 The building of CHC | |
| Established | 17 May 1995; 29 years ago (1995-05-17) |
|---|---|
Field of research | Overseas Chinese |
| Address | 12 Nanyang Drive |
| Location | West Region,Singapore 1°20′37″N103°41′02″E / 1.343733°N 103.683989°E /1.343733; 103.683989 |
| 637721 | |
Operating agency | Nanyang Technological University |
TheChinese Heritage Centre (CHC;Chinese:华裔馆;pinyin:Huáyì Guǎn) is an institute for the study ofoverseas Chinese under theNanyang Technological University (NTU) inSingapore. As the first and only university institute for the study of overseas Chinese, it serves as aresearch centre, alibrary and amuseum.[1]
The centre's building was constructed between 1953 and 1955 with a donation from businessmanLim Lean Teng. Designed in the traditionalChinese architectural style, it originally served as the Administration Building ofNanyang University.[2] Nanyang University was the only Chinese-medium university outside of China.[3] In 1981, the Singapore government established the English-mediumNanyang Technological Institute on the former Nanyang University campus, with the building continuing to useChinese.[2]
On 17 May 1995, the Chinese Heritage Centre was established as anon-profit organisation with an international board of governors comprising prominent Chinese business leaders, scholars, and public servants. In December 1999, it was designated as a national monument of Singapore.[4] In 2011, the Chinese Heritage Centre was restructured into an autonomous institute under NTU. It is primarily funded through private donations andgovernment matching grants on a 1:1 basis.[5]
Located within the campus of NTU inJurong West, Singapore,[6] the centre houses the Wang Gungwu Library and an overseas Chinese museum.[2][4] According to its website, the museum holds two exhibitions, includingChinese More Or Less: An Exhibition on Overseas Chinese Identity andNantah Pictorial Exhibition.[7][8][2]