THE Preservation of Monuments Board (PMB) has merged with the National Heritage Board (NHB) as part of an on-going move by the Government for smaller statutory boards to merge with larger ones.

This serves to facilitate the pooling of resources and expertise for greater efficiency.

Mr Michael Koh, CEO of NHB said the merger adds 'another dimension' in NHB's efforts to 'nurture and enrich the entire heritage ecosystem'.

As NHB is already responsible for the nation's articles of historical and cultural value, the merger with PMB would mean the integration of activities and collaborative programmes and initiatives.

Despite the merger, Mr Koh said PMB would retain its own institution board.

Mr Tham Tuck Cheong, 54, an architect, who will succeed Mr Alfred Wong as chairman of PMB's board, said the move would allow PMB to move forward in a 'proactive and educational manner.'

'This will serve the public better, and bring our monuments to 'life' in a meaningful way,' he added. 'Through these efforts, we hope to endear our national monuments to the public. PMB's merger with NHB will also grow our education and outreach efforts.'

PMB has been working closely with the Urban Redevelopment Authority for years to successfully accomplish the tedious task of identifying and gazetting national monuments, which can take up to 15 months. City Hall, a well-loved Singapore icon, is an example of PMB's efforts.

PMB last year announced the setting up of a National Monuments Fund, which will ensure that national monuments in private hands are well maintained. Some $5.5 million will be disbursed over five years to assist private owners of gazetted monuments maintain these national treasures.