March 27, 2024, SINGAPORE – The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmCham Singapore) celebrated the tenth anniversary of the Balestier Series with the adoption of the Revere Bell to support the National Museum of Singapore’s efforts in its monument building restoration and gallery refresh.
Launched in 2014, the Balestier Series hosts distinguished Singaporean leaders and celebrates two centuries of economic and commercial exchange between Singapore and the U.S. The Series is named after Joseph Balestier, the first American consul to Singapore who served from 1837 to 1852.
AmCham Singapore opened the first Balestier Series of the year with Mrs. Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information, Minister-in-charge of Smart Nation and Cybersecurity, and Second Minister for Home Affairs. At the event, held yesterday, Mrs. Teo delivered opening remarks, observed the unveiling of the AmCham logo to commemorate AmCham’s adoption of the Revere Bell, and interacted with the Series participants.
Joseph Balestier’s wife, Maria Revere Balestier was the daughter of American patriot Paul Revere, who also cast the Liberty bell in Philadelphia. Mrs. Revere Balestier presented the Revere Bell to the first Church of St. Andrew in Singapore.
In her remarks at the event today, Chung May Khuen, Director, National Museum of Singapore said, “We are heartened by the support of the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore for the National Museum’s inaugural ‘Adopt an Artefact’ initiative. The Revere Bell is an important artefact in our collection that showcases Singapore’s relations with the world. We hope that AmCham Singapore’s contribution will inspire other individuals and organisations to step forward and support us in our efforts to present stories of Singapore and the world, in ways that continue to engage, excite, and surprise our visitors.”
Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei, Chief Executive Officer of AmCham Singapore said, “It is a privilege to be able to support the National Museum of Singapore with our adoption of the Revere Bell. The only bell of its kind located outside of the U.S., the Revere Bell exemplifies the significance of Singapore as a trading partner and friend of the United States. AmCham strives to continue Mr. Joseph Balestier’s legacy as the voice of the American business community.”
About the National Museum of Singapore – With a history dating back to 1887, the National Museum of Singapore is the nation’s oldest museum with a progressive mind. Its galleries adopt multi-perspective ways of presenting history and culture featuring important artefacts that tell the stories of Singapore and the world to redefine the conventional museum experience. The museum is home to thought-provoking exhibitions and hosts exciting events all year round including the Singapore Night Festival.
For more details, please visit www.nationalmuseum.sg.
About AmCham Singapore – Established in 1973, the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmCham Singapore) is the largest and the most active international business association in Singapore and Southeast Asia, with over 6,000 members representing over 600 companies.
Our Chamber comprises 12 industry-specific committees: five sectoral and seven functional. AmCham is a forward-thinking, business-progressive association. Our mission is to create value for our members by providing advocacy, business insights, and connections. Our membership includes American companies and Singaporean and third-country companies with significant U.S. business interests.
AmCham is an independent, non-partisan business organization. Our goal is to provide the information and facilitate the access and connections that give members insight into the local, regional, and global operating environment, enhance their four professional capabilities, and enable them to make well informed business decisions.
View the press release here.
