• A showcase of historical and agricultural sites

Kranji Countryside Association (KCA) and FairPrice Foundation are pleased to unveil the Kranji Heritage Trail. The launch event, held at Yew Tee Point was graced by Guest of Honour, K. Shanmugam, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law.

The morning’s proceedings, led by Mrs Ivy Singh-Lim – KCA President, Mr Howard Shaw – KCA Patron, Mr Seah Kian Peng – CEO of NTUC Fairprice and Mr Alvin Tan – Director, National Heritage Board saw close to one hundred guests in attendance.

Spearheaded by Kranji Countryside Association (KCA), the newest addition to Singapore’s heritage trails is supported under the National Heritage Board’s Heritage Industry Incentive Programme (Hi²P). Main sponsor NTUC Fairprice Foundation donated S$27,000 to the development of this project as part of its community building initiatives and support for local farmers. FairPrice buys produce like kai lan, chye sim, bean sprouts and eggs from local farmers in Kranji and Lim Chu Kang areas

Mr Seah Kian Peng, CEO of NTUC FairPrice, said, “As a homegrown retailer with a strong heritage ourselves, we recognise the importance of celebrating Singapore’s heritage and bringing our rich history alive in today’s modern society. We encourage everyone to take some time to visit the Kranji Heritage trail to learn about our history. At the same time, it is also a great way to have some fun with the family as well.”

The Kranji Heritage Trail marks important historical and agricultural sites in the Kranji, Lim Chu Kang and Choa Chu Kang area. Besides illuminating interesting facts about the Japanese invasion from Singapore’s Northern shores during World War II, the trail bridges the past and present through a history of early farming communities and the collective efforts of modern day farm-preneurs. Exploring Kranji’s rich heritage will enable all to appreciate the cultural and environmental conservation efforts made by the Kranji Countryside Association, as part of its vision of making the Kranji Countryside embody a lifestyle of health and sustainability.

Comprising 14 markers, the Kranji Heritage Trail is the first of Singapore’s heritage trails to incorporate a QR code on each of the individual markers. This will enable history enthusiasts, nature lovers and families to self guided tours as they can immediately access valuable content and rare insights of each site from the Heritage section of KCA’s website.

The Kranji Heritage Trail will showcase the following landmarks:

• Kranji War Memorial
• WW II First Landing Site of the Japanese 
• Kranji Army Barracks
• Kranji Railway Train Crossing
• Neo Tiew
• Bollywood Veggies
• Hay Dairies
• Hausmann Marketing Aquarium
• Jurong Frog Farm
• Kok Fah Technology
• Lian Wah Hang Quail & Poultry farm
• Nyee Phoe
• Sungei Buloh
• Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle

In celebration of the launch, complimentary shuttle bus services and guided tours will be offered on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, 12 and 13 November 2011. The public are encouraged to pre-register for tickets at the Information Counter of Yew Tee Point. Embarkation is from Yew Tee Point, with pick up at 9am and 1pm on both days to allow all to Explore, Discover, Treasure the Kranji Heritage Trail.

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About Kranji Countryside Association (KCA)

The Kranji Countryside Association (KCA) was conceived in January 2005 by a group of visionary farmers wanting to raise awareness about Singapore’s rural north-western corner. KCA’s objectives are to promote local agriculture and food production, eco-tourism, education, recreation and conservation.

KCA introduced the concept of “Agritainment” into the Kranji countryside, and many farms are open to the public for touring. KCA believes that every child should be brought up to appreciate and cherish our natural environment, to understand where food comes from, and to live a life of health and sustainability. We hope to impart a green consciousness to one and all, and to encourage Singaporeans and visitors alike to return to nature and its treasures.

We also believe that the countryside should be a place with a soul, and that challenged Singaporeans should be able to find employment and empowerment on the farms. Join us in our vision to keep this part of Singapore wild, beautiful and caring.

For more information, please visit www.kranjicountryside.com