me during a warm afternoon shoot. Sweet, enthusiastic Anita is always asking questions. And boy, does she know her stuff.  Great hosts!

Rebecca Wai and Ooi Kim Keat
Youthful and cool Rebecca Wai (above left), armed with a large camera, made sure we were comfortable during the shoots, helpful and cheerful throughout.  Then there's cinematographer, Mr. Ooi Kim Keat (hidden behind the video-cam, left) with his angles, focused shots and close-ups. 

Tan Teng Teng
Only met historian, Ms. Tan Teng Teng (with fountain, above right) a few days ago to provide her the vinyl records for the exhibition of which she is in charge.  A very informative lady she is. She had to tabulate, insure, pick, deliver, sort out, arrange and display these very expensive personal treasures.  

@ The National Museum Stamford Road.

Debra Chong
Last but not least (she's the first actually), there's quietly pleasant Debra Chong (left), research writer, who contacted me through this blog earlier, introducing and inviting me to participate in this project.  I got to talking. She's an intelligent listener and that started the record spinning...

Article in Part 1 from
CNA Website.

Images from Media Corp/Channel News Asia and private collection of Rebecca Wai, Tan Teng Teng, and blogger.