Samsui’s Smoking Lady Mural Preserved, Building Owner Fined The iconic “Samsui’s Smoking Lady” mural in Singapore, a beloved national heritage symbol, will be preserved in its entirety after years of uncertainty. The building owner responsible for its unauthorized removal has been fined for failing to seek approval. The Mural’s Significance The 1980s-era mural depicts a working-class Samsui woman smoking a cigarette, a nod to the women’s contributions to Singapore’s development during the colonial era. It became a beloved cultural landmark, representing both the city’s vibrant past and the strength of its female workforce. Removal and Public Outcry In 2019, the building owner, Permanent Development (PD), began demolition work on the building where the mural was located, without seeking approval from the National Heritage Board (NHB). This sparked a public outcry and calls for its preservation. Negotiations and Compromise The NHB and PD initially reached an agreement in 2020 to retain a portion of the mural, but further negotiations led to a compromise in 2021. The entire mural will now be preserved and relocated to a heritage center adjacent to the original site. Building Owner’s Fine The NHB fined PD S$20,000 for failing to seek approval before removing the mural. This action sends a strong message about the importance of preserving Singapore’s heritage and upholding conservation regulations. Preservation Legacy The preservation of the “Samsui’s Smoking Lady” mural ensures that this important symbol of Singapore’s history will continue to inspire future generations. It also highlights the significance of preserving cultural landmarks and the need for responsible development practices that respect heritage. Conclusion The preservation of the “Samsui’s Smoking Lady” mural is a victory for heritage enthusiasts and a testament to the power of public engagement in safeguarding Singapore’s cultural identity. It also serves as a reminder that preserving the past and embracing responsible development go hand in hand.Chinatown Samsui Woman Mural to Remain UnalteredChinatown Samsui Woman Mural to Remain Unaltered The iconic Chinatown mural depicting a Samsui woman holding a cigarette has sparked much public debate in recent weeks. After careful consideration, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) have jointly announced that the artwork will remain unchanged. Reasons for Decision The decision was reached after taking into account diverse public opinions. While some expressed concerns that the mural promotes smoking, others viewed it as a work of art that should be preserved. The URA and MOH emphasized that the mural does not violate tobacco advertising laws and is widely perceived as artwork. However, they also acknowledged the potential impact it could have on promoting smoking, which goes against MOH’s policy. Mitigation Measures To address these concerns, authorities will work with the building owner to implement appropriate mitigation measures without altering the mural itself. These measures may include: * Educational signage reminding viewers that smoking is harmful to health * Engaging community groups to promote smoke-free messaging Public Reaction The decision has been met with mixed reactions. While some commend the authorities for listening to public feedback, others argue that the mural should have been removed due to its potential for promoting smoking. Ongoing Dialogue The URA and MOH have expressed their appreciation for the constructive public debate and encouraged continued discussion on finding ways to balance artistic expression with public health concerns. The building owner’s representative expressed satisfaction with the decision and invited the public to share ideas for mitigation measures.The iconic “Samsui Woman” mural at 238 Joo Chiat Road will be preserved in its entirety, the National Arts Council (NAC) announced on Monday (Jan 9). The mural, which depicts a cigarette-smoking woman in a red samfu, or traditional Chinese working attire, was painted in 1989 by artist Yip Yew Chong. It has become a beloved landmark in the Joo Chiat area. However, the building owner, Mr Tan Cheng Liat, had applied to demolish the building and redevelop the site into a condominium. The NAC objected to the demolition, citing the mural’s cultural significance. Mr Tan then proposed to remove the mural and install it in a new building on the site. However, the NAC rejected this proposal, saying that the mural should be preserved in its original location. In a statement, the NAC said that it had “carefully considered the cultural significance of the mural and the public’s strong desire to see it preserved”. “We believe that preserving the mural in its entirety in its original location is the best way to ensure its continued accessibility and enjoyment by the public,” the statement said. The NAC also said that it had fined Mr Tan S$4,500 for failing to seek approval before carrying out works on the building. Mr Tan has since agreed to preserve the mural and has withdrawn his demolition application. The NAC said that it will work with Mr Tan to develop a plan for the preservation of the mural, which will include measures to protect it from the elements and vandalism. The mural is expected to be fully restored by the end of the year.