New survey reveals strong national pride in heritage and a notable rise in youth participation, affirming heritage’s role in shaping Singaporean identity.
A recent nationwide survey conducted by the National Heritage Board (NHB) has revealed that 93% of Singaporeans take pride in their heritage and culture, with an encouraging increase in youth engagement in heritage-related activities.
The Heritage Awareness Survey 2024, conducted from 12 January to 31 March 2024, involved 2,018 Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 15 and above. The biennial study measures interest, participation, and attitudes towards heritage in Singapore.
Among its key findings, youth participation in heritage-related activities increased by 8 percentage points to 66%, while involvement in Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) activities rose by 10 percentage points to 56%. This reflects growing enthusiasm among youths aged 15 to 34, who also expressed strong support for both tangible and intangible heritage.
Ms Loo Ya Lee, Director of NHB’s Strategic Planning & Data Management division, attributed this increase to ongoing initiatives under Our SG Heritage Plan 2.0. “The data reaffirms that heritage is a pillar of our Singaporean identity. Through festivals, exhibitions, and community projects, we are seeing more Singaporeans – particularly the youth – connect meaningfully with our shared past,” she said.
NHB continues to roll out initiatives, such as the Youth Heritage Kickstarter Fund and the Outstanding Youth in ICH Award, to empower youths and recognised their contributions to heritage preservation. Additionally, the launch of platforms like the SG Culture Pass provides more accessible opportunities for cultural exploration.These findings support the vision of Our SG Heritage Plan 2.0, launched in 2023 as a roadmap for Singapore’s heritage sector until 2027, with a focus on identity, inclusivity, and innovation.
