SINGAPORE - Mention Clifford Pier and the neighbouring Singapore River, hotels and skyscrapers would come to mind for many.
But for Ms Caroline Lauchengco, 54, the pier holds a precious memory - her wedding day. She and her husband chose to hold her wedding in 1986 on board the Singapore Princess as they thought a hotel dinner would be too routine.
"The memorable bit was when we got out of the ship and they showered us with confetti," said the call centre agent.
Ms Lauchengco's story about Clifford Pier is one of the first that has gone into the SG Heart Map - an SG50 initiative to bring together Singaporeans' stories about places which define Singapore as their home.
The initiative was launched by Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan at the Toa Payoh HDB Hub on Friday. Mr Khaw said it is an apt time to trace Singapore's development over the years, as the nation turns 50.
"It will allow us to pause, to look back at our individual as well as collective memories, and also to look forward to what we hope Singapore will be in the future," he said.
Starting on Friday, Singaporeans can submit their stories about places in Singapore via the SG Heart Map web portal, at www.heartmap.sg or do so at the HDB Hub Mall exhibition. The exhibition will close on Sunday, Nov 16.
Vans will also be dispatched to various locations across Singapore such as Woodlands Civic Centre, Tampines central and Clementi central to collect contributions. More than 70 contribution booths will also be set up islandwide at MRT stations, shopping centres and community centres.
The deadline for submissions is the end of March next year.
