Once Upon a Tide: Celebrating SG60

“Once Upon a Tide” is a landmark exhibition commemorating Singapore’s 60th year of independence, aiming to immerse visitors in the nation’s rich history, cultural evolution, and shared aspirations for the future. Through a journey across themed zones, the exhibition invites reflection, interaction, and a deeper appreciation of Singapore’s transformation.



The exhibition’s narrative unfolds across five themed zones, each with distinct digital elements that immerse visitors in Singapore’s evolving identity. Visitors are first welcomed by a projection-mapped wave installation at the entrance—symbolising Singapore’s maritime roots and setting an immersive tone for the journey.



Curiosity – Visitors begin in a darkened space, tracing the footsteps of early explorers. Through an interactive map experience, they scroll through time to discover what Singapore was called across different historical periods.



Immersion – Following the flow of the Singapore River, visitors are immersed in a bustling riverside scene via a gamified experience. They navigate through challenges on the water, echoing the vibrant trade activity of the past. A standout attraction here is the Sampan Game, designed to captivate younger visitors while evoking nostalgia among older generations.



Modernisation – As Singapore’s journey toward independence is celebrated, the zone transforms through dynamic audio-visual displays that parallel the country’s rapid development.



Assimilation – In an intimate and reflective setting, visitors enter recreated spaces to hear personal stories told in various dialects. This section highlights unity through diversity and the shared drive for progress.



Globalisation – Visitors are invited to test their knowledge of ‘Singlish’ through a fun and competitive quiz, reinforcing local culture in a globalised context. This experience resonates across generations.



At the heart of the exhibition is an RFID-powered journey: each visitor carries a tag that records their choices across the zones. These choices culminate in the final interactive, where a unique avatar—representing their persona—is generated and sent to a large communal screen. This closing moment symbolises how individual perspectives collectively shape the future of Singapore.



By integrating thoughtful interactivity with cultural storytelling, our multimedia design transformed “Once Upon a Tide” into a rich, inclusive, and forward-looking experience.