Artefacts recovered from the Shah Muncher trading vessel, which sank off Pedra Branca in January 1796, are on public display for the first time at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore's (MPA) 'Voyage Beyond: Reimagining Maritime Singapore' exhibition [1, 2, 3].
The exhibition opened on May 25 at Lot One Shoppers’ Mall in Choa Chu Kang, launched by Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow to mark MPA’s 30th anniversary year [1, 2, 3]. It features a variety of recovered items from the shipwreck, including agate medallions known as 'red jade'—part of a cargo of 100,000 stones aboard the vessel—alongside historical shipboard technology, tableware, and stoneware shards [1, 2, 3].
Visitors can engage with the exhibits by touching some of the stoneware shards and scanning QR codes along the exhibition trail to redeem gifts and create souvenir cartoon cards [1, 2, 3]. The display also covers scientific aspects of port operations, comparing six types of ship fuel and their carbon emissions [1, 2, 3].
Interactive elements include a video game that educates visitors about the various parts of a port and a quiz that helps people discover one of nine maritime careers they might pursue [1, 2, 3]. One highlight is a 'Window to Tuas' interactive display showcasing the future Tuas Port, slated to become the world's largest fully automated port when completed in the 2040s [1, 2, 3].
The exhibition runs at Lot One until May 26. Afterwards, it will travel to five additional locations, including shopping centres in central Singapore and Tampines, from June 4 through July 5 [1, 2, 3].
