42 local brands recognised under new SG Heritage Business Scheme

Marketing and consultancy support will help them enhance visibility and sustain legacies

- Chin Soo Fang Senior Correspondent

From century-old restaurants to family-run craft shops, 42 longstanding local businesses have been recognised under a new heritage business scheme which will offer marketing and other support to enhance their visibility and sustain their legacies.

The SG Heritage Business Scheme will give these businesses branding support through a heritage mark they can display on their shopfronts, and include them in a directory on the National Heritage Board's (NHB) heritage portal.

The brands under the scheme will participate in heritage events to widen their reach, and be given business consultancy services.

Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo said these enterprises play an important role in building Singapore as a nation with a sense of identity, connecting generations and anchoring Singaporeans to their roots.

Speaking at the inaugural SG Heritage Business Scheme award ceremony at Capitol Theatre on Oct 9, Mr Neo said: "They are keepers of crafts and skills, transmitting and promoting these traditions across generations. They serve as cultural touchstones, and allow visitors from all over the world to experience a part of our unique culture."

The 42 businesses awarded were selected from more than 80 applicants evaluated by the NHB and a panel appointed by it.

To qualify for the new SG Heritage Business Scheme, a homegrown brand must be registered in Singapore and in operation here for at least 30 years.

It must also be located within Singapore's central area - in Chinatown, Kampong Gelam, Little India, the Civic District, Bras Basah, Bugis or Orchard.

The selected businesses have three crucial qualities, said Mr Neo.