on
display. Prison staff were on hand to explain the workings and implementation of
the innovative system.
On Saturday, 13 September 2003, Guest of Honour, Senior Minister of State (Law and Home Affairs), Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee was at NTUC Downtown East to cut the ribbon and declare “Crafting Change” – Handicraft Fair and Exhibition 2003 open.
This event was a collaborative effort between the Singapore Prison Service, the Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (SCORE) and the Industrial & Services Co-operative Society Ltd (ISCOS), to showcase the art and handicraft produced by inmates. Through experiencing their creativity and artistic talents, the public would realise that many inmates have the skills that can be put to good use. As such, it would create greater awareness that inmates deserve to be a chance to contribute to society as responsible citizens. The two-day exhibition was free and open to the public for 2 days.
Inmates’ handicraft such as batik paintings, ornamental plants, knitwear and beaded wear were displayed for sale. Renowned batik-painting artist, Mr Sarkasi, who actively imparted his knowledge to ex-offenders, was at the exhibition to demonstrate the art. Other interesting products included a 10-tracks music album titled “Aspirations”, comprising songs written and performed by inmates from Kaki Bukit Centre (Prison School) and sample websites put up by IT-skilled inmates who provide website design services at competitive rates.
On sale were also videodiscs of movies with rehabilitative themes, such as “The Twilight Kitchen”, a very meaningful movie sponsored and produced by SCORE. Its lead actor was local television actor Mr Moses Lim, who was one of our guests at the opening ceremony, where he promoted the movie and signed autographs for fans.
Accompanied by Director of Prisons, Mr Chua Chin Kiat, Associate Professor Ho
was impressed with the creativity of the inmates. He acknowledged the effort and
time put in by the inmates in crafting the products. Of particular interest to
the Guest of Honour was the Internet Home Tele-visit system
on
display. Prison staff were on hand to explain the workings and implementation of
the innovative system.
Over the two days, visitors were able to gain an insight into our rehabilitative efforts to realise the Prison Service’s Vision of being the “Captains of Lives” of inmates by browsing the informative exhibition panels on display.
Volunteers from Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA) and Singapore After-Care Association (SACA) were at the Fair to share their experience in the rehabilitative process and also to recruit volunteers.
Talents from the Prison Service kept the carnival mood alive with a rich repertoire of programmes to educate and entertain the crowd at NTUC Downtown East. There were magic shows, quizzes, band performances and even classical singing.
The support of the community is crucial in helping the Prison Service and our partners steer inmates and reforming offenders in the right direction. The “Crafting Change” – Handicraft Fair and Exhibition 2003 has indeed met our objectives of raising the public’s awareness of the Prison Service and its rehabilitative efforts as well as highlighting the artistic and creative talents of the reforming inmates through the display and sale of their handicraft.