NUS Launches Singapore’s First Natural History Museum

The US$41 million Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is an important resource for Southeast Asian biodiversity researchers.

AsianScientist (Apr. 21, 2015) – The National University of Singapore (NUS) has launched the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM), Singapore’s first and only natural history museum. His Excellency Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam, President of the Republic of Singapore and NUS Chancellor, graced the official opening of the museum, in the presence of over 250 guests.

Established through philanthropic gifts totaling S$56 million (~US$41.5 million), LKCNHM traces its roots to the original Raffles Museum, the oldest such institution in the region.

“The opening of the iconic Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is of special significance to the NUS community, as we celebrate the University’s 110th Anniversary and Singapore’s 50th year of independence this year. This new, state-of-the-art museum and research center will greatly boost NUS’ efforts in biodiversity education, research and conservation,” said Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, NUS President.

Adding to this, Professor Leo Tan, Chair of LKCNHM’s Fundraising Committee and Director of Special Projects, Faculty of Science, commented on the significance of the LKCNHM:

“The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is a biodiversity museum, not only of Singapore but of Southeast Asia. It behooves us to demonstrate to future generations the beauty of our natural history and the vital role it plays in ensuring the survival of the human race.”

Helmed by Professor Peter Ng, the LKCNHM is staffed by 16 scientists, curators, museum officers and collection staff as well as 18 outreach officers and administrative staff. The museum, which is a seven-storey building providing 8,500 square meters of space, is home to over 560,000 cataloged lots and over a million specimens from throughout the region, forming an important research resource for Southeast Asian biodiversity researchers.

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Source: National University of Singapore.
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