Like the cultural hubs of France, Japan and South Korea, Singapore now has an award and recognition scheme for master craftsmen and artists to keep the island's heritage alive.

The National Heritage Board (NHB) will be recognising four such master practitioners every year, starting next year, it was announced yesterday.

For instance, a dikir barat master, Nonya beadwork and embroidery craftsman or practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine can apply for the $5,000 cash award as long as he or she has been in the field for at least a decade and fulfils some other criteria, the most important being efforts to pass on one's skills and knowledge.

It is part of the board's efforts to safeguard, promote and elevate Singapore's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) locally and internationally, under its Our SG Heritage Plan.

It follows NHB's submission in March to nominate Singapore's hawker heritage, a form of ICH, to Unesco; as well as the development of Singapore's first ICH inventory which so far features about 70 listings for rituals, skills, crafts, expressions, knowledge and traditions.

The list includes pilgrimages to Kusu Island, and Malay weddings.

Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and Communications and Information, made the announcement yesterday as part of her opening address at Singapore's first ICH symposium at the Asian Civilisations Museum.

Called The Stewards of Singapore's ICH Award, it is open to individuals and groups in the categories of the performing arts; traditional craftsmanship; food heritage; knowledge and practices surrounding nature and the universe; social practices, rituals and festive events; as well as oral traditions, expressions and language.

Their practice must also already be part of Singapore's ICH inventory. It cannot involve the direct propagation of a religion but can be part of a religious festival.

Rangoli artist Vijaya Mohan, 60, plans to apply for the award. Rangoli is a multi-coloured floor decoration that, among other things, is a form of thanksgiving to deities.

She has been teaching and creating traditional rangoli designs by hand using powdered rice, coloured sand and innovative materials, such as broken bangles, for decades.

Said Ms Vijaya: "As a multiracial country, it's very important to know about each other's culture. Awarding ICH masters also encourages us to do more in our respective fields."

Mr Amin Farid, 33, a traditional Malay dance practitioner of 20 years, said the award acknowledges the importance of heritage and the people who have been investing time and resources to preserve Singapore's cultural practices.

He added: "Having NHB on board elevates the representation and awareness of such activities."

The winners can also tap an NHB project grant of up to $20,000 to transmit and promote their ICHrelated skills and knowledge.

The grant can cover apprentice-training programmes, as well as talks and seminars, among other things. Other criteria apply.

NHB will also work with each of the winners to research and document their craft and showcase their skills at its events such as the yearly Singapore Heritage Festival.

The award will be evaluated by a 12-member panel which includes Eurasian Association chairman Alexius Pereira, Malay Heritage Foundation chairman Norshahril Saat, and Mrs Santha Bhaskar, artistic director of Bhaskar's Arts Academy.

NHB added that the award was conceptualised in consultation with a diverse range of people across focus group discussions held in 2017.

Nominations can be submitted on NHB's website by Jan 31 next year.