SEACS E-Museum Launched 1 Dec 2011

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Ice sculpture featuring ceramic sherds from Kensoon Gallery
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Faizal on the guzheng
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SEACS President Alvin Chia (at right) with Ms. Elaine Ng, CEO of NLB, and Prof. Wang Gungwu
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Pre-launch discussions with (from left) Marjorie Chu, Prof. Wang Gungwu, Dr. Leedom Lefferts from the Smithsonian, and Prof. John Miksic

The Society held a launch of its original e-museum at the POD, on the 16th level of the National Library of Singapore, on December 1, 2011. The Guest of Honour was Prof. John Miksic, Singapore’s foremost and most renowned archaeologist.

The famous French author André Malraux spoke about a “museum without walls”, and that descriptive reference was a harbinger of phenomenon we now know as the internet. In 2011, SEACS joined the many other organisations who began to share information online. Our original website was an early source of past and current knowledge of Southeast Asian ceramics, extended and enhanced by information, photographs, and links to various resources.

At the time of its launch, SEACS had a distinguished record of publication covering over 40 years. During those four decades, huge changes had taken place in the way people sent and received information. Electronic media had seized a central role in the lives of most human beings and the launch of a dedicated website of information on Southeast Asian ceramics was a major step in the society’s history, led by then-President Alvin Chia and its council.

The creation of that e-museum opened up many possibilities as it was visited by many who would otherwise have remained unaware of the importance of pottery, a seemingly humble material, in the economic history of the region. We hope that our website, as it has developed over the years, has helped increase the understanding of the material culture of Southeast Asia.

The 2011 launch event was a lovely evening in a remarkable venue that provided a stunning view of the city, accompanied by exquisite music as well as delectable hors d’oeuvres and wine to whet the appetite of the attendees, all organised by then-VP, Marjorie Chu. It is remembered here in pictures from that evening.

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President Alvin Chia giving his speech to a rapt audience
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Prof. John Miksic talking about technology and how it affects culture
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President Alvin Chia presenting Prof. John Miksic with his gift, with Ms. Ingrid Hanson, the MC for the evening, assisting
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Alvin presenting Ms. Elaine Ng of NLB with SEACS’ last publication, “Southeast Asian Ceramics: New Light on Old Pottery”
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E-Museum launch
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Alvin with staff and members of NLB and NHB

Some years later, in celebration of the society’s 50th anniversary in 2019, the e-museum was incorporated into our newly upgraded and expanded website, which has been further updated in 2022 under the capable hands of our current webmistress and Ploywebstudio.