The Foundry will host a conversation on the role of young people in revitalising historic sites, featuring experts in heritage and culture.
On February 12, the former Elections Department (ELD) building in Prinsep Link will serve as the venue for an insightful discussion on how young people can contribute to the preservation and revitalisation of historic buildings. This marks the beginning of the 2025 ST Podcasts Live! series, starting at 6.30 pm.
The conversation will be hosted by Natasha Ann Zachariah, a correspondent and the presenter of The Usual Place, The Straits Times’ first video podcast. The event will also feature Mr. Ng Wee Liang, a content creator dedicated to Singapore’s heritage, arts, and culture, alongside Mr. Colin Low, CEO of the Singapore Land Authority. Together, they will explore how the youth can help breathe new life into historical sites, offering creative solutions for their future.
The venue for this engaging dialogue, The Foundry, has an interesting history. Once the ELD building, it has been transformed into a social impact hub that fosters collaboration among non-profit organisations working to address social issues such as mental health and social isolation. Officially opened by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on November 28, the building now embodies a focus on social good.
Previously serving as the office of the Returning Officer overseeing elections from 1994 to 2021, the ELD building now stands as a symbol of adaptive reuse for community benefit.
The podcast series will continue with a second discussion on the positive effects of music in dementia care. Lynda Hong, assistant podcast editor for ST, and reporter Christie Chiu, hosts of the In Your Opinion podcast, will engage with Mr. Johnson Soh, founder of SanCare Asia, and Ms. Amanda Soon, a programme executive at Fei Yue Community Services. This conversation will delve into the power of music therapy and how youth volunteers are contributing to inter-generational initiatives that bring joy and connection to dementia patients.
After the podcasts, attendees will have the chance to ask panellists questions during a 15-minute Q&A session. Those interested in joining the event can register via the provided link.
