News Releases
President Halimah Yacob launched a new multimedia site and updated editions of Istana books
27 October 2019
This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.
In commemoration of the Istana’s 150th anniversary, President Halimah Yacob launched a new multimedia interactive site and four updated editions of the Istana books during the Deepavali Istana Open House (IOH) on Sunday, 27 October 2019.
A collaboration with Singapore Press Holdings, the multimedia interactive site offers users an immersive experience of touring the building and grounds of Istana through augmented reality (AR) and 360-degree virtual tours. Through the multimedia site, viewers can get a glimpse of the lesser known areas in the Istana which are out of bounds, such as the well and bunker that have a wealth of history.
Four updated editions of the Istana books (viz. The Istana, Gardens of the Istana, Birds Seen in the Istana, and Trees of the Istana), which were first commissioned by the late former President SR Nathan, were also released at the Open House. The books contain vivid illustrations of the history, architecture, nature and grounds of the Istana, as well as interesting stories of personalities who were part of the Istana’s 150-year journey. Similar to previous Istana 150 commemorative events, beneficiaries from various Social Service Agencies such as Autism Association, APSN Katong, St Andrew’s Autism Centre, HCSA Community Services, Touch Community Services were involved in the updated editions of the four Istana books. The books will be available for purchase from major local bookstores at a retail price of $25 each from Friday, 1 November 2019 onwards. Net proceeds from the book sale will also be donated to the President’s Challenge.
An orchid hybrid that was specially created to commemorate Singapore’s bicentennial, aptly titled The Papilionanthe Singapore Bicentennial, was also unveiled to the public at the Open House.
President Halimah said:
Table caption
“I am delighted to meet Singaporeans at today’s Istana Open House. The new multimedia interactive site and updated editions of the Istana books will enable more Singaporeans to learn about the rich history and heritage of the Istana. In particular, with the multimedia site, visitors to the Istana can now leverage the technology of augmented reality and virtual tours to have an even more immersive experience while visiting the Istana. I hope that these initiatives will bring the Istana closer to Singaporeans and encourage them to visit the Istana during the Istana Open Houses. In doing so, they can learn about this iconic landmark which is an integral part of Singapore’s history and national identity." |
|---|
PRESIDENT’S OFFICE
27 October 2019