“””Construction Begins on Singapore’s Founders’ Memorial, Set for 2028 Opening”” “

SINGAPORE: Ground has officially broken on Singapore’s Founders’ Memorial, a monumental project dedicated to commemorating the legacy of the nation’s first-generation leaders. Speaking at the ceremony on June 5, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed the importance of the memorial in capturing Singapore’s nation-building journey. “Our story deserves to be remembered,” he said, highlighting the values and ideals embodied by Singapore’s early leaders.

Located at the Bay East Garden within Gardens by the Bay, the memorial will span reclaimed land overlooking Marina Bay and will combine gallery spaces with scenic gardens. Once completed in 2028, it aims to offer a unique, integrated experience for visitors.

In his remarks, SM Lee honored the contributions of Singapore’s founding prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, along with other key figures who helped shape the city-state from the 1950s through the 1970s. He described these leaders’ roles in transforming Singapore’s economy, establishing its defense forces, and guiding it through independence. He noted that while there are existing memorials, like the Civilian War Memorial and the Kranji War Memorial, the Founders’ Memorial will serve as the first dedicated to the nation’s journey of development and growth.

The idea for the memorial was introduced in 2015, following the passing of Lee Kuan Yew, but construction was delayed due to the pandemic. In 2019, an international architectural competition selected the design by Kengo Kuma & Associates in collaboration with K2LD Architects. The structure will feature two connected buildings, exhibition galleries, and an amphitheater for public events. According to the National Heritage Board (NHB), the design represents Singapore’s journey and the intertwined paths that symbolically connect its founding generation’s legacy to future generations.

During the ceremony, SM Lee thanked the 200,000 Singaporeans who contributed ideas for the memorial and emphasized its role as a space for reflection. “This memorial is a place to appreciate our heritage and to continue building a successful Singapore grounded in unity and shared values,” he said.

In addition to the memorial, a mural titled “Our Memorial, Our Singapore” will be displayed at Gardens by the Bay’s Bay South Garden until December 2024. Visitors can leave messages reflecting their aspirations for the nation, contributing to the collective spirit celebrated by the memorial.