OUR STORY
Sharing the Singapore Story
Singapore Discovery Centre (SDC) is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to share the Singapore Story and inspire a desire to contribute to Singapore’s future.
SDC provides a mind-and-heart-engaging, multi-sensory learning experience which spans a selection of integrated themes. SDC’s guests learn about what makes Singapore tick and gain insights into Singapore’s challenges, dreams and aspirations.
Be Inspired!
The logo is a graphic representation of the vision, sound and action that can be experienced at the centre. Bold, modern and dynamic, this symbol depicts clearly the numerous activities that are in store and evokes feelings of fun and enjoyment for the visitors. The hand, eye and ear icons represent the hands-on experience and life-like simulations which visitors can feel, see and hear at the centre as we bring Singapore stories to life. Hear the past. Touch the present. See the future. Be inspired!
The First Spark
In 1988, the idea of building a museum to showcase the history of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) was first mooted. This idea later evolved into the concept of the Singapore Discovery Centre (SDC). However, SDC is not merely an educational tool for the SAF. It is a platform that provides plenty for Singaporeans to think about and helps them prepare for future challenges.
In October 1992, MINDEF approved the setting up of SDC at the cost of S$70 million. Located on the grounds of the SAFTI Military Institute, Mitchell Giurgola & Thorp Architects developed the architectural design for SDC. Previous buildings by these architects include the SAFTI Military Institute and the Australian Parliament House.
Our Beginnings
SDC was officially opened by then President Ong Teng Cheong on 23 November 1996, as an edutainment centre to instil a sense of confidence in the future of Singapore. The creation of SDC’s playful logo captured the enthusiastic spirit of the new centre perfectly. The Chief Exhibit Designer for the centre’s creation was UK-based Neal Potter, with planning by Canadian company, Lord Cultural Resources and the building was designed by MGT Architects from Australia.
SDC’s first exhibition featured three galleries: Singapore Dynamics, Technology and Tactics with interactive exhibits to showcase cutting-edge military technology and to share the stories of Singapore’s survival.
Indoor exhibits included ‘So Singapore Theatre, Gateway, Portals, Build it, Crisis Simulation Theatre and Harmony Circle, whereas outdoor exhibits includes a playground and a display of aircraft. In 1997, SDC introduced its iconic Little George, an interactive 1.8m tall robot who could talk and move.
In 1999, SDC started a review of the Centre to change from a historical to an issue-based orientation. In 2001, Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA) was selected as the design consultants for the project. RAA are planners, designers and producers of museum exhibitions, visitor centres and educational environments, who are the people behind many famous institutions such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC and the National Constitution Centre in Philadelphia.
A presentation was made to the Singapore Totalisator Board in 2002 and a grant of S$25 million was approved. Redevelopment work started in December 2002. The NEWater Visitor Centre came under the management of SDC and won awards from Singapore Tourism Board in 2002. SDC closed for 1.5 years, from November 2004 to June 2006, for major redevelopment.
The New Singapore Discovery Centre
Officially reopened by then Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean on 18 July 2006, the new SDC broadened the scope of National Education messages shared with the public. SDC took over the management of the Army Museum of Singapore in 2008. Singapore’s first immersive 3rd Generation SAF exhibit, ‘Battlefield Command’ was officially launched on 18 September 2009. Designed for youths to celebrate Singapore’s creative energy and talent, SDC’s inaugural landmark event ‘YOUTHphoria’ was held, as a platform for polytechnic students to hone their leadership, teamwork and event management skills.
In 2010, SDC introduced the TD Defenders, a series of Total Defence mascots designed for young Singaporeans to better identify with the different aspects of Total Defence. SDC marked its 20th anniversary in 2016 with the launch of a special exhibition “20/20 Play@SDC”, as well as a carnival. SDC introduced its mascot, SingaPaw, to engage visitors in the Singapore Story.
In 2012, Singapore Discovery Centre was also awarded the Work-Life Achiever Award 2012 by Tripartite Committee on Work-Life Strategy. In 2013, Singapore Discovery Centre was awarded the Minister for Defence Award (MiDAs) and one of the ten corporate recipients to be inducted into the MiDAs League for a five-year tenure as advocates of national defence.
In 2018, SDC was transformed into the last safe haven from a ‘zombie outbreak’ with its debut thriller event –Area 51o, in commemoration of Total Defence Day, based on a fictional zombie apocalypse.
Rejuvenation of Singapore Discovery Centre: A Lifestyle Attraction for Families and Youths
The centre first began its rejuvenation plans in 2019 with a centre-wide refresh, SDC has since evolved to become a lifestyle attraction to enhance its appeal to youths and families.
In 2019, SDC’s 360-degree screen dome, The Interchange was launched. Measuring 196m long, SDC houses the longest sheltered walkway fitted with solar panels, entering into the Singapore Book of Records in 2020. SDC, together with several MINDEF-related organisations, also set up the Community Care and Recovery facility at Changi Exhibition Centre, which housed more than 14,400 migrant workers during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Embracing an immersive, engaging story-telling approach, SDC embarked on a major overhaul of its two-storey Permanent Exhibits Gallery (PEG). SDC reopened on 31 October 2020 after a six-month renovation closure. New attractions like laser tag and escape room were added, with a focus on sustainability, innovation and digital transformation.
In the face of COVID-19 restrictions, SDC has pivoted dynamically to ramp up its digital engagement programmes such as ‘Virtual Escape Room’ for corporate teambuilding activities. By embracing digitalisation, SDC has continued to expand its outreach and strengthen engagement with Singaporeans on issues relating to NS and Total Defence.
The Upper Gallery titled Through the Lens of Time, was open to public in November 2020, where visitors can embark on an immersive, experiential journey, which brings them through over 700 years of Singapore history. Building upon the well-received Through the Lens of Time which has been accorded the Singapore Good Design Award (SG Mark) 2021 in the ‘Interior Design’ category, Lower Gallery titled Sandbox was launched on 20 November 2021, where visitors are invited to explore our multi-faceted, present-day Singapore and imagine the nation’s collective future, through citizen stories and digital interactives.
SDC also received the NS Mark (Gold) accreditation in 2021 in recognition of exemplary support to Total Defence and National Service. In support of the Singapore Green Plan 2030, SDC is working towards its goal of becoming a net-zero energy attraction with features like solar panel installations on the Discovery Lake, rooftops and the solar-panelled walkway. With ongoing sustainability projects through strategic collaboration with like-minded partners, SDC has also set up its very own Urban Garden as a green initiative to inspire the interest to connect with nature and contribute towards eco-sustainability.