Malay Heritage Centre Reopens After Major Revamp

The Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) in Kampong Gelam officially reopened on 25 April 2026 following a three-year renovation, marking a significant milestone in Singapore’s cultural landscape. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong attended the reopening ceremony and highlighted the centre’s refreshed theme, “dari rantau ke rumah” (from region to home), which reflects the diverse origins of the Malay community and their shared sense of belonging in Singapore.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Wong emphasized that the MHC is no longer just a museum but a living space for Singapore Malay culture. “This Malay heritage is not monolithic. It is rich and diverse – made up of many groups with roots across the region, of course, people from the Malay Peninsula itself, but similarly Javanese, Bugis, Minangkabau and others,” he said. He added that over time, these distinct traditions have arrive together in Singapore to form a uniquely Singaporean Malay culture, shaped by shared national experiences.

The revamped centre features upgraded facilities and new exhibitions designed to engage younger generations and strengthen intergenerational understanding of Malay heritage. Wong noted that the renovation was necessary due to the building’s age and the need to better fulfil its mission as a dynamic cultural hub. “It is no longer just a museum or a heritage centre, but ‘a living part of our Singapore story’,” he stated.

The reopening included a cultural parade and showcased multi-generational artefacts from community elders, such as the collection of Abdul Kadir Haji Sulaiman. The MHC now serves as a space where Singaporeans of all backgrounds can connect with the Malay community’s journey from regional roots to a shared home in Singapore.

As a key institution in Kampong Gelam, the Malay Heritage Centre continues to play a vital role in preserving and promoting Malay culture while fostering multi-racial and multi-religious understanding in Singapore.