Introduction to Arts and Heritage Management Heritage Trail Assignment

What I Did.

In my first year of the Diploma in Arts Business Management at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, I worked on a group project for the Introduction to Arts and Heritage Management module. The brief tasked us with designing and pitching a heritage trail for Jurong East to the National Heritage Board, with the aim of highlighting the area’s history and cultural identity. As a team, we produced a detailed trail map accompanied by interactive activities that were designed to engage diverse audiences. To ensure the final presentation was clear and accessible, we used Canva to create a visually engaging layout that balanced professionalism with public appeal. This combination of research, design, and storytelling allowed us to present a heritage trail that not only guided people through locations but also offered an experience that connected history to everyday life.

My main role in the project was to research Jurong East’s heritage and cultural landmarks in depth. I consulted academic articles, local history publications, and online archives to ensure our trail authentically represented the area’s unique character. In addition, I coordinated and joined site visits, which allowed us to assess how well each location fit within the trail’s theme. This was not without challenges: some online information was outdated, and navigating the area for the first time required flexibility and persistence. A major test came when one of our selected heritage sites was unexpectedly demolished. Rather than allowing this to derail the project, I quickly researched and proposed an alternative site that complemented the trail’s narrative. This decision helped the team maintain momentum and ensured the project remained cohesive despite the setback.

What I Learned.

Through this project, I gained a deeper appreciation of how heritage preservation contributes to shaping community identity and fostering belonging. I learned that managing a heritage project involves not just gathering facts but interpreting them in ways that resonate with people. This required adaptability: when circumstances changed, I had to weigh options carefully, make informed choices under time pressure, and keep the project’s larger goals in mind. Collaborating closely with teammates also taught me the value of collective problem-solving, as their perspectives often opened up new angles I had not considered. Feedback from lecturers throughout the process sharpened our ideas and helped us refine our presentation until it felt both accurate and engaging.

On a more personal level, I developed a stronger sense of empathy and context-awareness in approaching cultural projects. Researching Jurong East made me realise that heritage is not just about physical sites, but also about the stories, values, and memories tied to them. Witnessing how my team’s efforts came together in the final presentation, and seeing the positive responses from our audience, was both affirming and motivating. It reminded me that heritage work, when approached thoughtfully, can create pride and recognition within a community. That sense of shared enthusiasm reinforced my commitment to contributing to heritage initiatives that give people a deeper connection to their cultural landscape.

Goals for Continued Learning.

Building on this experience, I want to strengthen my skills in heritage interpretation, research, and community engagement. I plan to attend workshops on heritage management and project planning to broaden my technical knowledge and become more confident in applying industry practices. These opportunities will help me design projects that are not only informative but also accessible and meaningful, ensuring that they speak to both specialists and the general public. I am also keen to learn more about digital tools and creative methods that can enhance heritage storytelling, making history more interactive and relatable to contemporary audiences.

Looking further ahead, I hope to collaborate with organisations involved in heritage education and outreach. My goal is to take part in projects that promote cultural appreciation, foster inclusivity, and preserve community narratives for future generations. This project showed me that heritage management is not about nostalgia, it is about creating continuity between past, present, and future. The lessons I gained from navigating challenges, researching deeply, and seeing the impact of our presentation have given me a stronger foundation for pursuing larger-scale initiatives. Ultimately, I want to contribute to heritage work that strengthens identity, celebrates diversity, and ensures that cultural memory remains alive for years to come.