The National University of Singapore (NUS) School of Computing has launched the Computing Gallery, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. This 120-square-meter exhibit chronicles Singapore’s journey in computing education at its leading university and other facets of Information Technology (IT). The Gallery was officially opened by Dr. Maliki Osman, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Education and Foreign Affairs.
The NUS Computing Gallery has three main objectives: to display the history and evolution of computing education in Singapore, to educate the public on key computing concepts, and to inspire young people to leverage IT for a better future.
“This initiative highlights our commitment to preserving Singapore’s technological heritage and celebrates the significant advancements in computing education and IT over the years. Visitors will embark on a learning journey, exploring the interesting and now obsolete gadgets from the past before modern devices emerged. We are grateful to our donors who contributed many of the items on display,” said Professor Tan Kian Lee, Dean of the NUS School of Computing.
Associate Professor Terence Sim, Director of the NUS Computing Gallery, led the creation of the Gallery in collaboration with NUS Libraries. Planning and preparations for the exhibit began in 2022, and it was completed in December 2023.
The establishment of the Gallery was made possible by the generous donations of individuals and organizations who provided historical IT gadgets, visual materials, and valuable insights. The National Heritage Board funded the Gallery, while collaborations were made with Seagate Technology, Singapore Airlines, and Joysteak Studios, an indie game studio in Singapore, for three specific exhibits.
This Gallery serves as a testament to the growth and accomplishments in computing education in Singapore, offering visitors a retrospective look at the technological advancements that have shaped the current landscape.
