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South China Morning Post
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Interactive exhibition uses digital tools to show traditional Chinese patterns
Every week, Talking Points gives you a worksheet to practise your reading comprehension with exercises about the story we've written. Waves, blossoms and clouds are just a few of the patterns in traditional Chinese design. The Hong Kong Palace Museum is using technology to teach people about the meaning behind these patterns. The show is called 'The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum'. 'We hope to offer audiences a fresh lens for engaging with our heritage,' Louis Ng said. He is the Hong Kong Palace Museum's director. Museums usually show physical artefacts. But this one presents visitors with digital versions of traditional designs. It uses modern tools to show the patterns of the old architecture, ceramics and textiles in Beijing's Palace Museum. This museum is in the Forbidden City. China's leading fashion designer Guo Pei celebrated at Hong Kong's M+ museum Mixing modern and old This exhibition will run until October 13. It is the first time the Hong Kong Palace Museum and Beijing's Palace Museum have worked together on a multimedia gallery. Three-dimensional projections of the designs come alive as they move around each display. Artificial intelligence also helped find hidden links between the patterns in different artefacts. 'Many [artefacts] have already been digitised in high resolution, a process that took three years,' Ng said. 'Combining technology with our cultural and artistic heritage has become a key goal.' Ng hopes that technology can make learning about traditional culture more interesting for young people. This is especially important because 78 per cent of the museum's visitors are under the age of 45. 'We hope this exhibition will help the younger generation better understand China's outstanding traditional culture and encourage them to participate more actively in its preservation and innovation,' he said. In the Patterns and Fashion section, flowers are projected onto hanging curtains. Photo: Eugene Lee What you should see Dragons, peaches and bats are elements you can see throughout the exhibition. These motifs have long been part of traditional Chinese art. They represent long life, wealth and good luck. The exhibition also dives into the wonders of nature in Chinese art. It shows the beauty of the stars, flowers, birds and even mythical creatures like the phoenix and dragon. These patterns express a focus on beauty, harmony and joy. Ng said these designs could also be found across other parts of the museum. They can be seen in ceramics, calligraphy and paintings. He hopes that the digital exhibition allows audiences to engage with Chinese culture in a different way. 'Visitors won't just find it immersive, interactive and fun,' he said. 'They'll also walk away with a deeper appreciation of the artistic excellence found in the decorative motifs of the Palace Museum's collections.' In the fourth unit of the exhibition, visitors can look up at virtual versions of some caisson ceilings in Beijing's Palace Museum. These include the ceilings in the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Pavilion of One Thousand Autumns. Another section of the show recreates the window grilles of the Forbidden City. The display projects shapes and shadows that change with the seasons. Near the end of the exhibition, visitors can create their own digital swimming fish. Their drawings can be instantly projected onto the wall. Ng had one final point of advice: don't just look at the exhibition. Use all of your senses to explore the digital art. Use your whole body to learn about these cultural treasures. Experience the changing seasons in the Forbidden City. Photo: Eugene Lee To test your understanding of this story, download our printable worksheet or answer the questions in the quiz below.
Straits Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Forum: Louis Ng a dedicated advocate for protection against second-hand smoke at home
The news of Mr Louis Ng's departure as a Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC comes with a sense of loss (GE2025: Nee Soon MPs Louis Ng, Carrie Tan and Derrick Goh to step down from politics, April 22). This is particularly true for those who have long sought greater protection from second-hand smoke. While his contributions undoubtedly extended across a wide spectrum of societal issues – he was the most active backbencher – his unwavering dedication to advocating for the protection and well-being of non-smokers at home deserves specific recognition. For many residents silently enduring the impact of second-hand smoke within their own homes, Mr Ng stood out as a consistent and determined voice. He understood that this issue transcends mere inconvenience, recognising its implications for public health, safety, and the overall living environment. He articulated the concerns of those affected by health problems, discomfort, ventilation challenges, and the compromised enjoyment of fresh air due to the inconsiderate actions of smokers. Despite facing repeated setbacks in his appeals, his persistence in seeking stronger safeguards for non-smokers did not waver. His efforts resonated deeply with those who had felt their concerns were often overlooked or minimised. Mr Ng's approach acknowledged the multi-faceted nature of second-hand smoke, identifying it not only as a potential fire hazard and a form of high-rise littering but, fundamentally, as a public health hazard. His prompt responsiveness to those seeking assistance further underscored his commitment to this cause. While the fight for comprehensive protection against second-hand smoke in homes remains an ongoing challenge, Mr Ng's efforts have undeniably raised awareness and kept this important issue on the parliamentary agenda. His departure leaves a void for those who counted on his advocacy. Second-hand smoke victims are grateful to Mr Ng for his dedicated and persistent efforts in championing this cause and his work has earned our respect. As he embarks on new endeavours, we hope the Government will note the urgency of addressing the issue of second-hand smoke and translating the concerns Mr Ng voiced into meaningful action, ensuring that every resident can breathe clean air at home. Chong Ling Eng More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: Nee Soon MPs Louis Ng, Carrie Tan and Derrick Goh to step down from politics
Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam with incumbent Nee Soon MPs (on the right, from the back) Louis Ng, Carrie Tan and Derrick Goh, who are stepping down - and PAP new faces (on the left, from the back) Ms Lee Hui Ying, Mr Jackson Lam, Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi and Ms Goh Hanyan at a coffeeshop at 846 Yishun Ring Road on April 22. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY GE2025: Nee Soon MPs Louis Ng, Carrie Tan and Derrick Goh to step down from politics Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE – Incumbent Nee Soon GRC MP Louis Ng, who was elected in 2015 and is known to be one of the most vocal MPs in Parliament, announced that he will step away from politics to spend more time with three daughters. Mr Ng announced his departure along with two fellow MPs from the same constituency, Ms Carrie Tan and Mr Derrick Goh, on April 22 at a media interview at Block 846, Yishun Ring Road. They spoke to the media after a walkabout with the five-member team running in Nee Soon GRC, which Home Affairs and Law Minister unveiled in a press briefing on April 21. 'I'm stepping away, not because I stopped loving this job, really far from it, but being an MP has never just been a job for me. It's been a calling, a deep privilege, and honestly, one of the greatest honours of my life,' said Mr Ng, who was visibly emotional. At one point Mr Shanmugam helped him dab tears away. 'I share a lot about my daughters in my speeches in Parliament,' he said. 'But the truth is, I've missed a lot of important milestones in their childhood.' He has one daughter aged 11, and a pair of twins aged 8. Mr Shanmugam said that he and PM Lawrence Wong had 'spent many hours' persuading Mr Ng to stay, but ultimately understood his reasons for stepping down. Mr Ng, who founded animal welfare group Animal Concerns Rescue & Education Society (ACRES) in 2001, will return to the non-profit sector. 'Armed with all my learnings and experience as an MP for the past decade… (I will) fight hard to build a more caring, compassionate and inclusive Singapore,' he said. Mr Ng, 46, is a two-term MP, while Ms Tan, 38, and Mr Goh, 57, have served for one term each. They were part of the PAP team that stood in Nee Soon GRC at the 2020 General Election, alongside Mr Shanmugam and Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, who is standing for re-election in Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC. The team retained Nee Soon GRC with 61.9 per cent of the vote, against the Progress Singapore Party. Mr Ng was elected to Parliament in 2015 and has represented the Nee Soon East ward within the group representation constituency since then. The lifelong social advocate was the most active Member of Parliament in each of the last two terms. In his recent term, Mr Ng filed or clarified 728 parliamentary questions, up from 327 in the previous term. He was also the most active debater, clocking 195 speeches or clarifications on Parliament's items of business. He first hinted at a departure from politics in a social media post on April 13, where he posted a 'report card' on his 10 years in Parliament. He shared that he had raised 1,055 parliamentary questions, 15 adjournment motions, two private member's motions, two private member's bills and one parliamentary petition in addition to helping to 'shape 269 pieces of legislation through my bill speeches'. He added that he was pleased to have spoken up about numerous topics, including on issues surrounding single unwed parents, animal welfare, migrant workers, parental leave, climate change and the LGBTQ+ community. Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam wiping tears off Mr Louis Ng's face at a doorstop on April 22. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Ms Tan, the founder of charity Daughters Of Tomorrow, has represented the Nee Soon South ward since being elected into Parliament. She is also a transformation coach at Lightbearers Collective. She said it was not an easy decision to step down from the constituency, but added that it is the right move to make way for someone younger and more energetic. 'I will be pursuing some of my own learning and development in the wellness space, and I will continue to be a change-maker and bring what I learnt back into the community to advocate for Singaporeans' well-being,' she added. Nee Soon GRC MP Carrie Tan mingling with a resident near Yishun Ring Road on April 22. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Mr Shanmugam described Ms Tan as someone who is very enthusiastic about making things happen. He also noted that she had once earned praise from former US president Barack Obama as a change-maker and a young person with great potential. On Mr Goh's departure, Mr Shanmugam noted that his promotion to the post of DBS Bank's group chief operating officer in February involves extensive travel that might compromise his work on the ground. 'We had long chats and Derrick felt that while… he would have been happy to carry on, and we wanted him to carry on, in the interest of residents, maybe someone else should come in and take over while he supports from the background,' he said. He added that Mr Goh has made a difference to the lives of Nee Soon Link residents and across Nee Soon as Town Council Chairman. Nee Soon GRC MP Derrick Goh embracing a resident near Yishun Ring Road on April 22. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Mr Goh, who has been overseeing the Nee Soon Link ward, said: 'I will be stepping aside, but not stepping away. As I settle down in my work, residents will continue to see me around.' 'On this note, I want to thank all residents. I will definitely and deeply miss my residents, my volunteers, and I thank them for the support that they've given me. It's been an honour and privilege to serve them all. I will cherish all these moments from the bottom of my heart.' Several other politicians have also announced that they will not be seeking re-election at GE2025. Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, the former anchor minister for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, said on April 18 that he would retire from politics after over two decades in Cabinet. Two-term MP Chong Kee Hiong will also not stand in the upcoming polls. Others include Senior Minister of State for Transport and Sustainability and the Environment Amy Khor, who was the MP for Hong Kah North SMC, first-term MP Don Wee, who represents the Brickland ward in Chua Chu Kang GRC and Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Maliki Osman, who announced his retirement from politics on April 21. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
