Скачать или смотреть (Q&A) What's Public Archaeology? The People and the Past: Insights on Archaeology in SG and HK -2025

This video features a Q&A session titled "What's Public Archaeology? The People and the Past," where experts compare the archaeological landscapes of Singapore and Hong Kong. It explores how to bridge the gap between professional research and public engagement.

​Summary of the Video

​The discussion centers on the definition and implementation of "public archaeology."

​Defining the Goal: Public archaeology is described as fostering an "inquiry-based public" that is encouraged to ask questions and seek knowledge about the past [01:09].

​Accessibility through Digital Archives: In Singapore, where legislative frameworks for archaeology are less developed than in Hong Kong, making archaeological materials available in digital formats is seen as a vital way to empower the public to conduct their own research [01:50].

​Visual Engagement: A primary goal for practitioners is to reduce the distance between archaeologists and the public. This includes "dream" scenarios where the public can watch archaeologists at work and ask them questions directly [03:44].
​
Integrating History into Daily Life: Hong Kong is cited as an example of placing archaeology in high-traffic public spaces, such as displaying archaeological finds in the Sung Wong Toi MTR station [04:12].

​Lessons for Singapore

​The experts highlight several areas where Singapore can evolve its approach to heritage:

​
1. Develop Legislative Frameworks: The speakers note that Singapore lacks the robust legislative setup found in Hong Kong regarding archaeology [01:26]. Strengthening these legal frameworks could facilitate more systematic preservation and study.

​2. Democratize Data: Because Singapore’s archaeology has traditionally been an institutional, government-led process [00:00], there is a need to make findings more accessible. Creating digital archives allows "anybody who wants to access it" to use the materials for personal interest or research [01:59].

​3. Creative Interpretation and Presentation: There is a call to use "innovative ways" to present archaeology so it is easily understood by the general public, rather than keeping it locked in academic circles [02:50].
​
4. Community-Led Management: Taking a cue from projects like the London Stone Bridge in Hong Kong, Singapore could look into involving local neighborhood communities in the management and guided tours of historical sites [05:30].

​5. Utilize Public Infrastructure: Just as Hong Kong used expensive train station space to showcase history, Singapore could further integrate its archaeological finds into public transport hubs or other high-traffic areas to make heritage part of the daily commute [04:50].
​   • (Q&A) What's Public Archaeology? The Peopl...  

~ AI + Human ~

++++++++

The People and the Past: Insights on Archaeology in Singapore and Hong Kong

Thu, 7:00 PM 125 Jln Sultan, Singapore By ArCH Square

This panel brings together archaeological perspectives from two major Asian port cities to explore how the past is uncovered, protected, and shared with contemporary audiences. Both Singapore and Hong Kong face unique challenges in balancing rapid urban development with the preservation of their rich archaeological heritage, making their experiences particularly relevant for understanding archaeology's role in public history across the region.

Prof Derek Heng (Professor of History, University of Arizona) focuses on how small archaeological finds reveal stories about historical communities in Singapore. Moving beyond traditional analyses, his presentation shows how everyday objects like ceramic sherds, coins, and metalware illuminate the consumption patterns and social organisation of different groups in late 13th to early 15th century Temasek (historical Singapore).

Ms Susanna Siu (Chief Heritage Executive, Hong Kong Antiquities and Monuments Office) will examine archaeological heritage management in one of the world's most densely developed cities. Her presentation will explore how Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA) integrate archaeological considerations into development planning and demonstrates Hong Kong's approaches to making archaeological heritage accessible to the public.

Moderated by Mr Kwa Chong Guan, this discussion will highlight both the institutional challenges of heritage management in rapidly developing cities and the interpretive possibilities of using archaeological evidence to tell human stories that resonate with contemporary audiences.