Conference Functions

SUNDAY 19 October, 2008

PRE REGISTRATION

The registration desk will open at 4.30pm until 7.00pm. Take this opportunity to collect your Conference pack and avoid the Monday morning rush. Delegates can then make their own arrangements for dinner or consider booking for the Night Safari. One ticket for the Pre-Registration is included in Full Time Registrations. Additional tickets are available at $30.00 per person. Please refer to the Optional Items section on the Conference Registration form for bookings.

MONDAY 20 October, 2008

CONFERENCE WELCOME RECEPTION

Asian Civilisations Museum
6.00pm – 8.30pm
Dress: Smart Casual

Delegates will meet in the foyer of the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel at 6.00pm for a leisurely boat ride along the Singapore River to the Asian Civilisations Museum. Along the way view the older parts of Singapore arriving in the Harbour to view the Merlion, Singapore’s icon to the rest of the world.

Our final destination, overlooking the mouth of the Singapore River, is the Asian Civilisations Museum and as its name suggests, focuses on the heritage of Asian cultures. The building had been a government office for the most of its life. The original building was much smaller than it is today, occupying what are our Southeast Asia and West Asia galleries. Designed by colonial engineer JFA McNair in the mid 1860's, and built by convict labour at a cost of £53,000, Government Offices as it was called then, was extended several times. It grew to accommodate practically the entire colonial bureaucracy. The office of the Colonial Secretary was there, as was the Legislative Chamber. The presence of the Surveyor General meant that up till very recently, the building was the focus of the cartographic coordinates of Singapore. The first wing (ACM I), located at Armenian Street, is a meticulously restored neo-classical building dating back to 1910. ACM 1 houses exhibits dedicated to Chinese civilisation and culture, as well as the highly acclaimed permanent exhibition, the Peranakan Legacy, which showcases the rich material heritage of the Peranakans from the Straits Settlements and the Indonesian Archipelago. Among the highlights are a display of the museum's renowned batik, embroidery and beadwork collections and a chance to view exquisite silver and porcelain pieces.

At the close of the evening delegates will be returned to the hotel by boat or can make their own arrangements.

Cost: $110.00 per person and includes boat transfer, entrance to the Museum, harbour tour, light food and drink.

One ticket is included in Full Time Registrations. Additional tickets can be purchased by completing the “Optional Items” section on the Delegate Registration/ Accommodation Form.